• by Joe Mandese  @mp_joemandese, Yesterday

Starcom U.S. CEO Shelby Saville has been named the 2025 recipient of the Center for Communications' annual Frank N. Stanton Award for Excellence in Communication, making her the first buy-side exec to receive the honor.

The award, now in its 42nd year, is named in honor of the center's founder, broadcasting pioneer and long-time CBS president Frank Stanton.

All of the award's previous honorees -- including such names as Ted Turner, Katharine Graham, Johnny Carson, and Bill Paley -- have come from the supply-side of the media industry.

“I think it’s significant that she’s the first buy-side person to be recognized,” acknowledged center President and Executive Director J. Max Robins, adding, “It’s important that we acknowledge the importance the buy-side plays in all sides of the business – in terms of studios sports leagues and other parts of the media industry they touch in a really essential way.”

Robins said the recognition is especially important for the center’s community of young industry execs and students aspiring to come into the industry, because it demonstrates that there are other paths to communications industry careers.

"Throughout my career, I have passionately empowered the next generation of media leaders, and I am grateful to the Center for Communication for their commitment to nurturing talent and promoting inclusivity," stated Saville, who will be honored the evening of Sept. 16 at an event in New York City.