Neal Gladner to lead Arkansas Broadcasters Association

Longtime Arkansas broadcaster Neal Gladner has been selected as the new executive director of Arkansas Broadcasters Association (ABA), the trade group announced Friday (Nov. 17).

The selection was made after ABA conducted a nationwide search for the organization’s new leader.

“We’re very excited to have Neal join ABA in this leadership role,” said ABA Board President Greg Horne. “He developed a superb reputation over the years in Arkansas as a manager, trainer, and on-air talent. He’s a well-rounded broadcaster to work on behalf of our members.”

Gladner has been a long-time participant in the ABA, including serving as an ABA Board past president. He comes to ABA from his position as Director of Sales and Marketing for US Stations group in Hot Springs, owners of five radio stations and a digital advertising division.

His experience includes being VP/General Manager of KARN and The Arkansas Radio Network, Market Manager for Citadel Broadcasting / Little Rock, and VP/General Manager of Crain Media Group. He also served as a morning News-Talk host on KARN for many years.

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to serve broadcasters in Arkansas,” Gladner said. “Television and radio stations provide not only entertainment and information to Arkansans but are also recognized for informing citizens about everything from weather emergencies to local events, and every one of them I know is proud of the service they provide.”

Gladner has been an industry leader in various roles, including President of the National Association of State Radio Networks, Board of Directors of the Radio Advertising Bureau, Board of Directors of the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, and President of the CBS Radio Affiliates Association.

His civic involvement includes serving on the Board of the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce; Immediate Past President of the Hot Springs National Park Rotary Club, where he remains on the Board of Directors, and is currently Co-Vice Chair of the Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute.

He and his wife, Rose, reside in Hot Springs.