Launchpad Digital Media Blasts Off With Half a Billion Podcast Downloads

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Norman Pattiz announced today a partnership with Kit Gray to form Launchpad Digital Media (www.launchpaddigitalmedia.com) a new division of Pattiz's Courtside Entertainment Group. The Podcast platform includes some of the biggest names in digital entertainment including Adam Carolla, Bill Burr, CBS News, Afterbuzz TV with Maria Menounos, Jay Mohr, Dr. Drew, Chris Hardwick (The Nerdist), Mark & Lynda, Brian & Jill, and Penn Jillette.  Launchpad will also be home to the Sideshow Network, The Fake Mustache Network, Riotcast Network, Splitsider Network and the Toad Hop Network making Launchpad one of the industry's largest players.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121023/LA98528)

"Podcasts represent one of the fastest growing segments of digital media. Kit Gray has a great track record of success in this important space and brings with him not only knowledge and energy, but the revenue and cash flow to prove it," said Pattiz. "He brings Courtside instant access not only for our existing programs but for the development of future programming that will live on the Launchpad platform."

"Forming a partnership with Norm Pattiz, the founder of Westwood One, with his incredible vision and history of working with the top talent is an unbelievable opportunity," added Gray. "This partnership, as a division of Courtside allows us to offer all of our existing clients more resources to expand their products and deliver more audience to develop the advertiser support that will benefit us all."

Patty Newmark, President and CEO of Newmark Advertising, one of the industry's most important agencies said "The digital space for audio is growing exponentially and has allowed us to extend additional opportunities to our clients. Having a highly respected leader of the radio industry like Norm Pattiz form a new venture with Kit Gray, an expert in the area of digital media, is very exciting. These two innovators working together will create important opportunities within the changing media landscape."

About Courtside Entertainment Group

Courtside Entertainment Group produces and finances multi- platform, quality programming, including: Bill O'Reilly's Talking Points, Loveline with Dr. Drew, Mike and Simone, One Minute Clinic with Dr. Drew Pinsky, The Dave Koz Show and a wide variety of music specials featuring exclusive interviews with the biggest names in every music genre.  Courtside is the latest venture from Westwood One founder, Norman Pattiz.

Kit Gray, President  & COO of Launchpad Digital Media

Kit Gray is a pioneer in digital, online and podcast sales.  With over ten years of experience in traditional media sales, Kit understands advertiser's needs and the creative process necessary to deliver. Gray has represented programming that exceeds a half billion podcast downloads annually.  He's worked with media agencies throughout the nation, served as a Division Manager for Clear Channel (Katz 360 Digital), was the Director of Advertising for Verizon's EV-DO networks Amp'd Mobile and was the recipient of the Seller of the Year award for Katz Media Group. 

Mr. Gray has a BS in Environmental Studies and an MBA in Finance from Rollins College.  

SOURCE Courtside Entertainment Group