News Releases

The Radio Television Digital News Association & Foundation Names Former Chair and Emmy-Winning TV News Director as Executive Director

For Immediate Release: December 7, 2011
Contact: Ryan Murphy, ryanm@rtdna.org

The Radio Television Digital News Association & Foundation Names Former Chair and Emmy-Winning TV News Director as Executive Director

WASHINGTON –The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) has selected Mike Cavender to serve as the organization’s executive director.

Cavender, who will also oversee the Radio Television Digital News Foundation, is a 25-year broadcast and digital media veteran and life member of RTDNA. A senior-level communications executive with major market TV news management experience, he was formerly vice president of client solutions for Synaptic Digital, a multichannel media creation and distribution platform. Previously, he served as a vice president and news director at CBS television affiliates in Washington, Atlanta, Tampa, and Nashville, Tenn.  Additionally, Cavender held board leadership roles at RTDNA/F for 20 years, serving as chairman, director, trustee and treasurer. Earlier in his career, Cavender was a writer, producer and executive producer.

“Journalists rely on RTDNA to defend their work and protect our right to a free and unfettered press," said RTDNA Chairman Kevin Benz. "Mike's passion will energize our Association, reaffirming our commitment to providing best practices for the journalist and standing up for journalism in Washington, D.C.. With Mike's leadership, we look forward to providing our members the support, guidance and mentoring they need to do their jobs and serve their communities.”

RTDNF Chairman Mark Kraham said the scholarship and educational arm of the organization “performs an invaluable service for both young and mid-career journalists and news managers. Mike’s intimately familiar with these important roles, and he will serve our constituents very well.”

“Throughout my news career, I’ve benefited greatly from the support and guidance of RTDNA/F,” Cavender said. “It is a tremendous honor to lead this great organization that has for decades been so important to me and thousands of electronic journalists. I look forward to working with our staff and board in continuing to make this association and foundation invaluable assets to journalists.”

Click here to read Mike's first blog as executive director, "RTDNA: Past, Present & Future"

About RTDNA

RTDNA is the world's largest professional organization exclusively serving the electronic news profession, consisting of news directors and executives, news associates, educators and students. Founded as a grassroots organization in 1946, the association is dedicated to professional service and to supporting the highest standards for newsgathering and reporting. The Radio Television Digital News Foundation (RTDNF), the educational arm of the association, offers professional development opportunities, support of First Amendment issues, scholarships and fellowships for students and new professionals.