GSTV Forms Local Sales Division to Focus on Small Businesses

DETROIT -- Gas Station TV (GSTV), the largest U.S. away-from-home television network, is placing a special emphasize on small businesses with the launch of a local sales division that will handle specific needs for local and regional advertisers.

The announcement follows a Sept. 22 CSNews Online report that GSTV and Wayne, a GE Energy business, teamed to unveil a co-developed media platform throughout the country. Called inOvationTV, GSTV said the targeted programming, primarily for people filling at the pump, can now reach more than 200 million customers.

With the launch of the local sales division, GSTV expects to hire 60 new account executives during the next 10 months to staff the unit. The division will also provide small businesses with services such as the ability to geo-target their specific trading area and create motivating messaging.

"Traditional local broadcast television still only delivers on a broad market or large area basis. With GSTV, small businesses can advertise specifically at gas stations within their exact local trading area. This makes GSTV a far more efficient local television buy," said David Leider, CEO of GSTV. "Moreover, because GSTV reaches on-the-go consumers, small businesses can connect with consumers while they're out and about vs. inactive and on their couch."

GSTV has tapped Gene Sanderfield to be vice president and general manager of the local sales division. He has more than 13 years of experience in senior level sales and leadership at Screenvision Direct Inc., Limelight Media Group and the United States Marine Corps. Sanderfield will be responsible for implementing local and regional sales efforts, as well as recruiting and managing the local sales staff.

"GSTV is an extremely efficient media vehicle for small businesses to reach and engage captive consumers in their local communities," said Sanderfield. "I am excited to lead its local sales charge and further the company's growth."