News & Opinion

Top Tier Authentics (TTA), transforming how brands, athletes and artists authenticate products and create new consumer experiences, has unveiled its inaugural advisory board. The board comprises world-class athletes and visionary business executives behind leading companies, major deals and breakthrough innovations in sports, gaming, entertainment and emerging tech.   TTA developed the world’s first Experiential Authenticity Platform, enabling instant verification of products, artworks, and collectibles, along with immersive digital experiences, exclusive benefits, and interactive features. Since its inception in May 2023, TTA has already collaborated with top artists, brands and athletes, including the 2023 NCAA national championship University of Michigan Wolverines team, University of Georgia Bulldogs, University of Tennessee Volunteers, undefeated UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and viral golf artist Coach Rusty.   The board will help TTA further expand its platform into new markets, with members including: Grayson Allen is an investor and advisor for TTA and an NBA star currently playing as the starting shooting guard for the Phoenix Suns. He ranks as one of the best players for Duke University’s Blue Devils and was key to the team’s 2015 championship win.  Patrick Dwyer, with over 30 years’ experience, has been honored as a top financial advisor by Forbes, Barron’s and the Financial Times. He’s served as the Managing Director for the Silicon Valley Bank and is Managing Director of NewEdge Wealth.  Timothy Enneking boasts 30 years in finance and operations management, with extensive startup and M&A experience, completing over 70 transactions totaling $20B. He is Managing Partner, Psalion; CIO, Mana Companies Asset Mgt; CEO, Presearch; and Managing Director, Digital Capital Mgt. Darren Glover is a marketing and brand-building innovator working with professional athletes, Fortune 500 consumer brands, live streaming platforms, gaming publishers, and gaming content creators. He is an investor and advisor for TTA and VP of gaming at VaynerSports, where his clients include pro-gamers Bugha, Clix and Brycent.  Chris Ko brings decades of experience in the interactive entertainment sector, including serving as the VP and General Manager of EA Sports Mobile and EA Racing Mobile. He also successfully ran the development and growth of several F2P gaming companies. Mark Lieberman, an experienced media and tech operations expert, has acted as Assistant Secretary of Technology at the US Commerce Department under George H.W. Bush, and led companies like Viamedia, Placemedia, Rightster and TRA, Inc. He holds leadership and advisory roles at Recurrent Ventures and Blackstone. Greg Selkoe is an American Entrepreneur who founded the e-commerce and retail company Karmaloop and served as PreZident of FaZe Clan. He is an alum of Y Combinator, one of the world’s most respected and competitive startup incubators and serves as CEO and Co-Founder of XSET. Shmuel Farhi founded Farhi Holdings Corporation, one of Ontario, Canada’s most influential real estate development firms. His innovative approach has transformed millions of square feet into thriving commercial, residential, and hospitality spaces.   Board of Advisor Quotes:   Grayson Allen: “Top Tier Authentics offers athletes a powerful way to connect with fans while unlocking a new and better way to monetize their name, image and likeness – whether that’s selling gear, memorabilia or merchandise. It’s the perfect platform to build a personal brand. Every athlete – collegiate, professional or beyond – should be working with TTA.”   Patrick Dwyer: “TTA is redefining consumer engagement and trust. It’s the future of authenticity and interactive engagement – bridging the physical world with one-of-a-kind digital experiences. Importantly, it unlocks powerful new consumer insights that can’t be found anywhere else.”   Timothy Enneking: “I have always been a staunch advocate for the transformative power of promising new technology. Top Tier Authentics has delivered exactly that – re-imagining what it means to use and engage with the products you buy or the items you collect and share. It’s an experience everyone will enjoy.”   Darren Glover: “TTA’s platform is the perfect brand building tool for athletes, content creators and consumer brands alike. It transforms every interaction into a gateway to dynamic, immersive worlds where communities thrive on interaction, competition, and shared achievements.”   Chris Ko: “Consumer expectations are changing, and every brand needs to rethink how they’re driving engagement, interaction and excitement. Harnessing these elements, TTA seamlessly integrates products, artwork, and collectibles with live operations and events. They can equip and update any item with new digital experiences that captivate consumers and keep them coming back for more.”   Mark Lieberman: “This industry is ripe for disruption, and TTA has proven that consumers want more from their purchases – whether that’s sports memorabilia, art, or name-brand products. Their turn-key platform, and the experience it provides, creates new and incremental value for all stakeholders.”   Greg Selkoe: “Top Tier Authentics’ solution isn’t just about verifying what’s real; it establishes deeper connections and trust between brands and consumers. It’s what every product and retailer needs in today’s rapidly evolving digital age.”   Shmuel Farhi: “To succeed as an entrepreneur and real estate developer, I’ve often focused on reinventing spaces for enhanced community engagement, efficiency, and local economic impact. Similarly, Top Tier Authentics innovates the consumer experience, forging new paths for connection, interaction, and business opportunities.”   About Top Tier Authentics   Top Tier Authentics (TTA) has developed the world’s first Experiential Authenticity Platform, enabling instant verification of any product, artwork or collectible while powering new and immersive digital experiences, unique benefits, and interactive features.   The simple, turn-key solution can increase the value and enhance the experience of any item – or event – while empowering brands and individuals to connect with consumers, collectors and fans on a deeper level. TTA’s end-to-end platform also enables robust behavioral analytics from every touchpoint to identify key trends and opportunities.   Consumers enjoy an entirely new way to interact with their favorite brands, athletes and artists. This includes behind-the-scenes videos captured in the moment – such as when the signing occurred, the creation of the art, or the story behind the brand, artist or athlete – as well as personalized content, redeemable offers, and exclusive access to community events and activations. TTA gives each product and experience a one-of-a-kind and engaging life of its own, to share with friends and other collectors who hold similar treasures.   To shop the memorabilia collections, visit the TTA Amazon brand store at www.amazon.com/tta.   Learn more about TTA’s services and technology at https://www.toptierauth.com.

As Cox Mobile celebrated its first year at the forefront of the mobile industry during CES 2024 and MWC 2024, Bob Gold & Associates (BG&A) was proud to play a pivotal role in amplifying this milestone through strategic media outreach and event execution. By leveraging these international events BG&A was able to support our clients by building brand awareness and driving meaningful conversations in the digital landscape.   CES 2024 provided the perfect backdrop to mark the one-year anniversary of Cox Mobile's national launch. Featuring a Q&A with Cox Senior Vice President Tony Krueck and introduction by Chief Marketing and Sales Officer Mark Lawson, Cox Mobile hosted a media lunch that shed light on the year's successes and the road ahead. With BG&A's support, this event underscored Cox Mobile's impact on the market, emphasizing its offerings of 5G reliability and competitive device pricing and highlighted a customer-first approach that has characterized the company’s first year.   Our joint efforts continued at the "Converge with Cox" event, hosted at MWC 2024, offering another important industry moment to discuss Cox Mobile's achievements and future aspirations, along with insights from the mobile safety survey. BG&A's meticulous planning and coordination ensured the event's success. This fireside chat featuring Tony Krueck and Cox AVP Connectivity and Convergence Catherine Borda de Castro and moderated by Axios Senior Media Reporter Sara Fischer was covered by Fierce Wireless among others and attended by top tier industry media, analysts and partners. The event highlighted Cox Mobile’s collaboration with Common Sense Media and shared findings from its inaugural mobile safety survey, "Generation Screen: Parenting and Mobile Safety."   As Cox Mobile steps into its second year, the focus remains on delivering exceptional service and fostering a safer, more informed digital landscape. The company's presence at CES24 and MWC24 not only celebrated a year of significant achievements but also set the stage for continued innovation and growth. Cox Mobile's journey is just beginning, and its commitment to connecting and protecting its customers in the digital age is stronger than ever.   Our role in crafting and executing these well-attended strategic events and media engagements illustrates BG&A's mission to elevate our clients' narratives, ensuring they lead the conversation in today's digital world. The journey of Cox Mobile is far from over, and BG&A is excited to continue being a part of this transformative path.

ShowSeeker Grows Leadership Team with Seasoned Sales and Product Innovation Expert, Bringing Over 30 Years of Industry Experience from Comcast, NBC, Spectrum Reach and Cox Media   ShowSeeker, a global organization and creator of the US advertising industry’s fastest-growing, cloud-based order management system, today announced the addition of Joni Claerbout to its senior leadership team as Vice President of Sales and Client Engagement. With a highly successful sales, leadership, product innovation, and integration record across television and digital properties, Joni will leverage her experience and network to accelerate ShowSeeker’s growth as it becomes the media industry’s standard for end-to-end order management. From programming to research, from planning to performance reporting, ShowSeeker manages more than $10 Billion in proposals and more than $2.3 Billion in submitted orders.   “I was one of ShowSeeker’s first customers and over the last 20 years, I have watched this company grow into a world-class organization, with a robust, end-to-end order management system that is changing the industry,” said Joni Claerbout, Vice President of Sales and Client Engagement at ShowSeeker. “With the release of Pilot® and the many benefits it brings to the media industry, I knew I wanted to be a part of something so pivotal and exciting.”   Joni brings over three decades of sales and leadership experience, beginning with her tenure at Comcast Spotlight where she was VP and GM for the Sacramento and Fresno, CA markets. Joni continued her successful sales and leadership career at NBC in San Francisco, CA as Head of National Strategic Partnerships, developing campaigns with clients like Maserati and Bank of America and placing clients in the Super Bowl. At Spectrum Reach, Joni was responsible for growing linear revenue while also creating new revenue streams by launching multiple digital products across the western regions of Spectrum. Most recently, Joni served as Director of Sales for Cox Media leading the Florida, Georgia and Alabama markets, where she was credited with integrating multiple digital products, leading the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts for the SE Region while driving both traditional and new revenue streams.   During her career, Joni has led and mentored hundreds of employees and worked with thousands of advertising clients and media executives across the country. In her new role, Joni will be responsible for continuing the expansion of ShowSeeker’s client base beyond cable ad sales to include advanced advertising and digital media, broadcast stations, advertising agencies, and vendor partner relationships.   “Joni has a proven track record in both television and digital ad sales. I worked for Joni over two decades ago, her leadership skills shaped my early career and helped me grow into the leader I am today,” said Dave Hardy, CEO at ShowSeeker. “Adding Joni to our leadership team is not only a proud moment for me, but it signals our strong commitment to accelerating the growth of our client base and product offerings.”   In addition to the creation of this new role, Jeff Blaszak has also been elevated to Senior Vice President of Business Operations and Strategy. Jeff will continue to oversee the company’s growing sales and marketing efforts to position ShowSeeker as the industry standard for unified order management across multiscreen platforms.   This news comes off the heels of significant growth for ShowSeeker, with the recent appointment of industry veteran Rose Schneider as its Vice President of Technical Operations, and Spectrum Reach adopting its end-to-end cloud-based order management system, Pilot®, across its entire advertising sales footprint.

New Collection Supporting Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation Sells Out in Under 24 Hours    Top Tier Authentics (TTA), transforming how brands, athletes and artists authenticate products and create new consumer experiences, has expanded its partnership with renowned painter and golf trick-shot guru, Coach Rusty. TTA is the exclusive authentication and experience platform for all of Coach Rusty’s artwork.   Every one of Coach Rusty’s original works and prints features TTA’s technology and digital Certificates of Authenticity (COA), offering fans and collectors an entirely new way to engage with their favorite works of art and artist. Each piece includes behind-the-scenes looks into Coach Rusty’s art-making process, the stories and inspirations fueling his art, early access to his latest collections and best prices, and more.   “Top Tier Authentics has entirely changed the way I connect with fans, artists and golf enthusiasts,” said Ryan Rustand (Coach Rusty). “Instead of a mundane paper COA, the TTA Certificate brings each piece to life with interactive, shareable and truly authentic experiences. It’s a major differentiator, and my fans absolutely love it.”   Coach Rusty’s latest work and collaboration with TTA celebrated Arnold Palmer and National Umbrella Day, featuring his signature golf splatter designs alongside Palmer’s iconic umbrella logo. The artwork, including an original piece and 37 limited-edition prints authenticated by TTA, sparked tremendous excitement. Every one of the items sold out in under 24-hours. Proceeds will support the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation.   “Coach Rusty bridges the gap between sports and art in a way we've never seen before,” said Andrew Rosen, Co-founder of Top Tier Authentics. “Our partnership with Coach Rusty showcases how TTA can enhance connections with fans and give each piece of artwork a life and story of its own. It’s an interactive and engaging experience that transcends authenticity.”   “Coach Rusty’s art is not just visually stunning but also tells a compelling story and brings people together. His work and influence extend far beyond the golfing community,” added Dima Azarenko, Co-founder of Top Tier Authentics. “We're thrilled to complement his vision by enabling fans to experience the creative journey behind each piece.”   Coach Rusty’s art blends the same intricate setups, precise timing, and high level of skill and creativity required for his famous golf trick shots.   To date, Coach Rusty has commissioned specialized TTA-authenticated works for athletes, charities, celebrities and brands, such as Jason Day, Travis Matthew, Josh Allen, the Ernie Els Foundation for Autism and many others.   Fans can purchase Coach Rusty’s art or submit forms for custom commission pieces by him here - www.artbycoach.com   About Top Tier Authentics Top Tier Authentics (TTA) has developed the world's first Experiential Authenticity Platform, enabling instant verification of any product, artwork or collectible while powering new and immersive digital experiences, unique benefits, and interactive features.   The simple, turn-key solution can increase the value and enhance the experience of any item – or event – while empowering brands and individuals to connect with consumers, collectors and fans on a deeper level. TTA’s end-to-end platform also enables robust behavioral analytics from every touchpoint to identify key trends and opportunities.   Consumers enjoy an entirely new way to interact with their favorite brands, athletes and artists. This includes behind-the-scenes videos captured in the moment – such as when the signing occurred, the creation of the art, or the story behind the brand, artist or athlete – as well as personalized content, redeemable offers, and exclusive access to community events and activations. TTA gives each product and experience a one-of-a-kind and engaging life of its own, to share with friends and other collectors who hold similar treasures.   To shop the memorabilia collections, visit the TTA Amazon brand store at www.amazon.com/tta  and their eBay Store at www.ebay.com/str/toptierauthentics   Learn more about TTA’s services and technology at https://www.toptierauth.com/  

Don't miss the StreamTV Growth Summit, a free virtual event on February 20-21, 2024. Bob Gold & Associates President Bob Gold is set to moderate the panel on “Charting the OTT Frontier: A Look at Distribution Strategies, Partnerships and Evolving Services”.   Despite the recent talk about a slowdown in growth, the OTT industry is still forecasted to keep growing in the coming years, reaching 4.2 billion users globally by 2027, according to Statista research. To remain competitive and stay ahead, the strategy employed by OTT service providers must evolve continuously, adapting to the shifting of consumer demands.  During this session, industry leaders from Comcast, DIRECTV Advertising, NBCUniversal and Adeia will look at the future of OTT, key content distribution strategies, emerging partnership models and the opportunities in evolving services like sports streaming.  What does the future hold for content bundling, and what are the potential benefits and ideal candidates for strategic partnerships?  What is the approach to live sports streaming? What key factors are driving the OTT adoption of sport streaming?   Scheduled for Tuesday, February 20 from 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM ET and moderated by Bob Gold, the panelists include Karen Babcock, Vice President, Strategy & Partnerships, Comcast Advertising; Matthew Van Houten, SVP, Product, Operations and Business Development, DIRECTV Advertising; Amy Geary, Senior Vice President, Content Distribution, NBCUniversal; and Christopher Phillips, Senior Director, Advanced R&D, Adeia   About StreamTV Growth Summit The StreamTV Growth Summit features a comprehensive agenda that delves into the dynamic evolution of the streaming landscape. The engaging sessions offer a nuanced overview of key growth areas in the industry. Explore the future of OTT with valuable insights into distribution and partnership strategies, navigating the continued rise of FAST channels, and discovering optimal monetization strategies for content providers. Take a deep dive into the intricate subscriber behavior patterns, choices, and triggers, providing a foundation for crafting effective retention and engagement strategies. Check out the full agenda and secure your spot at: https://bit.ly/4b9aE0f

As the M&E industry advances rapidly, exhibitors gearing up for the innovative world of NAB 2024 are poised at the edge of unparalleled opportunity. With the right approach, this event can be much more than a showcase—it can be a pivotal moment in your brand's journey. But how do you cut through the noise and ensure your message resonates? Having guided 50+ companies through the NAB maze, here are five strategic PR moves designed not just to make an impact at the show, but to echo long after. Craft a Compelling Narrative Your technology isn't just a product; it's a story waiting to be told. Before you step onto the show floor, define what makes your solution unique and why it matters. This narrative should weave through all your communications, from press releases to social media posts, creating a cohesive and memorable brand identity. Do you have someone on your team that can distill complex tech jargon into engaging stories that capture media attention and resonate with your target audience? Leverage Media Relationships The media landscape at NAB is as vast as it is varied. Securing coverage in this crowded space requires more than just sending out press releases. It's about nurturing relationships with journalists and influencers who specialize in your niche. How are you identifying and engaging with targeted media to amplify your message? You want to be sure that your news not only lands but makes a splash. Engage with Influencers and Thought Leaders In today's digital world, influencers and thought leaders can be your most powerful allies. Collaborating with these individuals for panel discussions, interviews, and live demos can significantly extend your reach and credibility. Are you making the most of your strategic partnerships? NAB is the perfect opportunity for your executives to share the stage with industry luminaries and put your company’s innovations in the spotlight. Optimize Digital Presence NAB is not just a physical event; it's a digital phenomenon. An optimized online presence ensures that your brand captures attention both on and off the show floor. From live-tweeting key announcements to hosting virtual tours of your booth, consider crafting a digital engagement strategy that keeps your client’s and prospects connected and interacting, no matter where they are in the world. Post-Show Momentum The end of NAB doesn't mean your PR efforts should wind down. In fact, it's just the beginning. Post-show follow-ups, content marketing and leveraging the buzz created during the event can keep the momentum going strong. What’s your plan for converting post-show enthusiasm into long-term engagement, helping you nurture leads and build lasting relationships with your audience?   The BG&A Difference At Bob Gold & Associates, we understand that NAB 2024 is more than a trade show—it's the perfect chance to elevate your brand in the tech world. Our tailored PR strategies are designed to make every moment count, ensuring you not only shine at the show but continue to glow long afterward.   For tech exhibitors looking to turn opportunities into outcomes, BG&A is your partner in creating buzz, building relationships and driving success. Let’s connect and craft a PR strategy that puts your innovations on the map.

The Independent Show (TIS) 2023 captured the attention of NCTC and ACA Connects members, suppliers and media industry leaders alike with a series of significant announcements and discussions on the forces reshaping the future of media distribution and technology. This annual event, held July 30 through August 2 in Minneapolis and known for its insights into the evolving media landscape, brought together top professionals from various sectors to explore and debate the latest trends and innovations. TIS 2023 offered up more sessions, more keynotes and more fun this year! And members of the Bob Gold & Associates staff were onsite to support and cheer on the NCTC team and many of our clients including Plume, Varnish, Showseeker and Viamedia!   TIS 2023 featured panel discussions and presentations that delved into consumer behavior, content consumption trends, and the evolving media landscape. Experts explored topics such as the rise of streaming platforms, the impact of personalized content recommendations, and the changing dynamics of advertising in the digital realm. These insights are crucial for media companies seeking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.   Beyond the news headlines, TIS 2023 offered a unique platform for networking and collaboration among industry professionals. Attendees had the chance to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and forge new partnerships. The event fostered an environment where diverse voices converged to address challenges and opportunities facing the media industry in the digital age.   TIS 2023 brought forth a wave of innovation, collaboration, and strategic insights that are set to redefine the media industry. From cutting-edge technology showcases to discussions about broadband accessibility and groundbreaking deals, the event provided a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As the media landscape continues to evolve, TIS remains a vital hub for shaping the future of media distribution, technology, and content creation.   Read more here: Freeze Frame: The Independent Show 2023 featured in Multichannel News TIS 2023 delves into an intense conversation about the BEAD (Broadband Expansion and Adoption Data) initiative was covered by Cablefax. LightReading featured the article "NCTC Members Will Profit From Org's New MVNO Deal, CEO Says"  

In a world where change is the only constant, the public relations industry is no exception. Recent years have seen a seismic shift in the PR landscape, largely spurred by rapid technological advancements, evolving media platforms, and innovative communication strategies. These changes have compelled PR firms to keep up, adapt, and evolve in order to maintain their competitive edge.   At Bob Gold & Associates, a seasoned PR firm based in Los Angeles, we not only embraced this change but have been at the forefront of this evolution. Recognizing the early signs of industry upheavals, the team has strategically positioned itself, acquiring new skills and developing expertise in the latest technologies and tools. This proactive approach has allowed Bob Gold & Associates to deliver top-tier services that help our clients build brand awareness while reaching and exceeding their communications goals.   This relentless pursuit of excellence has not gone unnoticed. Recently, Bob Gold & Associates was recognized as one of the top public relations companies in Los Angeles by Clutch, a renowned B2B platform. Clutch serves as a digital forum where companies can share reviews and ratings of their business partners, providing a transparent and reliable source of information for businesses seeking partnerships.   This recognition carries a unique significance for the Bob Gold & Associates team. It is a testament to the efficacy of our PR strategies, validated by the very clients they were designed to serve. All of us at Bob Gold & Associates take this opportunity to express gratitude to our clients and partners. Their trust, feedback, and shared experiences have been instrumental in shaping the company's success.   A 25-year veteran in the PR industry, Bob Gold & Associates has carved out a unique niche at the intersection of technology, media and telecommunications. The firm represents leaders in caching, content delivery, software solutions, CSPs, streaming platforms, advertising solutions, industry associations, and many more. At Bob Gold & Associates, the focus is on nurturing business relationships and leveraging our expansive network for the benefit of our clients.   In today's digital-first world, Bob Gold & Associates offers uniquely tailored strategies to tell compelling stories, share client expertise and insights, highlight unique value propositions, and connect with target audiences globally. Our goal is simple yet profound: to elevate our clients.   But we don’t stop at strategy. We're also ready to roll up their sleeves and do the necessary detail work, whether it involves securing a spot at a top-tier conference, setting up a trade show booth, or arranging a meeting with a busy journalist or analyst.   In summary, Bob Gold & Associates is a trailblazer in the PR industry, turning heads with our specialization in telecommunications, media, and technology. So, if you're ready to spread the word about your company, product or service, reach out to Bob and  the team  -- we’re ready to help you make your mark.  

The NAB Show 2023 marked another significant milestone for innovation and excellence in broadcast and media technology. Among the many participants, two companies, represented by Bob Gold & Associates (BG&A), emerged as notable award winners, highlighting their contributions to the industry's advancement.   Yuvod stood out, securing the TV Tech NAB Best of Show award, a recognition that shines a spotlight on products with the potential to redefine the industry. This award emphasizes innovation, design, and utility. Yuvod’s Platform-as-a-Service Streaming Solution was recognized as a pivotal new technology in media and entertainment technology, offering a unique, turnkey OTT solution that empowers any streamer, broadcaster or communication service provider (CSP) to rapidly deploy, scale and customize their content.   Varnish Software, another BG&A client, achieved remarkable success by winning not one, but two significant awards. Alongside the TV Tech NAB Best of Show award, Varnish Software was also honored with the IABM BaM award. This latter accolade is reserved for products that demonstrate real impact on the industry, offering solutions that address current challenges while paving the way for future advancements. Varnish Software's work with its partners Intel and Supermicro set a new industry record for content delivery performance. The massive breakthrough unlocks entirely new possibilities for video service providers and the live event industry to deliver flawless live streamed events to massive audiences worldwide, in a more economical and sustainable way.   These achievements at NAB 2023 not only underscore the innovative spirit and technological leadership of Yuvod and Varnish Software but also subtly reflect the strategic guidance and industry expertise provided by Bob Gold & Associates. Through targeted PR efforts and a deep understanding of the broadcast and media technology landscape, BG&A has proven adept at positioning its clients for recognition at the highest levels.   The awards won at NAB 2023 serve as a testament to the collaborative efforts between BG&A and its clients, showcasing a joint commitment to excellence and innovation. As the industry continues to evolve, these recognitions will become even more vital to highlight highly impactful innovations and truly stand out.