Fox Television Stations Creates New Political Ad Sales Unit

Television Stations (FTS) has formed a political unit within its ad sales division designed specifically to address the growing needs of clients in this crucial space. Effective immediately, Ben Stecker and Walt Lopko will lead all the station group’s political advertising sales efforts, reporting directly to Patrick Paolini, executive vice president of FTS Ad Sales.

In making the announcement, Paolini said: “In an ever-present political cycle, which is kicking into high gear with the 2024 Presidential Election, it is critical to assemble a talented team that best suits the future of the rapidly evolving advertising marketplace. I have no doubt that with Ben and Walt’s combined expertise and transformative vision, we will continue to reinvent and innovate the sales business.”

Ben Stecker

Stecker has been named vice president of political, issue, and advocacy for FTS Ad Sales. Most recently, he was political sales director for Strategus. Prior to that, Stecker was an account executive and political specialist for broadcast media at Cox and Tegna after working as an account executive at Sandler-Innocenzi.

Previously, he spent four years as a campaign manager, political director and policy director for various Senate, congressional, and gubernatorial political campaigns. Stecker began his career as a legislative aide in the U.S. House and Senate while also serving in the Idaho Air National Guard. A graduate of Northwest Nazarene University, Stecker holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.

Walt Lopko

Lopko has been promoted to vice president of political and regional sales manager for FTS Ad Sales. He has been with Fox since 2003, first as regional manager of Fox Stations Sales (FSS), then as vice president and regional sales manager for FSS since 2012.

Earlier in his career, Lopko was Director of Sales for CBS Radio/Infinity in Philadelphia and sales manager for Katz Media Group. A graduate of Temple University, he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications.

FTS owns and operates 29 full power broadcast television stations in the U.S.