From pioneers and leaders to just plain “where-the-rubber-meets-the-road” type professionals, the LGK Hotlist of Influential Communicators pays homage to individuals who have had a profound impact upon the industry, our careers and the art and history of effective messaging.
In our humble opinion, Judy McGrath is a true pioneer of reinvention, who not only revolutionized cable television, but also, the entertainment industry landscape. She resigned as president of MTV Networks in 2011 and recently signed on as an adviser to the video start-up NowThis News. In a commentary published in the industry publication Ad Age (click here to read the entire commentary), Sharon Osbourne, television host and wife of heavy metal singer-songwriter Ozzy Osbourne, wrote about the creative genius of Judy McGrath and we especially enjoyed this excerpt:
But it’s not simply Judy’s incredible success that we should honor. It’s the fact that she’s done it without sacrificing her integrity. What’s more, she’s kept these high standards as a woman, in an industry so tough, and so dominated by men, many feel they have to prove their ruthlessness. That’s why Judy has been such an incredible role model for women everywhere. Not to mention the fact she’s smart, funny, warm and a great leader of people, no matter what their sex.
A while back, LGK’s GB had the honor of attending an Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation party at Sting’s (sing along: Every Breath You Take, Roxanne, Message in a Bottle, If You Love Somebody Set Them Free, Bring on The Night, If I Ever Lose My Faith in You, Be Still My Beating Heart, OK enough) NYC pad, courtesy of McGrath. To say that she is and will continue to be role model is an understatement and we love her quote at an impromptu farewell party: “You’re gonna fly your freak flags forever. I love you badly, and you know where I live.”
Thank you Judy McGrath and Freak on!