1-7-2012
WIQI-FM (101.1) has hired Phillips who arrives from New York City where he was most recently Head of Promotion and Artist Development at Megaforce Records. In addition to that, he was on-air at WRXP (101.9 FM) New York ? New Rock 101.9. Philips starts today.
Why did you resign?
On paper, it makes no sense to leave a good salary. But I was repeating myself, painting in one corner of the canvas over and over. I?ve taken DG?s products as far as I can ? and am leaving the company is very good shape. I am inspired by growing things, exploring new ideas, and developing creative solutions. So, I intend to combine all of my skills and reinvent myself. I?m a product guy with good marketing instincts. I am a proven leader with a history of winning. So, I hope to bundle my skills and dive into an exciting, new venture.
How long were you with DG and what were your responsibilities?
I joined Dial Global in 2008 to oversee all of the company?s programming. I led a staff of 150 programmers, jocks, and imaging and promotion people. On my first day, DG acquired Jones Radio Networks. So, my first job was to merge their 24/7 formats business with Dial Global?s. I did the same when we acquired the Waitt Networks. I was responsible for programing 20 formats, delivered to 1650 stations. Dial has an 80 share of the formats business.
I?ve also been responsible for sharpening all of DG?s shows and services. Most recently, I?ve been retooling the programming we inherited from Westwood One.
How are you leaving your position? Is someone taking over or is that position being eliminated?
The EVP Programming role is being eliminated. My job duties will be spread among Kirk Stirland (President), Phil Barry (VP/GM), and my Programming VPs (David Felker, Tim Maranville, and John Paul). That said, DG's programming is in great shape and I?ve assembled a great team who?ll continue the mission.
Are you leaving the company on good terms?
Absolutely. I don?t burn bridges and chose to leave on a high note. Spencer Brown, David Landau, and Ken Williams have been great to me. And I leave feeling proud of what I?ve built for DG. So, I?m making a seamless transition and intend remain friends with the company. I remain their biggest fan.
What is your opinion of the network business?
Stations have fewer resources now. So, Dial Global?s philosophy was to deliver what stations need, but can?t do on their own. We evolved the definition of radio syndication beyond late-night filler programs. So, I spent a lot of time talking with programmers to better understand their challenges. Then we?d go to work developing must-have shows, services and products to suit stations? needs.
What were your biggest accomplishments at Dial Global?
1) The company entrusted me with the creative reins to shape our 24/7 formats, shows, and services. So I led the charge to make Dial Global?s products be the gold standard. Today, DG?s formats are heard on 1600-plus stations, with an 80 share of the formats business. They sound great and can compete in any size market.
2) I managed DG?s programming through a tremendous amount of change. The company has quadrupled in size over the last four years. I was the architect who recruited and reorganized the programming team, while setting high quality standards for all of our products.
3) Along the way, I was asked to manage Dial Global?s Marketing and Promotion departments (in my spare time). I restructured those teams and established a vision and wove them into our programming and sales
4) I recently installed a plan to reinvigorate TM Studios, including a new line of 360 Imaging packages. Also evolved our MTV Networks prep services with a video-centric approach. I am most inspired by reading the marketplace and launching exciting new products to fill those needs.
Where do you think DG will be five years from now?
Dial Global has a strong management team who?s already pursuing other revenue streams to supplement spot sales. That will be a big priority, I suspect. Strategic partnerships are likely, Now with DG?s sports assets (NFL, NCAA etc.), you may see an emphasis on event marketing.
Give us your thoughts on the radio industry as a whole right now?
- I am a product guy, so I am biased. But I believe that many broadcasters are focusing on the wrong things. Our problems will not be solved by getting FM chips in mobile phones, station apps, or streaming channels. To paraphrase Bill Clinton, ?It?s the content, stupid." Without compelling personalities and relevant content, the distribution doesn?t matter.
- Ratings don?t matter if you can?t deliver for your advertisers. Clients have too many options that quantify who they?re reaching, and their effectiveness. Our six-minute "bowtie" spot sets can?t compete with page views and click-throughs.
- I love Bob Pittman?s enthusiasm. And I know that many people like radio. But I wonder how many love it? To me, that?s what missing on many stations.
What should radio concentrate on?
I would start with:
- Build a lasting brand. Radio jukeboxes can?t compete against stations who create an emotional bond with listeners. Engage listeners and create loyalty through clever personalities, topical and timely info, and music discovery.
- Stop trying to outsmart PPM.
- Invest in personalities. They are our biggest competitive advantage. Not one station in the Top 50 markets wins with ?more music? in AM Drive.
- Focus on adding great content. Too much attention is being paid to eliminating anything that listeners might tune OUT. But not enough effort is made to add exciting content to encourage tune IN. The game is all about creating more listening ?instances."
- Realize that you can?t "cut to success." Now that broadcasters are running lean operations, it?s time for Act II -- Growing The Stations. Look to brilliant stations like WTOP, KISW, and WBEB as your beacon. Successful companies know the winning formula is People, Product, Promotion, Profit?in that order. The shrink and starve approach just can?t sustain. You can?t, and will drive yourself crazy trying.
What do you plan to do next?
I am naturally drawn to innovation and creative ideas. So, I plan to follow my entrepreneurial spirit. I am excited by digital products, mobile gaming, and social media opportunities. If there?s a music, entertainment, or media angle, all the better. I?ve got a proven history of leadership. From creating the vision, developing a plan, motivating my team, and leading the charge. So, I am considering several options and may not take one job. I might get involved in several ventures until one takes off. It would take something extraordinary to keep me in radio.
Reach out to Beau at beau.phillips@gmail.com
Add a Comment Send This Story To A Friend
Wilson Phillips' "Hold On" is reaching a new audience thanks to the film "Bridesmaids," 21 years after the song hit No. 1. It's one of the key tracks in the movie, whose 13-song Relativity Music Group soundtrack also boasts Blondie's "Rip Her to Shreds," a cover of Violent Femmes' "Blister in the Sun" by Nouvelle Vague and songs by Hole and Smokey Robinson.
Even though Carnie Wilson has a small part in the Judd Apatow-produced film -- which opened May 13 and took in $26.2 million on its first weekend, according to BoxOfficeMojo.com -- a 20-minute conversation with her makes it clear she could've played a much bigger role. Effusive and hysterically funny, Wilson wraps up the call by saying that she's taking her mother and some friends to see "Bridesmaids" again. Only this time, she's wearing a pantyliner. "I peed my pants laughing so hard the first time I saw it," she says. "So this time I'm totally prepared."
Video: Wilson Phillips, "Hold On"
Wilson, along with Chynna Phillips and sister Wendy Wilson, should also be prepared to step back into the spotlight. "Hold On" rises 620%, with sales increasing from 1,000 to 6,000 downloads, according to Nielsen SoundScan. While the band's latest record, a Christmas album released last year by Sony Masterworks, sold minimally last week, the trio's catalog has shifted 4.2 million units since SoundScan began tracking sales in 1991.
Winston Simone, who co-manages the group, says he arrived at work on May 18 to find two messages from TV showrunners asking about the group's availability -- and that the phone has been ringing nonstop. Wilson Phillips charted three No. 1s on the Billboard Hot 100 in the early '90s. Having released its last studio album, "California," in 2004, the act has played select dates as a trio while simultaneously pursuing acting careers, writing books and raising children.
A fan of such earlier Apatow-produced comedies as "Knocked Up" and "Superbad," Carnie says the group's publicist Lizzie Grubman "was the one who made 'Bridesmaids' happen. I'm more of a music business chick than a movie business chick, though, so actually shooting the scene was a new experience for me."
Carnie says the scene where she and her bandmates play at the wedding of Maya Rudolph's character was an all-day affair. "We were there until two in the morning, but it was amazing," she says. "We spent time with Kristen Wiig, who is hysterical and so talented. We were just laughing the entire time."
Although the film has reignited fond memories for the act's longtime fans and introduced the trio to a whole new generation, Carnie says a Wilson Phillips blitz isn't likely. "It takes a lot of money to capitalize on something," she says with a laugh. "We are doing select dates around the country. We have four in June [including Mount Pleasant, Mich.], one in July, a few in August and then some in December. We've also had to turn down gigs because they've been one-offs, and it doesn't make sense financially to do them."
She adds that she has no desire to tackle the arena circuit, either. "We've been touring quietly for the past two years, and I'm really happy with the venues that we are playing, like performing arts centers and the occasional casino," she says.
But fans will have a new album to look forward to: a collection of covers featuring tracks by the Mamas & the Papas and the Beach Boys, which Carnie says will likely be released next January on Sony Masterworks. She adds that the group is in the early stages of talking to a network about a reality show that would follow the trio through the recording and touring process. For now, Carnie says she's just excited to be part of "Bridesmaids" and that she loves the film's message. "It's all about the evolution of female friendships," she says. "And that's something I can definitely relate to."
Log in to create your profile, speak your mind and connect with listeners like you.
Already a member? Sign in now, or log in with your Facebook account.For the full Billboard experience, you need to be a member. Sign up. It's free.
Your password has been sent to the email address you provided. Please sign in below :
Log in through Facebook instead.