BET exec to deliver keynote at Cronkite fall convocation

Louis Carr, president of media sales at Black Entertainment Television (BET), will serve as the keynote fall 2023 convocation speaker at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

The ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the Desert Financial Arena in Tempe. 

Carr, who was recently inducted into the American Adversiting Federation (AAF) Advertising Hall of Fame, is an award-winning media executive who is credited with propelling BET Media Group to the No. 1 brand and choice for Black consumers. Under Carr’s leadership, the company has generated more than $10 billion in advertising sales while establishing strategic partnerships with global corporations such as Procter & Gamble, Unilever, McDonald’s, General Motors, Facebook and Apple.

The media company has cultivated the largest repository of information on Black consumers worldwide, which has enabled Carr to take a data-driven approach to creating content and messages that resonate with diverse audiences, enabling marketers to sell products and services while fostering corporate citizenship.

“Louis Carr is one of the most accomplished media executives and thought leaders in the industry. His leadership has allowed BET to become one of the most profitable networks in the country, and his service to the community has left an indelible mark on numerous professionals,” said Cronkite School Dean Battinto L. Batts Jr. “We’re excited to have Louis share his knowledge and experience with our students.”

Carr is also the founder of the Louis Carr Foundation (LCF), which promotes diversity in corporate America by providing paid internships to undergraduate students of color. The foundation has provided 270 paid internships, with 62 alumni securing full-time positions within the industry.

“I’m so excited to address the graduates at ASU on the day they receive the key to the stadium of life,” Carr said.

Carr works to inspire individuals striving for personal growth. He launched WayMaker, an initiative that aims to provide direction, wisdom and inspiration to individuals striving for personal growth and positive change. 

The initiative includes the quarterly WayMaker Journal, WayMaker Men’s Summit and The Blueprint Connect Podcast, which aims to bring together high-profile thought leaders to educate and empower Black men in finance, health, careers, relationships and entrepreneurship.

Carr has written two books: “Dirty Little Secrets” and “Little Black Book: Daily Motivations for Business and Personal Growth.” His writings cover essential topics such as leadership, culture, strategy, vision, success and diversity.

In addition to being inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame earlier this year, Carr was awarded the Chicago Advertising Federation Silver Medal Award. He was recognized by theboardiQ, an organization that promotes the creation of inclusive boards and executive teams for businesses, as a Top 100 Hall of Fame African American. Savoy Magazine named him one of the Most Influential Black Corporate Directors.

Carr has served on the boards of the International Radio and Television Society (IRTS), the Video Advertising Bureau (VAB), the Advertising Council and the American Advertising Federation.

Carr attended Drake University on a full athletic scholarship and earned a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism. He also serves on Cedar Fair’s Board of Directors, Drake University’s Board of Trustees and The United States Track and Field Foundation (USATF) Board.

Written by Carly Boots