4-17-13
One of the most highly anticipated annual lists from Radio Ink Magazine, The Best Program Directors in America, comes out officially on Monday. This list may soon be called "The Best Brand Managers in America." From our research we learned that's the way the position is headed. And, in fact, that's exactly what they're called at Saga Communications. The job of a PD today entails so many things: the product that on the air, the product that comes out of a device, that sits on the Web, delivered on Twitter and Facebook and Pinterest and Instagram. It?s the videos, the podcasts, the apps, and however else the product is delivered today, or might be delivered tomorrow. And let us not forget about the original PD tasks of managing and developing talent, listening to music, managing the GM, working with sales, and stressing about ratings. Who earned that top spot for 2013? Chris Conley from Clear Channel's WLTW in New York.
Conley has been in the radio business for 34 years, 22 of those years as a PD. WLTW in New York is a ratings powerhouse and the station has had an incredible run over the past 18 months with record audience shares. Conley is a great strategist and a respected coach and says he still gets a rush downloading the ratings every Monday.
Being a successful PD in 2013, according to Conley, means having the discipline to make the right decisions at the right time. ?A series of wrong decisions, whether it be music choice or direction, marketing or talent, can sink a brand,? he says. ?That has always been the case in our business. With reduced marketing budgets, it?s ore important than ever to really be sure about every single decision that involves the brand. Today it takes a more versatile skill set and knowledge base than ever before. Today?s PD should grasp social and digital strategies, know marketing that moves the needle, and understand how to really coach talent.?
Congratulate Chris for being the 2013 King of the PD Hill ChrisConleyNYC@clearchannel.com
Here are a few stats from our 2013 Best PD List (Major Markets)
- Clear Channel scored five of the top ten spots
- CBS had three of the top ten positions
- Two of the top five PD's are females
For young programmers looking to learn from the best, each and every PD on our 2013 list has advice on how to become a great PD in 2013 and beyond. This is extremely valuable information during a time in our business these positions are dwindling. To subscribe to the Digital edition of Radio Ink (for only $49.00 per year for 20 issues) in time to receive this issue GO HERE.
To receive your own digital copy (PDF) of this list you can cherish forever for $9.95 call 561-655-8778.
(4/18/2013 2:18:54 PM)
Chris Conley has one of the MOST FOCUSED and listener targeted stations on the globe...He and his Lite FM staff have put in great W-O-R-K...
This honor is more than well deserved!
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