Wendy Rumer, Local Broadcast Senior Director, recently celebrated 30 years at Harmelin Media. To mark the occasion, we caught up with her to hear her thoughts on the ever-evolving media industry and to get to know her a little better.
How have emerging technologies and AI impacted our industry since your last interview?
Technology helps planners find the best way to reach precise audiences in relevant and timely ways, whereas we used to rely on broader targeting and instinct. However, technology hasn’t replaced the human side of our work, as it has made experience and judgment more important. With the amount of data available, we need to know what to trust, when to question, and how to best use our resources.
What are some consumer trends or behaviors that have shifted in our industry in that time?
In my early career, cable posed a major challenge. Back in 1996, we were frustrated by how much it fragmented viewership. It’s funny to look at that now, in 2026, when consumers have virtually unlimited ways to access entertainment and experience advertising.
Where do you see the industry in the next 1 year / 5 years / 10 years?
That is a difficult question because I would not have been able to predict the past 10 years. We now have an incredible amount of consumer data, yet many people actively pay to avoid advertising. Over the next decade, I believe human creativity combined with data and technology will play a major role in addressing that challenge and creating more meaningful ways to connect with audiences.
Now that we’ve heard your thoughts on the industry, we’d love to learn a bit about you. What’s your favorite way to spend time off?
I’m a crafter; it’s how I unwind and recharge. I love making things and enjoy working with fabric, paint, paper, and beads. Lately, I’ve been especially into marker and pencil coloring. I would recommend it to everyone; it’s the perfect creative outlet when you want to relax without committing to a big project.
What’s a piece of advice you live by?
Stay positive. I try to find something good even in difficult situations and avoid dwelling on things I can’t change. Do things that make you happy to create your own happiness.
Are there new skills or areas you’re currently focused on improving?
I’ve been primarily a broadcast buyer for the past 15-20 years, but recently, I’ve been given the opportunity to expand my role. I’m still using my broadcast expertise, but I’m also doing account work and planning. I’ve enjoyed diversifying myself with new challenges and experiences, and I’m focused on continuing to grow in these areas.
Reflections from the Harmelin Community
Chris Bruno, Local Broadcast Director, shared: “I started here over 14 years ago and one thing has never changed: if you have a question about work, whether it’s about our internal systems, reporting, buying strategy, or negotiation, Wendy is one of the first people to go to. On top of her extensive media knowledge, Wendy is always one to keep things on the lighter side and make everyone laugh. I can’t tell you the number of times in a week where I think to myself, ‘she’s got to be so tired of me asking questions, but I have to figure this out,’ and of course she helps without any problem.”
Pam Gulotta, Local Broadcast Director, also reflected: “I have been honored to work at Harmelin Media for over 20 years and have looked up to and admired Wendy from day one. I have often said that Wendy has an uncanny ability to be the most knowledgeable person in the room, yet the most approachable. Her knowledge of our industry is unmatched. But beyond that, Wendy is simply fun to work with and be around! She could light up any room with her laugh, and she is first to praise or acknowledge a coworker’s hard work. I am eternally grateful to have her as a supervisor and am lucky to have learned from her.”
Congratulations, Wendy! Thank you for your 30 years of commitment to Harmelin and our clients.
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