Melody Spann Cooper
Midway Broadcasting Corporation
Melody Spann Cooper, Chair and CEO Midway Broadcasting Corporation, is among an elite group of female owners of U.S. broadcast properties. She leads an independently owned media boutique of broadcast and digital platforms, including WVON, one of the nation’s legacy stations; WRLL, a Spanish talk/news radio station; and VON-tv, a digital streaming network.
Ms. Spann Cooper’s 30 years of experience in media management, marketing, and community engagement have been recognized with more than 100 awards. Her involvement has included roles as Commissioner of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission; Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Council for the Obama Library Foundation; Chairman of the Illinois Broadcasting Association; Board member of the FCC’s Commission on Equity and Diversity Council; Trustee of the Museum of Science & Industry; Executive Committee member of the Business Leadership Council, and Co-Founder of the Color Us Women Organization.
A noted speaker and writer, Ms. Spann Cooper has published articles on business, media and inclusion. In 2019, she released “The Girlfriend’s Guide To Closing the Deal,” a semi-biographical book for entrepreneurs and female executives that shares best practices on driving change and equity at the highest level.
Ms. Spann Cooper holds a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Loyola University of Chicago. She is married and daughter of the late Pervis Spann, a legendary radio personality and co-founder of Midway Broadcasting Corporation.