Planned Television Arts, the book and electronic publicity a unit of Ruder Finn Group, is changing its name to Media Connect to mark its 50th anniversary and reflect an expansion to digital from its roots in getting airtime for authors and spokespeople.
Media Connect staffers mark the new name. |
MC has 20 staffers with operations in New York and Washington, D.C. It is part of Finn Partners, spun off from RFG last year under CEO Peter Finn. Ruder Finn acquired PTA in 1993.
Mike Levine founded PTA in 1962 as TV rose in popularity and became an in-home staple. The firm’s initial focus in getting clients and products on shows like “The Mike Douglas Show” and Johnny Carson’s “The Tonight Show” led to an expansion into book promotions and a client roster that has spanned Mickey Spillane to Dean Koontz. Along the way, satellite tours, radio and online capabilities blossomed. Levine retired in 1990.
Managing director David Hahn, a 26-year veteran of the firm, said MC has spent significant resources over the past five years enhancing its online and social media offerings.
“We wanted to ensure our name accurately reflected the work that we are already doing on a daily basis,” he said.