“I’ve always been interested in foreign countries and their cultures,” says Stuart Saunders, vice president of operations for Broadcast Architecture’s International Division. “I’m fascinated by how the people of the world differ and love the global perspective my job provides, both professionally and personally.”

That interest and fascination plays a significant role in what makes Saunders an integral member of the BA team. His daily focus is to think globally on a broad range of big picture issues and then to synthesize research and customized strategies that will enable clients throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America to achieve their ratings and brand objectives. “Each one of our clients is unique,” says Stuart, “both from a cultural standpoint and from where they are in their respective stage of development. There’s a dramatic cultural difference in how people use and relate to radio. By being respectful of these diverse cultural aspects, BA has become the industry leader in knowing how to collect perceptual and tactical data and then strategically applying what works in markets around the world.” 

Stuart’s introduction to broadcasting came at Brown University where he served as the vice president and general manager of WBRU-FM, the Ivy League school’s commercial, Alternative Rock station. After graduation he went on to serve in marketing and sales positions with the ABC Television affiliate, WLNE, in Providence, RI, and in the newsroom of Philadelphia’s KYW-TV.

In 1996 Saunders came to BA as a senior research analyst who played a major role in some of BA’s most prominent success stories in Los Angeles; San Francisco; Denver; Phoenix; San Diego; Las Vegas; Sacramento; Portland, and Honolulu. Today, in his role with BA’s International Division, he oversees all international research including Mix-Master music tests, Callout research, and Strategic Perceptual studies.
 
While Stuart’s mailing address is a West Side apartment overlooking Manhattan’s Central Park, he says that he really lives aboard a Boeing 747. “I logged over 350 thousand miles in the air last year,” he laughs. “I’ve gotten to know many flight attendants on a first name basis, and many of them comment that I fly more then they do. My dream would be to have a dog, but the poor thing wouldn’t know who I was.”