- African-American Media Experts, Black Media Enterprises to Meet in Chicago March 23, 2012 -

(BLACK PR WIRE) – CHICAGO (March 1, 2012) – Sharing their deep knowledge of both the African-American consumer market and the rapidly changing dynamics of the advertising industry, Burrell Communications Group will hold a first-ever industry conference addressing issues facing both black media and the corporations targeting African-American consumers. The conference, entitled “Black Media Reality Check: Navigating Change and Challenges in the 21st Century,” will take place March 23, 2012, in Chicago.

Burrell has been a leading advertising and communications agency counseling clients on the African-American consumer market for more than 40 years. Burrell’s senior leadership and media strategists provide a vital link between their clients who target African-Americans and black media who deliver those messages.

“Through Black media outlets, Burrell serves as a conduit between our blue-chip clients and the African-American consumer,” said Burrell Co-Chief Executive Officer Fay Ferguson. “So it’s really in our best interest to make sure they are aware of these critical changes in our industry.” Ferguson added that Burrell clients Comcast, McDonald’s, and Toyota are sponsors of the conference.

“This is a historic event in that it’s the first time an African-American agency has gathered a cross-section of experts from all media channels to share best practices that will keep black media competitive and relevant,” said McGhee Williams Osse, Burrell Co-Chief Executive Officer.

The panel of experts assembled for the conference includes innovators from various business sectors such as media, media investments, sales and measurement who will share first-hand knowledge about how to implement essential changes to their business models. Confirmed speakers include Black Enterprise magazine Chief Executive Officer Earl Graves, Jr.; Interactive One Chief Technology Officer Navarrow Wright; Intermedia Partners Managing Partner Peter Kern; IEG Senior Vice President Jim Andrews; and research and measurement experts from The Nielsen Company.

For more information about the March 23rd “Black Media Reality Check: Navigating Change and Challenges in the 21st Century” conference, please contact conference organizers at blackmediarealitycheck@gmail.com.