Michael Bassik Named Chief Digital Officer at Air America Media
NEW YORK -- Air America Media (www.airamerica.com), a progressive media company, has named Michael Bassik chief digital officer, effective November 6. Bassik is well known for crafting new, creative ways to use technology to reach new audiences. Most recently, Bassik helped build the nation’s largest online political marketing firm at MSHC Partners, where he served as the Vice President of Interactive Marketing. In this newly created position, Bassik will focus on Air America Media and its digital strategy, building AirAmerica.com into a leading source for independent news, commentary and community.
“Michael’s background is ideal to lead Air America’s digital growth,” said Bennett Zier, Air America’s chief executive officer. “As the nation’s leading online political marketing expert, he will have a significant influence on making Air America’s online presence a superior, user-friendly, interactive experience for our viewers, readers, listeners and advertisers.”
“The internet has proven itself the driving force in this year’s presidential election,” said Bassik. “I’m eager to work with the team to make Air America the leading online and mobile destination for entertaining and independent political news and thought.”
Bassik has more than a decade of online political marketing and advertising experience. He is a frequent guest lecturer at conferences and universities across the country and has been featured on National Public Radio and in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, International Herald Tribune and Advertising Age, among others.
Bassik directed political advertising strategy at America Online during the 2000 and 2002 election cycles, and previously held positions at The New York Times, The White House and City Hall in New York.
Bassik has received numerous awards and honors, including the “Rising Star Award” from Politics Magazine and the first-ever joint award for “Excellence in Digital Media” from Yahoo! and the American Association of Political Consultants. He was named a “Top 50 Politico to Watch” by Politico, was nominated as a “Top 10 Changing the World of Internet and Politics” by PoliticsOnline and was honored as a Distinguished Lecturer by the University of Pennsylvania Fels School of Government. He holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania and a JD from American University’s Washington College of Law.
About Air America Media
Air America Media is the nation’s leading progressive media network, reaching millions and representing a smart, entertaining and independent political voice on air and online. The network can be heard nationwide on 60 affiliates, on the web at www.airamerica.com and on XM Satellite Radio.
# # #
For media inquiries or questions about interviewing Air America staff or show hosts, please fill out the Contact Us form.