Janet Mason leads airwaves

Janet Mason leads airwaves

Janet Mason

Editor’s note: Each issue of the Influential Women enewsletter will feature a profile of one of the Business Journal’s reigning 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan. The profile first appeared in the event program.

Janet Mason has immersed herself in shepherding seismic industry changes at WZZM TV 13 since 1997.

Mason — the station's longtime general manager and president — launched wzzm13.com,  a 24/7 digital TV local weather channel, a mobile site and the local community lifestyle program “Take Five & Company.”

She also added newscasts and cross-trained a staff of 100 for the digital age.

In the broadcast industry 

She has been a guest instructor for the National Association of Broadcasters Management Development Seminar for TV Executives and the News Executive Seminar at the University of Missouri.

Mason has received a number of industry honors: Inner Circle Award from Inforum; Amazing Asians Award from the Asian Center in Grand Rapids; Honor Medal for Distinguished Service in Journalism from the University of Missouri; Twin West Career Achievement Award from the Twin West Chamber of Commerce and Certificate of Commendation from the governor of Minnesota for her work on diversity issues.

Mason’s prior work experience includes vice president of news for eight years at KARE 11, Gannet’s NBC affiliate in Minneapolis-St. Paul, where she served as the local anchor for the “Today Show.”

In the community

Mason has also served many community and industry organizations: vice chair of the Gannett Leadership and Diversity Council; executive committee and board of directors of the Economic Club of Grand Rapids; Davenport University Foundation; Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation’s strategic initiatives committee.