Bio

VALERIE K. BLACKBURN

Principal, VKB Media Consulting

A top level executive with a proven grasp of big picture business operations in project management, financial and strategic planning, and human resources, Valerie K. Blackburn has achieved notable success across diverse industries including broadcasting, digital media and energy exploration. Blackburn has overseen the financial operations for some of America’s most successful broadcast operators in their top markets, frequently implemented breakthrough systems for the companies she has worked with, served on the board of directors of several organizations and been actively involved in numerous community causes.

For eight years Blackburn served as the market controller for seven radio stations owned and operated by CBS Radio in Los Angeles, the nation’s top billing region. She joined CBS in 2006 and successfully guided the cluster through a variety of challenges amid demanding economic conditions.

Blackburn also served as general manager of L.A.’s KFWB, owned by the KFWB Asset Trust. Blackburn was named several times as one of the Most Influential Women in Radio by Radio Ink Magazine, one of the industry’s most respected trade publications. In 2014, she was named the MIW Legend by Radio Ink.

Before joining CBS, Blackburn spent seven years with Susquehanna Radio where she first served as market controller before rising to director of business operations for the San Francisco market. She held a similar position for 11 years with another leading group, Jacor Broadcasting in Denver.

Blackburn served on the Board of Advisors, including as Chair, for the School of Communication at Texas Christian University, which includes the Bob Schieffer School of Journalism.  For more than 16 years, including a three year term on the board of directors, she was an active member of Media Financial Management, a leading source of education and networking that meets the diverse needs of financial and business professionals in the media industry.

Blackburn served on the national board of directors for the Alliance for Women in Media, as well as the Chair position for two terms.  AWM is a well-respected professional association dedicated to advancing women in media and entertainment and works to improve the quality of electronic media.  In 2022, she received the AWM Gracie Legacy Leadership Award for her work with the organization.

Blackburn has been affiliated with many high profile community causes. She served on the board of the Junior League of Denver and was vice president of the board of directors for the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation. Blackburn has been actively involved with Leadership San Francisco, an organization dedicated to educating and developing community trustees who make contributions to strengthen the community, and Newborn Hope, a Colorado nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of babies. She has also worked with SafeHouse, a shelter for battered women, and the Emma Bowen Foundation, an organization helping minority youth in career development.

Currently residing in Denver, Colorado, Blackburn is a graduate of Texas Christian University and continued advanced studies at the University of Colorado.