Bill Shafer Named Executive VP of Growing Bolder

In

ORLANDO (Nov. 5, 2020) – Bill Shafer, a nationally respected storyteller, who was named one of the top 50 people in Orlando TV who made an impact, has been named executive vice president of Growing Bolder, one of the nation’s leaders in active lifestyle content production.

Shafer’s Bolder Backstage series of stories has garnered attention for giving viewers rare and intimate access to some of the most beloved musicians in rock history, including Jon Anderson of YES,  Robby Steinhardt of Kansas and former Billy Joel drummer Liberty DeVitto. 

Shafer is well known to Central Floridians as the popular, former anchor and reporter at WESH-TV and more recently as the Emmy-nominated cohost of Growing Bolder TV and radio shows. A veteran broadcaster, with 40 years’ experience, Shafer has built a following and enviable reputation for his remarkable ability to tell powerful, revealing stories about people and places that many have called inspiring and empowering.

Shafer joined former WESH colleague, Marc Middleton, in 2007, when Growing Bolder was founded to produce entertaining, educational and inspirational content in the 55+ market. The company has grown to produce award-winning programs across all major media platforms. Shafer has played an important role as a cohost of Growing Bolder’s TV and radio programs. A prolific writer, he has also contributed to the company’s magazine and online stories.

“Growing Bolder is the antidote to anyone who sees age only as a time of loss and decline,” Shafer said. “We reach out to the most interesting and inspiring people alive and share their stories to prove that a fulfilling future of passion and purpose is within reach of us all.”

During his 25 years at WESH-TV, Shafer did it all – excelling as a news anchor, sports anchor, feature reporter, celebrity interviewer and host of “Discover Orlando,” “A Closer Look” and “Positively Central Florida.”

“Bill is a prolific talent,” said Growing Bolder Founder and CEO Marc Middleton. “He’s a world-class producer, renowned storyteller and an effortless on-air talent. His ability to tackle any project has been critical to our success.”

Shafer, a University of Missouri journalism graduate, was named one of Orlando TV’s Golden 50 people whose work “made an impact on the region and its viewers” by local TV historian, Roger Simmons.

Shafer’s easy humor and accessible style also has made him a popular speaker and emcee at numerous charity events. His community service has earned him the Golden Leaf Award and the Key to the City of Winter Springs.

Away from work, Shafer has been a youth ice hockey coach for over a decade.


About Growing Bolder LLC. Growing Bolder is headquartered in Orlando, Florida. The company includes multi-media platforms that include entertaining, educational content for TV, radio, podcasts, magazine and social media aimed at the 50+ audience. The company was founded by Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Marc Middleton.

CONTACT:
Doris Bloodsworth, APR
407-797-9393
[email protected]

Related Stories 12 of 31

Related Stories 12 of 31

Mike Leonard is Growing Bolder

Press

Mike Leonard, a multiple Emmy Award-winning journalist, New York Times best-selling author, filmmaker and public speaker, is joining Growing Bolder to continue his quest to share stories of common humanity.

Read Full Story