4-3-15
Hearst owned WBAL in Baltimore announced three promotions Thursday including Malarie Pinkard who was promoted to News Director. Pinkard, who started out as a researcher at Hearst, is now responsible for all aspects of all operations and production for the largest newsroom in Maryland. Also, Mike Wellbrock is promoted to Assistant Program Director and Johnny Goldsmith is promoted to Executive Producer.
1-15-2015
Roe Conn heads to afternoons on WGN and John Williams moves to weekend duties. So, the new weekday lineup starting the 26th at WGN shakes out like this: Steve Cochran 5-9 a.m., The Bill and Wendy show moves to 9 a.m.-noon from their current 3-7 p.m. shift, Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano stay in place with The Business Lunch from noon-1 and in their 1-3 p.m.shift, Roe Conn will host afternoon drive from 3-7 p.m. Evenings and overnights will stay the same. John Williams starts his Saturday shift on January 31.
Commenting on the Roe Conn move to mornings, WGN Radio VP of content and programming Todd Manley says, "Roe craves what's behind the curtain of breaking news. He's a master of investigative conversation, so you'll learn and you'll laugh. We're building an even stronger bridge between our radio journalists at the Tribune Tower and the incomparable newsroom at WGN-TV."
Explaining Williams' move to weekends, Manley notes, "Two shows in two cities -- five days a week -- is just too much for someone who crafts talk the way John does and WCCO has first rights to John."
Just in case Chicago listeners can't keep up with the changes, Manley will host a live blog Q&A at 2 p.m. on wgnplus.com to address WGN listeners' questions and comments on the changes.
(1/15/2015 10:48:01 PM)
Just heard today that John Williams is moving again. If he's moving because that is what he wants, then, I'm fine with that. If WGN is moving him, than I'm not. I give up the view to listen to John. He's intelligent , caring & sounds like an all around nice guy. We will listen to him on Saturday's but to be honest it's hard to keep up with all of WGN's changes. Hope Kathy& Judy still
have a spot. First time responder to change. Pat Murray
(1/15/2015 1:01:05 PM)
what happens to Kathy and Judy?
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1-9-2015
iHeartMedia announced today that Tony Banks will be the new Regional Programming Manager for St. Louis, Wichita and Springfield, effective immediately. He will oversee all programming operations for the St. Louis, Wichita and Springfield stations, and continue his duties as part of iHeartMedia's Talent Coaching Team under Dennis Clark. Banks recently held the Regional Programming Manager position overseeing Fresno, Riverside-San Bernardino, Bakersfield, Monterey- Salinas, Modesto and Stockton as well as Las Vegas, and Tucson.
Carl Anderson, Executive Vice President of Programming, iHeartMedia notes, "It?s encouraging to see our best and brightest advance within iHeartMedia. We are extremely excited to have a proven leader like Tony Banks join the amazing team in St. Louis as part of the Midwest leadership team."
6-24-14
18 months after recovering from a stroke Mitch Henck was fired from his on-air job at WIBA-AM in Wisconsin. The 52-year old spent over 12 years as a talk show host on the station, not really taking a right wing or left wing position. ?It was general talk. I was not cookie-cutter left or right. That turned me off. I?m not going to walk lock-step with anyone.? Henck tells the Wisconsin State Journal Clear Channel let him know yesterday that the decision was budget-related, not ratings, and says he's not sad or bitter about the firing. Read the full story HERE (picture courtesy Wisconsin State Journal).
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5-30-14
Cumulus has made multiple promotions and changes in several markets, including Cincinnati, Topeka, Reno, and Boise. WRRM Cincinnati PD Chris Huneke becomes PD for Country-formatted WNNF (NASH), replacing Mike Scott who departs the company. Huneke will continue to work with several Cumulus AC stations in a music advisory capacity. Greg Dunkin moves from PD of Topeka stations KMAJ (AC) and KWIC (Classic Hits) to PD at WRRM.
Topeka Operations Manager and KDVV Program Director Forrest Smithkors segues to Cumulus co-owned Classic Rock KKGL in Boise as Program Director. Steve Mills joins Cumulus Topeka from Clear Channel Allentown as new Program Director of KWIC and KDVV. Amber Lee is promoted from APD to Program Director of both KMAJ and KTOP. WMIM Toledo/Monroe (AC) Program Director/Morning personality Ryan Nutter transfers to KNEV-FM (AC) Reno as Program Director/Morning personality. He replaces Doug Daniels.
1-28-14
Clear Channel Cleveland makes the announcement that Chris Tyler is the new PD for WMMS, WAKS, and 99X. He'll come over from Clear Channel Providence where he was VP of Programming for the cluster, and PD for Rocker WHJY-FM. Tyler began his career in 1998 in Boston where he spent more than 10 years, including a stint as PF for KISS 108 WXKS-FM. Tyler clocks in on Monday, February 17.
3-23-2013
I'm always amazed at the number of talents who envision their audience as a group of avid fans who listen to their show in its entirety. Morning talents who say ?I did that in the 6 a.m. hour? don?t understand how many different audience groups rotate through their show.
You can do a bit or feature in the 6:00 a.m. hour, then recycle it again in the 8:00 a.m. The people who heard it at 6 are gone. Ratings reviews show us that a typical four-hour show may have four to eight audience groups. The audience really turns over that many times, and this impacts the packaging of the show.
Knowing your audience?s commute times provides a way to package on-air information and even commercial breaks.
In Arbitron diary hard-copy book markets, look to the turnover report to see how many audience groups you have in a daypart. You can compute turnover by dividing daily cume by daily AQH.
Talk formats operate on a 10-minute cycle that restarts the show constantly. That helps avoid recent tune-ins being left out of the program.
PPM-metered ratings show the audience arrives and leaves every minute. As you listen to your stations, regardless of format, how long does it take a random tune-in to become familiar and ?invited??
Know what your competitor is up to on their morning show. Monitor your top morning show competitors and understand what they do, and why.
Programming Crisis: Slow the Audience Turnover?
Common comment from GM: The morning show doesn?t work ? not local, not fun, not funny, not entertaining.
If the morning show doesn?t relate, fix it now before the fall ratings sweep begins in less than a month (September 12). If you?re not sounding local with lots of relatable content, you?re no better than XM. Stations need more than a jukebox. It's about being live, local, relevant, and part of the community 24/7.
Reach out to Tom Watson at 310 - 498-5990 or Jtwatson225@yahoo.com
(8/24/2013 11:42:08 AM)
Tom's comments - like so many other PD's and consultants - presumes the talent is speaking directly TO an audience member or a segment of the overall audience. (This, logically, also EXCLUDES a lot of folks during any given break.)
Not only is this not true, it will never be true. Not in a one-on-unspecified medium like radio.
Further, presuming that such a position is accurate will accomplish only one thing: It will make the talent and the programmers stone-cold nuts.
While Tom's generalizations about improvement are pertinent, I believe any attempts to go beyond those by using the traditional approaches and strategies radio now applies are behaviors that will only guarantee fittings for "rubber room" garb.
3-23-2013
I'm always amazed at the number of talents who envision their audience as a group of avid fans who listen to their show in its entirety. Morning talents who say ?I did that in the 6 a.m. hour? don?t understand how many different audience groups rotate through their show.
You can do a bit or feature in the 6:00 a.m. hour, then recycle it again in the 8:00 a.m. The people who heard it at 6 are gone. Ratings reviews show us that a typical four-hour show may have four to eight audience groups. The audience really turns over that many times, and this impacts the packaging of the show.
Knowing your audience?s commute times provides a way to package on-air information and even commercial breaks.
In Arbitron diary hard-copy book markets, look to the turnover report to see how many audience groups you have in a daypart. You can compute turnover by dividing daily cume by daily AQH.
Talk formats operate on a 10-minute cycle that restarts the show constantly. That helps avoid recent tune-ins being left out of the program.
PPM-metered ratings show the audience arrives and leaves every minute. As you listen to your stations, regardless of format, how long does it take a random tune-in to become familiar and ?invited??
Know what your competitor is up to on their morning show. Monitor your top morning show competitors and understand what they do, and why.
Programming Crisis: Slow the Audience Turnover?
Common comment from GM: The morning show doesn?t work ? not local, not fun, not funny, not entertaining.
If the morning show doesn?t relate, fix it now before the fall ratings sweep begins in less than a month (September 12). If you?re not sounding local with lots of relatable content, you?re no better than XM. Stations need more than a jukebox. It's about being live, local, relevant, and part of the community 24/7.
Reach out to Tom Watson at 310 - 498-5990 or Jtwatson225@yahoo.com
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5-23-13
Today we begin a series of interviews with winning program directors at successful news and news/talk stations around the country. Our first interview is with Tim Scheld, the Director of News and Programming at WCBS-AM in New York City. What is the WCBS secret to success? "Our mission has been the same since the radio station started its all-News format back in 1967, to be New York?s number one trusted source for news and information on the radio. You get that by delivering a product that is reliable, timely, honest, and compelling."
Talk about the success of WCBS.
I think the most important factors in the success of WCBS-AM are the consistency of the news product and the quality of the people behind it. Our mission has been the same since the radio station started its all-News format back in 1967, to be New York?s number one trusted source for news and information on the radio. You get that by delivering a product that is reliable, timely, honest, and compelling. You get that by having talented news anchors who communicate information and provide context that only experience can provide.
The other key to success for us is to have a team of reporters who can bring listeners out to the scene of breaking
news with sound and word pictures. It?s an art that we hope never to lose sight of. It?s why we decorated our new facility at Hudson Street with a large photograph of Edward R. Murrow behind a CBS Radio microphone. His words captured the imagination of an entire nation during World War II. The photo reminds us that our words can be powerful and important. I want people here to take that responsibility seriously. We take our heritage very seriously.
How do you create that special connection between station and listener?
The bond between listener and radio station is something that takes years to develop. The foundation of that bond is trust. Our job is to deliver a product that we hope will be of value to the people listening. If we do that on a consistent basis, listeners will make a conscious choice to listen to us. Over time, that develops into an implied contract that whenever there is a need, we will be there. But it?s not just about having what people need; it?s about how the information is conveyed. There needs to be an honesty and authenticity. That comes with having news personalities who can connect with listeners. We don?t put on any airs ? we are real people. We laugh at a good joke; we get mad at higher tolls, we cry inside when we are faced with stories like Sandy or Newtown. We are not just providing news to our community, we are members of the community delivering news, and hopefully that comes through in what we say, how we say it, even in the questions we ask. To be a successful News station in your community, you must.... It?s all about staying connected to the community, and understanding the responsibility of being a voice for the people in that community. First and foremost, I think it?s important to have a presence in the places you cover, and not just visit them in times of tragedy. That can be a challenge when you consider that in our Tri-State area we have hundreds of municipalities.
We also take seriously our responsibility to tell stories about the tremendous good going on across our listening area. These stories are the ones that provoke the most reaction and lead to new connections and new story ideas. I also feel strongly about building partnerships with community entities like the March of Dimes, WHY Hunger, the Special Olympics, and the 9/11 National Museum. These are organizations that we provide support to by helping them raise money and awareness. Another part of our commitment to the events that engage our listeners.
We run multiple events each year including several Small Business Breakfasts, ?The Business of Getting into College,? a Working Women?s Luncheon, and a Women?s Achievement Awards. These events help connect us to people in the communities we serve. They allow us to interact with listeners in a personal way and help us take the pulse of the people who listen to our station every day.
With the rapid growth of technology, how has gathering and delivering news changed the past 10 years?
First off, the equipment we use out on the street has changed significantly in the past 10 years. Smartphones are smarter. They allow reporters to take photos, tweet, post onto Facebook, record audio, and connect via broadband to deliver highquality live audio. The technical developments in the last few years have been breathtaking, and we continue to test new avenues all the time. We are also now seeing social media play a larger role in the delivery of news to consumers. While some might consider it competition to the traditional media, I actually view it as an opportunity for us to expose our reporting and newsgathering to an audience that may not normally consider radio news as a source of information. It?s an exciting time for us. Challenging, but exciting.
It?s almost as if listeners/consumers are telling you how they want their news delivered, isn?t it?
There isn?t a business on this planet that can afford to ignore how consumers use their product. Do people wake up to us on clock radios the way they used to? Do they stream us in their cars? Does Twitter deliver listeners to breaking news? It?s a fascinating time for our business. I am encouraged by studies that suggest that the demand for news and information is greater than ever. Our job is to figure out a way to make sure that our brand is one of the top choices.
Reach out to Tim Scheld at TScheld@wcbs880.com
Listen to WCBS NEWS RADIO HERE
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3-18-2013
Clear Channel moves Tommy Austin to the Windy City giving him the title of VP of Programming and Program Director for WLIT-FM. Austin has been Regional Program Manager for Clear Channel in St. Louis and Kansas. He replaces Tony Coles who was recently promoted to Clear Channel Media and Entertainment?s Senior Vice President of Programming for the West Region.
Market Manager Earl Jones said, "Tommy Austin will bring more than two decades of programming experience to the Chicago market. We look forward to him providing his tremendous programming expertise to the market and enhancing our already high-performing stations." Austin added, "I am beyond thrilled to join Clear Channel Chicago and learn from the seasoned Program Directors and staff. I would like to thank the entire Clear Channel team ? I'm very enthusiastic to start this next chapter in my life."
Austin's career includes programming roles for Clear Channel stations in Minneapolis, Portland, and Austin, with experience in AC, CHR, Oldies (Rhythmic/Classic Hits), Classic Rock, Urban AC/Mainstream, Inspirational, Country, and News Talk.
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3-1-2013
Clear Channel makes the announcement of the Tony Coles promotion who most recently served in a dual role as VP of Programming for Clear Channel Chicago and National Hot AC Brand Manager. Prior to that, Coles held the position as Clear Channel's Regional VP of Programming for the West and Operations Manager in Portland, Ore. Coles will report to Brian Olson, Senior VP of Operations, and will be based out of Chicago. Coles starts his new job on March 15.
2-8-2013
Most great radio and TV shows have opening theme music, songs, or stagers that become familiar to listeners or viewers as a signal that the show is starting. It?s an opportunity to brand your show and engage the audience. Several approaches can work.
Consider these points in your show open:
-- Keep them short. Even signature songs like a good parody work best when they are 60 seconds or less.
-- Use great clips from your show to give listeners an idea of your content and/or characters. Jeff and Jer on KyXy/San Diego use a funny clip from the day before. Ace & TJ, Channel 96.1/Charlotte, Syndicated, start their show with one of the best clips from the previous day, or they replay ?part one? from a bit the day before and tease ?part two? that?s coming up on today?s show.
-- We also like the idea of playing a characterizing and entertaining clip of each show player. The clip could be from the day before or any previous show. It?s important to keep them fresh. Pop culture drops can be used sparingly, yet not in lieu of clips from your show since they are not part of your brand.
The opening talk break ideally contains a big topical story or three buzz-worthy stories for people just waking up. Engaging personal conversations can work too. Aimless chit-chat just to get you warmed up does not work because there?s nothing in it for listeners. Have the host introduce each show player to set up the show so the listeners not as familiar with the show can follow who is talking. This technique is similar to the way TV shows open by listing and showing the characters.
End your first break with an enticing 80-20 tease of content that?s coming up in the next segment. Create enough mystery in your tease that it compels listeners to stay with your show to hear it. Avoid laundry listing everything that?s coming up in your show because it?s early and that?s too much information for people?s brains to process. The exception of hitting more than one tease would be for something huge coming up later in the show like a big guest or money giveaway.
Since only a small percentage of your audience is going to hear the show open at 5:30 a.m. or 6 a.m., and people start listening to the show throughout the whole morning, consider having a ?show open? every hour where the lead host introduces everyone on the show and teases or resets the content.
Email randy@randylane.net
Read more at his website
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2-6-2013
By Buzz Knight
When you are trying to get your organization inside and out to improve the creative process, there?s a great new book out called ?Ninja Innovation? by Gary Shapiro that I recommend to help you. Shapiro is the head of the Consumer Electronics Association and his keen observations on what it takes to drive innovation are applicable in our fast-paced world of content delivery. He discusses the key elements that drive innovation: Discipline, Mission-oriented Strategy, Adaptability, and Decisiveness. But most importantly, he addresses the 10 secrets of ?Ninja Innovators? like Google, Apple, and Amazon, among others.
Here are the 10 secrets, and as you think of innovating to help your brand or organization I?m sure you can find applications for what you do:
1) YOUR GOAL IS VICTORY
Now more than ever the stakes are high for us all to succeed. Shapiro outlines everyone from Steve Jobs to Thomas Edison to highlight the relentless pursuit of victory. Their ability to adapt, adjust, and dominate was second to none. Failure or second best are not options and if failure does occur the lesson will guide victory in the future. Is your organization nimble enough to adapt and adjust before you dominate? Some organizations don?t even dream big enough to obtain victory.
2) YOUR STRIKE FORCE
Surrounding yourself with the brightest minds around you is the key to your success in striving for ?Ninja Innovation.? Once again Shapiro highlights the legendary Thomas Edison and addresses the notion of him being a one man show. In fact Edison had a 40-person team of scientists and technicians that made up his ?Strike Force.? Gary also highlights the case study of Meg Whitman and eBAY along with how she built the team and the brand into what it is today. Have your really looked around you to determine whether your ?Strike Force? meets your standards for excellence?
3) IN WAR, RISK IS UNAVOIDABLE
Shapiro talks in this chapter about Intel and what they did not only in presenting at CES but also to build the company into a great success. The Intel booth and the show became known as ?the Intel Experience? and literally made you feel like you were touching the future. The message they conveyed was that the Intel brand was way ahead of everyone else. The ability to go to war and take risks has to start with a passionate internal core belief from the top.
?Entrepreneurial Optimism? is how he describes it when also talking about successful leaders like Jeff Bezos from Amazon. These leaders aren?t likely to abandon their dreams quickly. All important attributes for ?Ninja Innovators? percolating in your radio station.
4) PREPARE FOR BATTLE
For ?Ninja Innovation? to succeed it has to be clearly understood that there is no quick and easy path. Shapiro highlights the challenge of ?delayed gratification? and the role it plays in becoming a ?Ninja.? Practice and self-disciplines are key components for battle preparedness. Patience, listening, information gathering, and education are vital for your battle armor. Are you prepared for your battle so you come out victorious?
5) THE ART OF WAR
By emulating the great companies and setting the standards for ?brilliance at the basics? you are arming yourself for the ?Art of War.? Ninjas truly have a passion for getting the basics right in the manner by which they serve the customer. Knowing the customer (once again using Jeff Bezos as an example) is a critical piece of how Shapiro outlines mastering ?The Art of War.? Are you ready to master ?The Art of War.??
6) THE NINJA CODE
A code of conduct, according to Shapiro, is critical to ?Ninja Innovation.? By having a commitment to your craft and self-discipline in your pursuit of excellence you become more poised as a company seeking innovation. Included in the ?Ninja Code? is a culture of honesty that should exist within one?s team. By wanting your team to tell you hard truths you increase team loyalty and ?ninja precision.?
7) NINJAS BREAK THE RULES
By having a rigid adherence to your traditional methods you are creating a detour away from innovation and problem solving. As Shapiro puts it, ?Once the way it?s always been done stops working, a ninja innovator doesn?t hesitate to try new things."
8) INNOVATE OR DIE
In ?Ninja Innovation? Shapiro talks about the Ford Motor Company led by Allan Mulally and his passion for innovation. Mulally transformed the company from an automotive company to a technology company and in turn saved the Ford Motor Company with the ?Innovate or Die? spirit. How can you instill that same passion in your organization?
9) AN ARMY OF NINJAS
Although ?Ninja Innovation? highlights the talents of individuals, the success of great teams or armies isn?t lost on Shapiro. By sparking the ?Innovation Movement,? our country is better suited to weather any economic challenges we face.
10) THE SHADOW WARRIOR
Once again Shapiro uses Amazon as a great example of the stealth view of innovation. By steadily expanding its US warehouse network to put product inventories close enough to large markets, they are getting closer to same-day delivery. Incremental growth in the innovation process can yield great success even at your own radio station or cluster.
The Consumer Electronics Show always instills a great spirit of innovation when I attend and ?Ninja Innovation? by Gary Shapiro is a great companion piece to spark your creative process.
Buzz Knight is the Vice President of Program Development for Greater Media and he can be reached at bknight@greatermediaboston.com. Knight was named among ?Best Programmers? by Radio Ink Magazine in 2007 and 2010. He has served on the programming subcommittee of the National Association of Broadcasters(NAB) and is currently a member of the Arbitron Radio Advisory Council and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) COLRAM Committee.
(2/6/2013 7:33:42 PM)
Buzz has gathered significant credibility and respect in these parts. Plus, I have no idea if he shares similar experiences and frustrations of other teachers/trainers/coaches in radio.
With that in mind, and as I consider the 10 provided examples, I have to wonder which radio organization, if any, are putting those concepts into practice.
Even as managers nod (knowingly) and may even be paying some form of lip-service to the edicts, one continues to search for an organization that is putting the strategies into play. Beyond "lip-service", I mean.
Rich McLaughlin
CLEAR CHANNEL MUSIC + ENTERTAINMENT has named RICH MCLAUGHLIN Dir./Digital Music Programming for its National Programming Platforms team.
He will oversee the Digital Music Programming team and create new brands for the iHEARTRADIO platform, as well as work with the sales and partnerships teams on growing digital revenue and iHEARTRADIO branding awareness.
MCLAUGHLIN, who was Digital Program Dir. for CLEAR CHANNEL DIGITAL from 2009 to 2011, will assume his new duties on JAN. 2nd.
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12-18-2012
Dial Global and NBC Sports have rolled out their NBC Sports Radio Weekend programming. It's a 48 hour block that launches on Saturday, January 5th. In the announcement, NBC Sports Radio also said it will launch the rest of its weekday 6A-7P lineup on April 1st, 2013. Here is the new NBC Sports Radio weekend lineup.
SATURDAY
7am-9am, ET Safety Blitz with Rodney Harrison
9am-12n, ET The Clay Travis Show
12n-3pm, ET The Anita Marks Show
3pm-6pm, ET The Brian Webber Show
6pm-9pm, ET The Newy Scruggs Show
9pm-1am, ET The Jason Page Show
SUNDAY
1am-5am, ET The Rob Buska Show
5am-8am, ET The Jim Daniels Show
8am-9am, ET Speaking of Sports with Rob Simmelkjaer
9am-12n, ET Sunday Mornings with Jon Stashower
12n-3pm, ET The Anita Marks Show
3pm-6pm, ET The Brian Webber Show
6pm-9pm, ET The Chris Mannix Show
9pm-1am, ET The Jason Page Show
NBC Sports Radio weekend programming will also include contributions from NBC Sports television commentators Hines Ward, Stan Van Gundy, Rodney Harrison, Michelle Beadle, Amani Toomer, Doug Flutie and other personalities.
The NBC Sports Radio current roster includes --
The Erik Kuselias Show, Monday-Friday, 7 - 10pm, ET
Amani and Eytan, Monday-Friday, 10pm - 1am, ET: featuring former NFL pro Amani Toomer and Eytan Shander
The Dan Schwartzman Show, Monday-Friday, 1am - 5am, ET
Safety Blitz with Rodney Harrison
24/7 anchored national updates featuring Jon Stashower, Kay Adams and Dan Schwartzman
12-5-2012
Clear Channel Sacramento makes the announcement that Ken Charles is now their Vice President of Programming. Charles will oversee programming for the six-station cluster as well as continuing his position as National Brand Coordinator for News Talk and Sports. Charles most recently served as Director of Programming for Clear Channel Miami?s WIOD and WINZ.
Charles began his radio career in 1995 as Director of Programming and News for WSYR and WHEN in Syracuse, N.Y. In 1998, he joined the Clear Channel team and was named Director of Programming for WGST and Georgia News Network in Atlanta. He later served as Regional Vice President of Programming for Clear Channel?s Texas markets as well as Operations Manager for Clear Channel Houston and Director of Programming for KTRH, KPRC, and KBME.
12-3-2012
Radio One says it will be consolidating its Syndication One Urban programming line-up with Reach Media in 2013. The new combined programming lineup includes Tom Joyner, Rickey Smiley, Russ Parr, Yolanda Adams, Reverend Al Sharpton, Warren Ballentine, and CoCo Brother. In 2013, Reach Media will use its strong affiliate lineup and relationships with leading Urban stations to also launch a new network. Radio One will also increase its ownership stake in Reach Media from 53 percent to 80 percent.
Radio One CEO and President Alfred Liggins said, ?Radio One has a commitment to be the leader in radio and online programming with compelling entertainment and information for the African-American audience. Combining our assets under Reach Media offers an incredibly broad platform for affiliate stations and advertisers to connect with our loyal audience.?
Reach media CEO David Kantor said, ?In bringing together the most compelling Urban programming in radio, we?ve created a platform that can focus on outstanding talent for our affiliates and the delivery of an incredibly responsive consumer base. We look forward to expanding our offerings and becoming the primary radio network for advertisers to reach African- Americans.?
(12/4/2012 6:39:56 AM)
Does this mean more of the Afro-American equivalents of John Tesh, Ryan Seacrest and Donny Osmond?
Seems to me that another vibrant and important audience sector is about to get their butts patronized with more superficiality - again.
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11-16-2012
Jimmy Gonzalez has been named VP of Spanish Programming for CBS and Program Director for KMVK in Dallas. Gonzalez has more than 20 years in the business covering management, marketing and programming. He spent six years as Senior VP of Programming at Univision in Dallas. He's also held programming and operations positions with Univision and Hispanic Broadcasting in Houston and San Antonio. He began his career in the Rio Grande Valley and Corpus Christi.
CBS currently has four Spanish-language stations, KMVK-FM in Dallas, KLOL-FM in Houston, WLZL-FM in DC and WYUU in Tampa.
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11-13-2012
As we approach Thanksgiving, a vital charity season, it's important to set the record straight regarding cause-related charity radio content and the effects on PPM ratings.
When the new electronic measurement first hit the scene as early as 2002, discussion began as to the negative effects of these events on ratings. There were examples of day-long radiothon events that showed a steep ratings decline. In these cases, a station would see the return of audience as immediate as the next day, yet the results created doubt in the mind of some programmers.
Just as fear and doubt produced a strong reaction among many of the radio masses, to exit from these events and create a safer experience, many had the steadfast courage to believe in what's right. They heard the voice inside their head saying it's right to serve their community and realize these cause-related events are an important part of the brand and what it stands for.
Sadly some of the programming strategists decided to go the safe route and make charity-driven cause-related activities a less vital part of their brand. In attempting to set the record straight, I applaud all of the great charity work that radio is currently involved in for Red Cross Hurricane Sandy relief.
Hearing this great work come out of the speakers while listening to the Greater Media properties I work with makes me proud. I applaud companies like CBS that I also hear very active in doing the right thing to help those in need in post-Hurricane Sandy relief. As you think of your own brand today, I ask you to reconsider your charity strategies and your method of execution so you CAN find a way to erase or minimize ratings paranoia.
Maybe you can not only develop some new best practices in this area but you can find a way to make these strategies actually enhance your ratings and your brand. Radio's place is too important in serving our communities that we can't afford to not reconsider our approach.
Buzz Knight is the Vice President of Program Development for Greater Media and he can be reached at bknight@greatermediaboston.com. Knight was named among ?Best Programmers? by Radio Ink Magazine in 2007 and 2010. He has served on the programming subcommittee of the National Association of Broadcasters(NAB) and is currently a member of the Arbitron Radio Advisory Council and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) COLRAM Committee.
Read more articles by Buzz Knight HERE
(11/13/2012 9:38:32 AM)
Once again you are right on. Thanks
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11-2-2012
J.T. ?The Brick? joined FOX Sports Radio as the afternoon host in June
2001, and later became host of FOX GameTime React. Today, J.T. continues to deliver the latest sports news and information as he catches fans up on the day?s biggest events during his self-titled FOX Sports Radio overnight program. I spoke to J.T. about his career, the industry and his election prediction.
RL: You've obviously struck a nerve in the sports radio talk-show
business. What do you attribute your success to?
JT: My work ethic has been the key to any success I've had throughout my
career. I came from a sales background, and understood quickly that I
had to learn the business side of sports talk radio as I was
developing my on- air style. I enjoyed working long hours while
interacting with sports fans throughout the country, and always
understood that the audience had to be treated with respect if they
were going to stick around. My father will always remain my mentor and
he taught me at an early age that you need to outwork your competition
each day.
RL: I say the host makes the show, not the callers. You agree?
JT: Any good host controls the content and pace of their show, but good
callers and opinions can enhance sports talk radio. Hosting a national
show, I enjoy hearing the opinions of listeners in every market,
especially when they have a solid opinion or suggestion about what's
happening in their area in regard to a team or particular player.
Sometimes an educated fan who is a season ticket holder and lives and
dies with their local team or players may know a lot about a topic and
can benefit the show. I pride myself on giving strong opinions during
my show each night, and understand when to back up a solid caller who
makes a good point.
RL: How would you assess the state of radio these days?
JT: I'm excited about the state of radio as we?re slowly coming out of
this economic downturn. Sports radio continues to grow at an
accelerated pace and listeners continue to flock to this format. I'm
excited about iHeartRadio, satellite radio and other formats which
give listeners many choices for entertainment, and allows them to stay
connected 24/7. FOX Sports Radio and my show are available on all of
these. Working for Clear Channel/Premiere since 2001 has been an
honor, and it's exciting to see what lies ahead in the near future.
I'm always excited about sports because it's the ultimate reality show
and something exciting happens every few hours.
RL: If you didn't do sports-talk radio, what would you do?
JT: If I wasn't in radio, I would be in sales. To be successful in sales
you have to work extremely long, hard hours while building
relationships with valued customers. I would want to be in a career
where I could achieve my goals while having an unlimited upside. I'm
always thankful I decided to get into this business and have had
tremendous management and friends around to help achieve many of my
goals. I'm excited about what this industry has in store, and I'm
confident my best work is still to come.
RL: Who's going to win the election? Romney or Obama.
JT: I'm a political junkie, and can?t wait for election day. Living
in Las Vegas, I have seen the worst of the political ads. I think it?s
going to be a very close election and it?s hard to say who will win -
I didn't think the San Francisco Giants would make the playoffs six
months ago, let alone win the World Series.
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