Clear Channel Chooses Dennis Lamme to Run Philly

2-27-2012

Lamme comes to Philly from Pittsburgh where he was Market Manager. He's been with Clear Channel for 15 years. Lamme will continue his role as Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Team Captain for Total Traffic Network (TTN) which he began in January 2012. Tim McAleer, Director of Sales, has been named the interim Market Manager for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Pittsburgh.

Lamme replaces John Rohm who in January was named Senior Vice President of Operations overseeing the Southeast market.In 2009 Lamme joined Clear Channel Pittsburgh, where he oversaw the market?s six stations. He previously managed the company?s radio clusters in St. Louis and Albany, N.Y.  In addition to his tenure with Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, Lamme also served on the Board of Directors for the Association of Broadcasters in New York, Missouri and Pennsylvania.

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Does Arbitron Need Competition?

2-28-2012

Arbitron has certainly had its share of challenges and criticisms over the years. However it still stands as the main  service most advertising agencies rely on to place their buys. A point here or a share there could cost a station big money when that young buyer one one city faxes the order to a city she's probably never set foot in. Outside a local direct sales call, the reliability of the Arbitron numbers, whether they are from a diary or a PPM is vital. It's what has either gotten radio to 7% of the advertising pie, or, has kept us stuck there for so many years.

Arbitron has filed its annual report with the SEC. The document reveals many things, including how criticism can affect their business model. It also says several companies are developing a competing technology, it's becoming more difficult to recruit panelists and Clear Channel is to the ratings service what automotive is to radio...a very big egg in the basket.

Here are some of the details from the 133 page document that may interest you. Arbitron stated that it is aware of at least four companies developing technology that could become competitors. "They are: Civolution, GfK AG, Ipsos SA, and Nielsen, which are developing technologies that could compete with our PPM ratings service. Additionally, we are aware of several companies, including Anite plc, Ascom, CarrierIQ, Inc., comScore, Inc., Experian Simmons, Lumi Mobile, M:Metrics, Inc,, M?diam?trie, Nokia Siemens Networks, Nurago GmbH (GfK AG is the majority owner), Spirent Communications, and Telephia (a subsidiary of Nielsen) that compete with Arbitron Mobile's mobile audience services." The company also stated that Eastlan competed with them in 2011.

Arbitron also says Clear Channel Makes Up 1/5 of its revenue. "We depend on a limited number of key customers for our ratings services and related software. For example, in 2011, Clear Channel represented approximately 19 percent of our total revenue. Additionally, although the amount of contract term revenue associated with customer contracts expiring in 2012 is lower, as compared to historical standards, if one or more key customers do not renew all or part of their contracts as they expire, we could experience a significant decrease in our operating results."

Arbitron also stated that gathering participants for the PPM panels and dairies is growing more difficult. "It is increasingly difficult and costly to obtain consent from persons to participate in our research. In addition, it is increasingly difficult and costly to ensure the selected probability sample of persons mirrors the behaviors and characteristics of the entire population and covers all of the demographic segments requested by our clients. Additionally, as consumers adopt modes of communication other than traditional telephone service, such as mobile, cable and Internet calling, it may become more difficult for our services to reach and recruit participants for our audience measurement services. If we are unsuccessful in our efforts to recruit appropriate participants and maintain adequate participation levels, our clients may lose confidence in our ratings services and we could lose the support of the relevant industry groups. If this were to happen, our audience measurement services may be materially and adversely affected."

So, in order for radio to grow past 7%, do you think Arbitron needs Compeition?
Is it not a factor at your station?
Are you happy with the service you receive now?

Stations can read the entire Annual Report HERE

(2/28/2012 7:10:10 AM)
The radio industry is fortunate to have the numbers Arbitron publishes. The radio listening Arbitron reports is inflated and is no where near what the real listening is with Pandora, IPods/Phones, Satellite and the like. Arbitron can't take all that money from CC and others and tell the truth about radio listening or they'd be out of business. They must produce numbers that work for the industry or they're out of business.

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(AUDIO) One Quarter Of My Revenue Now Digital

Download this show

2-27-2012

Barry Leffler has owned WCHL-AM in Chapel Hill North Carolina for over two years now. The station has been around for 60 years. Last May, Leffler launched www.chapelboro.com to super-serve his local community, compete for print dollars and take full advantage of what the social media and digital world has to offer. Leffler says the revenue is surpassing his expectations and it is not cannibalizing his radio revenue. In our interview, Leffler discusses why he started Chapelboro.com, why the local community loves it, how his salespeople sell the site, how he's educating his advertisers and much more.

Listen to our interview HERE
Reach out to Barry HERE
Visit www.chapelboro.com

(2/27/2012 8:52:02 PM)
Having met Barry at a digital conference several years ago, I'm not at all surprised by this story. He has great vision and passion that makes exploring new opportunities a natural step. I can trace my current success to 5 years with Village in the 80's...my digital strategy is 100% founded on what Jim Heavner and Village taught me about good radio then...it still works perfectly. Good to see the tradition of excellence continuing!
(2/27/2012 7:42:50 PM)
Any revenue from "digital" HD Radio? LOL!
(2/27/2012 8:40:12 AM)
WCHL has always been a central part of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro-University of North Carolina metroplex. I am proud to have been a part of its heritage created by Roland "Sandy" McClamroch. (On-air jock in 1960-61 withbTy Boyd, Jim Heavener and Kenn Murphey) That WCHL has moved seamlessly into the digital age should be no surprise. While most people write off legacy AM stations, WCHL refuses to go away. More power to you!
(2/27/2012 7:56:29 AM)
Glad to see some exposure for this brilliant radio-to-online venture in Chapel Hill. Been watching it grow for a year now. One of the only cases of "hyperlocal" content I've seen work from a monetization basis. Real innovation -- from AM radio, no less!

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(SALES) 10 Tips To Increase Your Billing

2-28-2012

How much time do you actually spend in front of prospects or clients each day? Is it as much as 45 minutes per client? Most of us work eight to nine hours per day. Could one more call be squeezed in per day? The answer in most cases is ?yes?. I want to discuss how to make that extra call every day. Salespeople are in front of qualified prospects only 40% of the time which means a rep being is in front of the wrong decision maker 60% of the time. The most successful sales reps invest better than 50% of their time in front of the correct decision makers.

Here are 10 techniques that will eliminate time wasting calls:

1. Prime selling time. Sixty-four percent of successful closing sales calls are made before noon. Prime selling time is usually defined as 9 a.m. to 3-4 p.m. depending on the market and average time between appointments.  Flip-flop the call mix. Make the closing presentations in the morning and the new calls in the afternoon. This method will increase the closing ratio as prospects like to close early and fight fire later.

2. Salespeople love to set up appointments with prospects. Many times the potential clients are not qualified. Walk their showroom (if possible) and research the company?s website. Try to determine whether the prospect is serious about doing business before meeting them. Surveys of major selling organizations have determined that each outside sales call costs an average of $144.53. If two of your calls are made on unqualified prospects, those calls add up to almost $300.00 that has been wasted.

3. 20 minute increments. Busy executives look at their time in 20 minute increments not by the hour. Set up your appointments on the 10, 20, 40 and 50 minute periods of the hour. It is another technique to appear busy even if it is not the case.

4. Drive time. If a rep has an average commute of 30 minutes per day, that time adds up to 120 hours of commuting per year. Those hours do not include driving to sales calls. This is quality time that should be used for training with such things as CD?s and podcasts. Poor territory management of sales calls is also another large time waster.

5. Meetings: Monitor how much time is actually spent in front of the prospects during a meeting. In certain cases, an hour has been scheduled, but the call could be wrapped up in half of that time. That is not to say that an hour in front of a prospect is not time well spent. Make sure to maximize the time though.

6. Time suckers: I never had one of my co-workers buy advertising from me. If they want to chitchat over coffee, make sure they do it on their time not yours.

7. Post: Even in the ?digital world?, there is still a good reason to prospect with the U.S. Postal Service. It is such a surprise anymore when someone receives something by snail-mail. A hand written letter can be used to state a specific reason for a meeting or let a prospect know that you had visited their business recently. Using the mail service is not the norm which makes helps the rep rise above the clutter of email.

8. CMS: Contact Management Systems and smart phone calendars can streamline appointments, to-do lists, schedule meetings, eliminate paper shuffling, and help make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Sometimes just the proper use of a planning calendar will do the job. Believe it or not, the norm which sales people is not necessarily a good time management system. Get one!

9. Service: Nothing beats the warmth of seeing the prospects in person. Far too often, we discount that a client does not need to see us in person. While you put off that personal visit to the client because of the relationship, the competition has teed them up and developed a better relationship. Don?t let that happen.

10. Supplies/Propaganda: Carry all the necessary tools which include a good computer to feature ads, media kits, credit applications, testimonials, etc. in order to conduct business in a professional manner. Otherwise, time is being wasted driving back to the office. If you make $75,000.00 per year, every hour is worth $38.42. Make every minute of every hour count?. starting now!

Sean Luce is the Head National Instructor for the Luce Performance Group and can be reached at sean@luceperformancegroup.com.

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(SOCIAL) Is Your Website Your Brand Yet?

At radio stations all over America, we?re unbelievably busy, doing the jobs two or three people were doing just a few years ago. On top of that, jocks, programmers, promotion folks and even salespeople are charged with updating websites and interact via social media. Unfortunately, a lot of that digital effort results in wheel-spinning, instead of brand-building. Stations need to focus on more brand-building and fan-engaging. There needs to be less website clutter and fewer distractions to our fans on our Facebook pages.

Start by knowing and believing what your listeners know and believe about those digital platforms. Whatever your brand is, your fans have a pretty short list of expectations about what they want to easily find on your site.

For music stations, they want:
- To be able to listen to your stream. Your play should be easy to find and one click.
- To be able to find a list of songs played.
- To know more about what the morning show talked about, topic by topic.
- To know fun things to do in town.
- To know more about ways to win your contests.
- To be able to easily link to your Facebook and Twitter pages

Who are these people visiting your website? They are your biggest fans. They?re hoping for a closer relationship with your brand, by finding out more about what they?re already hearing from you on the air. That?s why all those picture galleries, funny YouTube videos, and pictures of your cute kids you?ve been posting are empty web calories. They keep you from doing critical online brand-building.

Furthermore, who?s ?Liking? you in social media? They are your even biggest fans, and they also have reasons they follow you.
- They want special access, so they can get deals not available to other listeners.
- They want information on how to win contests.
- They want advance notice and specific times good content will be airing on your station.
- They want to engage with your personalities about what they?re talking about on the air.
- Sometimes, they just want to show they support you by ?Liking? you on Facebook.

Now think about what most radio stations are posting on Facebook. Much of what?s being posted has only a tenuous connection to the radio brand that posted it. When our Facebook fans see that stuff, they?re generally pleased to hear from us, but they don?t find those posts useful. Smart radio operators know that they can?t be all things to all people. They also know they can?t revise their strategies and tactics every time the wind changes. They know to stick to their core and be consistent. The same thing applies in the digital world.

Chris Miller has been a major-market PD in Atlanta, Portland and Cleveland. He now operates Chris Miller Digital, which he launched. Visit his website at www.chrismillerdigital.com.
Contact Chris via e-mail, chris@chrismillerdigital.com or 216-236-3955.

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It's a Who's Who In Hispanic Radio

2-27-2012

The Radio Ink Hispanic Radio Conference in San Diego is now only 24 days away and our unique and exciting lineup of speakers and panels is guaranteed to give attendees an edge when they board the plane and head back home. Keynoter Charles Garcia from CNN will detail why Hispanic swing voters will decide this year's race for the White House, and what role the radio industry will play in the 2012 election. Garcia is one of the nation's top Hispanic entrepreneurs and a best-selling author. Plus, we'll have the presentation of the prestigious Medallas de Cortez, the highest honors in Hispanic radio.

Here are just a few of the crucial sales strategies, market research, programming tips, and projections about the hottest market in media?
* America's Hispanic Population Growth and its Impact on Media
* The Three R's of Hispanic Market Success
* Insights from Hispanic Radio's Top Programmers
* Finding Accounts That Will Advertise Today and Tomorrow
* Where the Dollars Are in Hispanic Ad Sales
* How to Meaningfully Measure Hispanic Radio Listening
* The 2012 Election and Legal Impact on Hispanic Radio
* How to Capitalize on Mobile, Interactive, and Internet Platforms
* The Future of Hispanic Radio

Seats are selling fast, but there's still time to register now, at 561-655-8778 or at www.HispanicRadioConference.com. Note: The host hotel, the Hyatt Regency, is a luxurious, lavish, full-service resort that regularly sells at $220 per night, but we've secured a special conference rate or $149. Rooms are filling fast, so book today to make sure you take advantage of our discount.

The following is a list of the highly influential and forward-thinking companies you'll find at Radio Ink's Hispanic Radio Conference.

Spanish Broadcasting System * Univision Communications * Clear Channel Media + Entertainment * Entravision Communications* Triton Digital * Adelante Media Group * Border Media * Arbitron *   Triton Digital *  Lotus Communications * ESPN Deportes Radio *Pandora * Lotus Entravision Reps * McGavren Guild Media * Adam R. Jacobson Editorial Services * Borinquen Broadcasting * Broadcasters Foundation * C. Crane Company * Casa Media Partners *  Costa Eagle Radio * Curtis Media Group * David Gleason Consultant * Davidson Media Group * El Show de Andres Gutierrez * El Zol Media  Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth PLC * Geoscape * GLR Networks * Group M Motion * Hispanic PR * Lazer Broadcasting *   MEC Group Bravo * Media Rating Council * Megatrax Production Music * Millward Brown * Mogreet * NAB * Nautel * Norsan * NPR *Point-To-Point * PromoSuite * RAB * Radio Music License Committee * Rivera Communications * Sparknet Communications * Sun Marketing * The Home Depot * TuneIn * Uniradio *  Voces de Nuestro Mundo * WDAV * Wolfhouse Radio Group * Zumi Advertising Services

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Top Hispanic Programmers To Share Success Tips

2-28-2012

It was just announced that Juan Gonzalez (pictured) will headline this programming panel at the Radio Ink Hispanic Radio Conference in San Diego in March. From interactive to morning show challenges, the hot issues facing Hispanic radio's programmers will be discussed by some of the best minds in the business. The two top Hispanic radio brands, Univision and Spanish Broadcasting System, along with radio giant Clear Channel, all on one stage, discussing the topic of interest to everyone in the business: programming, a.k.a. the product!

Juan Gonzalez, Director/Group Programming & New Media for Adelante Media Group, will sit down with Jim Lawson, Hispanic Radio & Brand Manager/Spanish Formats for Clear Channel; Haz Montana of Univision; Jesus Salas of Spanish Broadcasting System; and international radio programming consultant Bob Perry to discuss how to make a lasting impact over the air.

Issues this panel will cover include:
- Spanish or English?
- How do digital initiatives impact programming decisions?
- How far should morning shows be allowed to go?
- What creative initiatives are smart PDs developing to overcome lack of staff and promotional budgets?
- How are the PPM, new ratings resources, and sales pressures impacting decision-making on the product side?

Program directors of all levels, at Spanish- and English-language stations, large or small markets, will appreciated the wealth of talent assembled for this panel at Radio Ink's Hispanic Radio Conference, set for March 21-22 in San Diego.

Visit the Radio Ink Hispanic Conference website HERE
Read our Hispanic Radio Agenda HERE
Register for the Conference HERE

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RAB To Host Five Sessions at NAB in Vegas.

2-28-2012

The Radio Advertising Bureau will present five revenue-oriented sales and marketing sessions at this year?s NAB Show to be held in Las Vegas April 14-19. RAB Executive Vice President Erica Farber said, ?It?s absolutely critical we provide radio?s management and sales and marketing professionals with the right knowledge and tools to compete in today?s ever changing media landscape. The sessions offered by the RAB at the NAB Show do just that and will be of great value to any attendee in the broadcast business.?

The five sessions, led by the RAB Professional Development group, feature an array of advertising and digital leaders who will share their insights into today?s media industry.  Convention attendees will leave these sessions with strategies and ideas that can be readily implemented in their markets.

The Radio Advertising Bureau?s sessions are as follows:
Monday, April 16
1:00 ? 2:15 p.m. (Room N239/241)
Return On Relationship (ROR) Is the New Measure of Success
Social media is allowing radio to enhance and leverage listener relationships.  Advertisers recognize the valuable relationship stations have with listeners and are willing to look beyond ROI of their campaigns when clear ROR is present.  Learn to generate revenue from your powerful and dynamic relationships.

2:30 ? 3:45 p.m. (Room N239/241)
Small and Medium Market Idea Exchange
Get a year?s worth of money making ideas you can take home and put to use.  The profits you?ll earn from this session alone can more than pay for your trip to the Show.

4:00 ? 5:15 p.m. (Room N239/241)
Hold Yourself and Your Staff Accountable with Customer Relationship Management
If you are happy with your account management system, this session is not for you.  But if you would like to hear how businesses are using the latest Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools to hold their salespeople accountable, better communicate and serve clients, and project revenues, then you?ll want to attend this session.  You?ll get practical tips on using CRM and hear success stories how CRM has increased revenues at the stations that use it.

Tuesday, April 17
9:00 ? 10:15 a.m. (Room N239/2410)
Integrated Marketing Is the New Level of Consultative Selling
A convergence of two trends is exploding into a new expectation of media salespeople by advertisers, marketers and agencies.  Radio salespeople now have the opportunity to sell multi-media; and advertisers have less time to decide which to use from an ever increasing number media choices.  Hear the process relevant for local and national sales to sell bigger and longer orders by proposing integrated media campaigns.

10:30 ? 11:45 a.m. (Room N239/241)
Is Mobile Marketing the Future of Advertising?
More consumers own mobile phones than own computers.  Mobile apps, mobile streaming, mobile websites will mean mobile revenue for radio.  Hear where mobile is now, what innovations are coming, how to exploit mobile for the benefit of your station and advertisers, and how to generate incremental advertising revenues.

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(PROGRAMMING) Spring Training For Your Air Staff

2-28-2012

As the joys of Spring Training begin in Florida and Arizona and hope springs eternal for your favorite team, the process that baseball teams execute has valuable and applicable insight with your team. Although it?s been some years since I?ve personally attended Spring Training, I remember the various drills that covered every situation imaginable as a fascinating process that unfolds to get teams ready for the prize. What drills can a programmer apply to improve talent and team development and increase ratings and revenue? Here are just a few you can throw at your staff.

Baseball has repetitive drills on base-running, bunting, hitting the cut-off man, anything imaginable that sharpens the fundamental basics. Spring training allows for a setting or re-setting of the team agenda, whether it be for curfew rules, clubhouse rules or any overall code of excellence for the driving goal to win. Here are some drills you can run at your own facility to sharpen your talent and get them ready for the big game.

Team Alignment
- Gathering your team together is step one.
- Getting all of the members of the team in the same room builds a spirit and shared goal for the mission.
- Sometimes a new rule or standard needs to be emphasized.
- Overall the opening Spring Training team meeting can set the tone for the entire season.

Up Front Expectations are Key.
- Have a detailed meeting that emphasizes, to every team member, what?s expected and how they can perform at the highest level.
- Explain to your air talent team the detailed nuances of whatever your ratings measurement system is and how their content needs to stack up to succeed.
- Give them a deeper understanding of what the measurement is and how it?s used for the advertiser community to earn the station revenue.
- Give your team an up to the minute understanding of how they are performing and what they need to accomplish to find greater success.
- Be as detailed an specific as you can with tools from Arbitron and Media Monitors that helps to identify success and also curtail bad habits.

Create Fun Drills to Improve Execution and Your Overall Talent Batting Average.
- Critique on air talent from the competition as a group/team exercise.
- Have an improvisation session to hone the talent ability to think on their feet.
- Develop some emergency ?what if? plans as a team exercise.
- Have a talent session specifically devoted to the ?art of the tease.?
- Have a talent session devoted to the best way to execute ?live reads.?

The NEW BALANCE COMPANY is the maker of baseball footwear for major league teams and they have a great slug line for their company that fits our goals and aspirations for our radio teams: ?Let?s Make Excellent Happen.?

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.

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NAB Headlines Brian Cooley

2-28-2012

CNET's Editor at Large Brian Cooley will deliver the keynote address at the NAB Show Technology Luncheon April 18th in Las Vegas. The NAB says Cooley will deliver a presentation called "Top Ten Technology Countdown," and it will include insights into consumer technology trends and the opportunities they present for broadcasters.

NAB Executive Vice President and CTO Kevin Gage says, "Brian's energy and deep knowledge of technology trends are always welcome at the NAB Show. Technology Luncheon attendees will come away with a better understanding of how digital media products are impacting businesses and consumers."

The NAB Technology Luncheon will also feature the presentation of the NAB Engineering Achievement Awards and the Technology Innovation Award. The NAB Best Paper Award, established in 2010, will also be presented to the author(s) of a paper of exceptional merit published in the NAB Broadcast Engineering Conference Proceedings.

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Katz 360 President Recieves IAB Award.

2-28-2012

Brian Benedik, President of Katz 360, received the award for outstanding service to the Interactive Advertising Bureau. Benedik received the IAB Service Excellence Award for his contributions to the 2011 Streaming Audio Agency Day and his on-going leadership role as the co-chair of the Digital Audio Committee.

Benedik said, ?It?s truly an honor and privilege to be recognized by the IAB. I believe in the invaluable work the organization is spearheading to shape the growing online advertising business. And I look forward to continuing to develop the exciting initiatives we have underway to grow the online audio marketplace and make it even more attractive to advertisers.?

Katz Radio Group President Mark Gray said, "Brian?s passion and enthusiasm for his work shines through all that he does and we are pleased to see him earn this well-deserved recognition. Brian?s significant contributions to the online audio space are changing our industry for the better and we are thrilled to support his endeavors.?

In his current role as President of Katz 360 Sales, Benedik leads the expansion of the Katz Media Group?s digital efforts by offering national advertisers the ability to reach their target audiences through four digital platforms under the Katz Online brand: digital audio, mobile, database segmentation and display. The products have been built by aggregating the digital inventory of Katz Media Group?s radio and television publishers along with some of the largest publishers and technology providers on the web.

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Political Comps From 2010 A Challenge For Journal

2-23-2012

The 4th quarter of 2010 was a strong year for political advertising. The 4th quarter of 2011, not so much. That took its toll on Journal, however, the company was still able to show revenue growth from its 33 radio stations. In Q4 radio revenue at Journal increased 2.3% to $19.3 million from $18.9 million. Radio political and issue advertising revenue in Q4 of 2011 was $100,000 compared to $700,000 in 2010. Excluding political and issue advertising, radio revenue increased 5.5%.

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Cumulus Shakeup In Birmingham

2-23-2012

Bill Thomas has been fired as the market manager for Cumulus in Birmingham. Thomas was part of the Citadel team before the company was purchased by Cumulus. That market became an instant migraine for Cumulus. Popular sports talker Paul Finebaum (pictured) filed suit against the company claiming he was pressured (by Citadel) into signing an unfavorable amendment to his employment contract by threatening to pull his popular show from the air if he refused. Cumulus has since fired back at Finebaum with their own lawsuit.

The back-and-forth between employer and employee has been plastered all over the local newspaper as well as the radio trades for months. Thomas and Finebaum are friends, or at least were before all the lawsuits made this a very sticky situation. To make the story even more interesting Cox is ready and waiting for Finebaum to finish his deal with Cumulus. They have stated they would like him to work for their sports station across the street.

Cumulus confirms regional manager, John Walker, will now be overseeing both the Huntsville and Birmingham markets. Thomas did not return a call to his cell phone last night.

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Hogan: "Clear Channel Has a Sound Strategy"

2-24-2012

John Hogan has been promoted and has extended his contract with Clear Channel through the end of 2015. Hogan is now the Chairman and CEO of Clear Channel Media & Entertainment. Upon receiving his extended stay with the company and new title, Hogan said his promotion was a clear endorsement of Clear Channel's sound strategy. ?I am pleased and honored to be named to this position, which is a clear endorsement of the soundness of our strategy, the value of our assets, and the depth of the incredible team we are building here. I appreciate the energy and vision that Bob Pittman has brought to the organization and look forward to pursuing with Bob the vision we share as we continue to push the boundaries of the definition of entertainment, giving our audience what they want now and in the future.?

Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman said ?Under John?s strong leadership and vision, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment has integrated the company?s assets so that it is today the leading media and entertainment company in the U.S. with a greater reach than any other radio or television outlet.  It provides a one-of-a-kind national platform for partners in addition to the powerful local activation market by market and demo by demo. He has built a deep creative and management team that is fulfilling the company?s commitment to offering the best entertainment, news, sports, and other experiences everywhere our listeners want us to be?on air, online, on mobile devices, and on a wide variety of emerging devices and platforms.  We feel fortunate that Clear Channel Media and Entertainment has a leader like John in the driver?s seat at this transformational moment in its history.?

The extension also includes "automatic extensions from year to year thereafter unless either CCB or Hogan gives written notice of non-renewal on or before October 1, 2015, or annually, on each October 1 thereafter. Hogan can earn an incremental bonus during calendar year 2012 with a target of $900,000, based on performance criteria to be approved by CCMH?s Compensation Committee.

Hogan will also receive a restricted stock unit award with respect to the Class A common stock of CCMH on December 31, 2015 that will vest on December 31, 2016, if the target amount is less than $5,000,000 on December 31, 2015 and if he remains employed on both of those dates. The fair market value of the restricted stock unit award will equal $5,000,000 minus the target amount. The target amount as of a particular date means 251,223 times the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the shares (as defined in his Stock Option Agreements pursuant to the Clear Channel 2008 Executive Incentive Plan) on such date, over (b) $10.00. 

(2/25/2012 9:43:02 PM)
Charming. And to think: this person may have something to do with Radio, has car keys and... a vote. Old material, too.
(2/25/2012 10:35:18 AM)
3)
Why did Hitler kill himself?
The Jews sent him a gas bill!

4)
How do you kill a Jew?
Strangle his wallet!

5)
How was the Grand Canyon formed?
A Jew dropped a penny down a manhole!

6)
Why do Jews have big noses?
Because the air is free!

7)
Why are Jewish synagogues round?
So they cant hide in the corner when the collection box comes round!

8)
How do you notice a Jews house?
Padlocks on the dustbins, parking meters on the roof for birds, toilet paper on the washing line!

9)
Have you heard of the Jewish "Catch 22"?
Free Ham!

10)
Did you hear about the Jewish Santa Claus?
He came down the chimney and said "Do you want to buy some presents kiddies?"

11)
How do you get 100 Jews into a Volkswagen Beetle?
Two in the back, Two in the front and ninety six in the ashtray!

12)
How was copper wire invented?
Two Jews found the same penny!

13)
Why did Hitler kill himself?
The Jews sent him the gas bill!

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Ed "Rock and Roll" Pritchard Dies at 57

Pritchard worked for Saga in Springfield. He was a staple of WQQL radio. He spent more than 30 years in Springfield radio, beginning his career at WMAY, WNNS and finally WQQL. Saga Communications Executive Vice President Steven Goldstein said "Ed was the consummate oldies jock.  Enthusiastic every day.  He lived the music, had an encyclopedic knowledge of it (that was the #2 song of 1968?) and above all, loved The Beatles."

WQQL Program Director Dave Daniels said, "Yesterday, we lost a good friend, and a long time veteran here at Cool 101.9. I must tell you that when I hung up the phone after receiving the news, my 9-year-old said this; ?Dad! Remember when Ed got me that train one Christmas? And remember when he got me that singing penquin? And remember that other gift?? That was Ed. Those that knew him well knew he had a big heart."

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(LEGAL) When Must Your Studio Be Covered?

There seems to be a little confusion about what the FCC wants when it comes to manning your studio. So, we took your questions right to our legal blogger, John Garziglia. What are the official requirements for stations to have their studio covered? It's obvious with automation an entire station can be empty. So, what are the rules if you are an automation and an FCC inspector knocks on the station door? And, what are the fines is you fail?

John Garziglia says:  Radio Ink, a publication that recognizes that the 21st Century has arrived, correctly notes in asking about the FCC?s requirement for warm bodies at a radio station?s main studio location that ?[i]t?s obvious with automation an entire station can be empty?.  Unfortunately, the FCC continues to regulate like it?s 1999. 

The essence of the FCC?s ?warm bodies at the main studio rule? requires that at least two radio station employees, one a managerial employee, report daily to the main studio as their principal place of business, spend a substantial amount of their time at the main studio, and at least one of them be physically present during normal business hours. In the most simplistic terms, if an FCC inspector or a member of the public knocks on the radio station?s door during the local community?s normal business hours, there must be someone employed by the radio station licensee to greet that FCC inspector or member of the public. 

The base forfeiture for a violation of the FCC?s main studio rules is $7,000. If an FCC inspector visits more than once and continues to find no one at the main studio, the FCC may raise the fine to $10,000 or more. Main studio staffing issues arise in a variety of situations.  The most prevalent is that the station is fully automated during most day-parts and simply has no need for full-time on-site personnel.  Today?s technology allows for station personnel to be readily reached by cell phones, email and social media yet the FCC requires that a person be physically present at a specific location. 

Another main studio personnel situation ripe for an FCC fine is when a station is being operated under a time brokerage agreement or LMA. The FCC requires that there be two people, one managerial, at the main studio actually employed by the licensee of the radio station, presumably to insure that, among other things, the transmitter does not walk away.  The FCC has never cogently explained exactly what these two licensee employees are expected to do on a full-time basis in a time-brokered or LMA?d station. 

The FCC continues to believe that the public will choose an unannounced personal visit to a radio station?s main studio as a primary means of communication with the radio station?s licensee.  That personal visit concept is as ridiculous as a member of the public making an unannounced visit to the office of the FCC Chairman as a primary means of communication with the FCC. Just try to walk into the FCC unannounced sometime without an appointment and attempt to make your way to the 8th floor! 

The main studio staffing rule is an anachronism from an earlier time when there were no cell telephones, email, and social media allowing for near ubiquitous communication with station personnel.  Entire radio stations with the most local of local programming can now be run remotely. 

For a large market radio station that has millions of dollars in revenue, having at least two people based at the radio station?s main studio is not a significant issue. But, for many radio stations in smaller communities, having a consistent warm body presence at the main studio during the business day is an expensive regulatory monkey wrench in the running of a 21st Century radio station.

John F. Garziglia is a Communications Law Attorney with Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice in Washington, DC and can be reached at (202) 857-4455 or jgarziglia@wcsr.com. Have a question for our "Ask The Attorney" feature? Send to edryan@radioink.com.

Read more articles from John HERE

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Hyundai Adds HD Radio to Two Models

2-24-2012
Hyundai has announced that HD Radio technology will be a standard feature in the 2012 Azera and the 2013 Genesis Coupe. They join the already launched Equus, Genesis Sedan and Sonata in a growing assortment of Hyundai vehicles offering HD Radio Technology.  The Azera will join the Equus as the second Hyundai vehicle with HD Radio Technology as a standard feature. 

The Genesis Coupe will offer HD Radio Technology on the 3.8 Grand Touring/Track and 2.0T Premium models.  The new Genesis Coupe will arrive at dealerships in March and the new Azera will go on sale in April.

With these Hyundai announcements, HD Radio Technology is or will be available as a factory installed feature on more than 110 announced vehicle models from 23 automotive brands including Audi, Bentley, BMW, Cadillac, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI USA, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Scion, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.

(2/24/2012 10:42:14 AM)
This is a clear case of major auto fraud, forcing consumers to "upgrade" to a technology that does not work as claimed. Just waiting for Keefe Bartels to pull the trigger on iBiquity and the automakers.
(2/24/2012 8:23:42 AM)
All automakers should follow Hyundai and make HD Radio a standard feature, not an option.

Vehicle buyers may not even be aware of HD Radio at purchase time but they quickly come to love the extra content on the HD sub-channels, and the audio quality of HD Radio.

With a majority of urban FM stations broadcasting in HD, the supply side is in place and improving as stations increase digital power levels to reach the increasing number of HD receivers.

The good news for HD Radio keeps coming.

(2/24/2012 7:07:50 AM)
With BMW's and Volvo's oustanding TSBs against HD Radio, and with Ford begging broadasters to install HD, the automakers are aware of the deficiencies with HD Radio. Since 2007, Ford still does not have a stand-alone factory-installed option for HD Radio. I've called a number of dealerships, and they have no knowledge of HD Radio. Struble must either be making some pot-of-gold promises, or iBiquity's world-class sales team is lying through their teeth.

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Entercom's KFOX in S.F. Names Garner Goin PD

Goin has 18 years music programming experience in the Denver market, most notably programming Classic Rock 103.5 The Fox in Denver for 15 years, and most recently as Digital Program Director for Clear Channel?s Denver cluster of 8 radio stations, responsible for streaming content and social media. Goin also worked for local concert promoter in Denver.

Goin said, ?I?m going to build on the foundation that Dwight Walker, Greg Kihn, and the rest of the amazing KFOX staff have created. KFOX is the Bay Area?s strongest rock station with the largest market signal, and largest rock audience. I intend to take KFOX?s mainstream music to a modern audience using the latest social platforms. I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to help grow a unique station in an amazing market."

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Clear Channel Changes Image

2-23-2012

Clear Channel announced 15 appointments Thursday to its new brand imaging team which is a part of its national programming platforms group. All 15 appointments are from within the company, they are expanding their roles. The new image coordinators will produce and distribute promotional spots for Clear Channel?s national programming initiatives, including format-specific creative efforts across iHeartRadio, artist integration programs and large-scale contests and events including the iHeartRadio Music Festival.

Here are the new imaging coordinator appointments by format. Under each name is their current position which they will continue in.

Adult Contemporary - David Jay Heislop
David Jay Heislop- KBIG & KOST Los Angeles, Creative Director
Mainstream/Alternative - Rock - Miles Hlivko
Miles Hlivko- WMMS & WAKS Cleveland, Creative Services Director

Active Rock - Malcolm Ryker
Malcolm Ryker- KHTS, KMYI & KOGO San Diego, Creative Services Director
News/Talk - Scott Stanley
Scott Stanley- Clear Channel Cincinnati, Director of AM Creative Services

Contemporary Hit Radio - Darrin Marshall
Darrin Marshall- WIHT Washington D.C., Creative Services Director
Spanish - Liliani Gonzalez
Liliani Gonzalez- WMGE & WMIB Miami, Creative Services Director

CHR Rhythmic Jon Manual
Jon Manuel- KYLD & KIOI San Francisco, Imaging Director
Sports - Bob Schmidt
Bob Schmidt- KLAC & KTLK Los Angeles, Creative Services Director

Classic Hits/Oldies - ?Garry D? Domingue
Garry ?Garry D? Domingue - KMXP & KESZ Phoenix, Imaging Director
Urban AC - Eddie Fennell
Eddie Fennell- WUSL, WDAS and WDAS Philadelphia, Imaging Director/Asst. Music Director

Classic Rock - Rick Gangi
Rick Gangi- WAXQ & WKTU New York, Creative Services Director
Urban Classic/Old School R&B - Ron Shapiro
Ron Shapiro- KHHT Los Angeles, Assistant Program Director / Creative Services Director

Country - Bernie Lucas
Bernie Lucas- WMZQ Washington D.C., Creative Services Director
Urban Contemporary - Steve Dubbz
Steve Dubbz- Clear Channel Miami, Imaging Director

Hot AC - David ?Diego? Tomerlin 
David ?Diego? Tomerlin - KDWB, KTCZ & KTCN Minneapolis, Creative Services Director

The new imaging team, which consists of 15 format-specific imaging coordinators, will be led by Kelly Doherty who was recently appointed director of imaging for Clear Channel?s national programming platforms group.

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(SOCIAL) Not Buying Facebook Ads? Are You Drunk?

If you're a radio manager, no doubt you've experienced the tightly wound morning show personality who storms into your office demanding billboards, TV ads, and even print ads tooting the show's horn to somebody other than those who are already listening. And when you refused, they said somewhat indignantly, "Wow, we sell advertising, we just don't believe in it."

OK, maybe I was the only morning show talent making that smart-ass remark. But I doubt it.

In fact, I still agree with myself. You can stand in a forest and scream as loud as you want. Without amplification of your message, the only ones who can hear you are the squirrels and rabbits in your immediate vicinity. That is not a pathway to growth. We promote ourselves ad nauseum on our own air, but will not drop a dime to preach to anyone outside the choir.

Well along comes our friend Facebook, offering not only incredibly inexpensive advertising, but with spending caps at which ads are automatically cut off, targeting that maximizes every dime you drop, and accountability and analytics so you can measure how your ad did. I should inject a little emotional support here by reassuring you that advertising with Facebook is not an admission that it's better than radio advertising. You are not betraying your industry or sleeping with the enemy. You're just being tactical and smart.

And when it comes to targeting, what was already good just got a whole lot better. Facebook has added numerous broadtargetingcategories. I have no clue why it's called broad targeting, because it actually lets you drill down to niche specifics.

Ethnic Targeting:

Lets you market your station based on your format's demographics.

Recently Moved:

Gets you access to newcomers to your market who haven't chosen their favorite new local radio station yet. Butter them up with special new-to-town offers.

Away From Hometown:

Offers you ways to stay connected to those who grew up on your station but moved away. Could help drive the reach of your online streaming.

Engaged Users:

They even divided this up by women engaged less than six months and less than a year so you can speak to their immediate pre-wedding preoccupations. If you target females and can somehow relate to their special day, you're in their hearts.

Auto Intender:

Users who are most likely in search of a new vehicle. These people will listen to the radio in their new car. Your station can be on the top of their minds.

Pregnancy Targeting:

Again, make your station a part of the most significant moments in a woman's life, and she will not soon forget you.

Don't think there's not more segmentation coming, including by occupation, by political orientation, by what TV shows they like, even by what kind of music they prefer (!). If you think that's powerful for your station, it's equally powerful for your advertisers. Consider engaging in co-branded Facebook ads with them that strengthen their relationship with you, plus affords you even more exposure in the Facebook environment.

Mike Stiles is a brand content specialist with the social marketing tech platform, Vitrue. Check out his monologue blog, TheStilesFiles & follow him @mikestiles

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Katz Pomotes Rich Vicente, Brock Davidson

2-23-2012

Vicente becomes Vice President, Manager for Katz. He was a manager for Katz in New York. Vicente joined Katz Radio as a Sales Assistant in 2000. During his 12-year tenure, he has steadily taken on increasing responsibilities and promotions to new levels, including Account Executive, Senior Account Executive and Manager. Vicente graduated from Quinnipiac University with a degree in Mass Communications.

Katz also promoted Brock Davison To Senior Account Executive. Davison began his career at Katz Radio as a Sales Assistant in the Los Angeles office after graduating from college. He was promoted to Account Executive and later transferred to the New York office in 2009. He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Arizona. Davison is a member of the Broadcasters Foundation of America.

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(SOCIAL) How to Get Better Engagement On FB

(by Loyd Ford) When it comes right down to it, you want the fastest way to set your radio stations' Facebook page on fire and really create engagement and sharing, right? Here are five ways to boost your engagement and get your sharing mojo going in 2012:

1. Use the social media video and content about the stars in your format. You know what I'm talking about! TMZ, CMT, People, and a hundred more sites provide you with easy opportunities to boost engagement. Just don't forget to add your own content, in the form of a local spin or question.
Engage local causes important to the core audience you are trying to attract and engage. This is perhaps one of the biggest single gaps on radio station pages and with radio personalities on Facebook. Choose what you are passionate about and what your listeners are passionate about, and make it happen on Facebook. Engage listeners to help you help the cause. You might even start a "local cause page" and link it to your station Facebook page. Get active doing good, and people will become more passionate about you.

2. Use polling. Perhaps you already do this. Expand to make sure a percentage of your postings on Facebook involve polls related to something important to listeners. Seek their opinions, and keep it interesting to the core listeners you are most wanting to attract and engage.

3. Create a blog that matters to the listeners you want most to attract and engage, and post it on your station page. You can incorporate all of the above, along with pictures and stories that bring the point home. However, you must have a plan for your blog that includes why it exists and why it could and should grow audience. If you don't have a plan and a perspective for your blog, you shouldn't have a blog. If you do blog, pictures and video should be used. You can never have too many visuals.

4. Respond, respond, respond. Always respond when someone posts something on your Facebook page. Respond to them publicly and respond to them privately (at least by way of Facebook e-mail). If you want to go the additional mile, respond to them publicly on their own Facebook wall, too. Just have balance to what you are doing. Be seen, don't be a pest. Respond, don't just let it go. By hitting people back with thank yous, you show you care. That means a lot, and people remember.

5. The final moment on this subject goes the way all final moments about having a real strategy for your radio station in social media go: Have your content lead listeners back to the station website and on air, often. It doesn't help us to make Facebook bigger. We want to lead listeners back to the broadcast brand and the value they will find more of on your signal.

Loyd Ford programmed very successful radio brands including KRMD AM & FM in Shreveport, WSSL and WMYI in Greenville, WKKT in Charlotte and WBEE in Rochester, NY. Learn more about Loyd HERE:
Reach out to Loyd via e-mail HERE
Visit his Facebook radio social media page www.facebook.com/socialnetworking4radio
Read more articles from Loyd HERE

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(SALES) The Negotiation Starts At "Hello"

2-22-2012

When do you think the negotiation begins? Upon delivery of your marketing plan? Remember the line from Jerry Maguire, "You had me at hello"? Savvy negotiators set the stage for successful negotiations by understanding that the negotiation starts at "hello."

The greatest negotiator I've ever known was my father. When I was growing up he would tell me stories about how he would establish his worth in the eyes of his customers from the moment he stepped in the door. As a young man, he started out selling refrigeration systems to restaurants. He would walk cold into a restaurant, where he didn't have an appointment, go straight past the bar and take a seat, or stand at a table in the rear. He'd then wait for someone to approach, to ask if he needed something. "Are you the owner?" he would ask. "No" came the reply. Then he would say, "I need to see the owner, please." At this point, because of the confidence and purpose he exhibited in commanding their attention, the individual would go find the owner.

If you set the stage at "hello," you will find that negotiating isn't a step at the end of the sales cycle, but a constant that evolves throughout the entire process. And where you finish will depend on how you start.

Take control. Herb Cohen (www.herbcohenonline.com) author of You Can Negotiate Anything, says, "Power is what you think it is," and that we can control more than we think in the negotiation. But Cohen believes that we often "underestimate our power and overestimate the power of the buyer." In fact, power really is up for grabs; you decide who's in control.

Differentiate yourself. What does your "hello" say about you? Are you asking for the prospect's attention or commanding it? What my father exhibited was a sense of importance, urgency, and permanence. He felt that by walking into the place of business and planting himself there, without asking permission, spoke volumes. Demonstrate you have something of value to share with the prospect, so they will not only want to do business with you, but need to do business with you.

People buy you first, or they buy nothing at all. When you call a prospect and they say, "I don't need to meet with you. We tried radio and it didn't work," what's your response? The effective negotiator sees this as a buying signal, for without an objection, there is no sale.

Seller: I'm sorry to hear of your prior experience, but it has no reflection on what I want to meet with you about. You didn't try with my company or, more importantly, with me. 

Now we're speaking to the "power of belief." The prospect is testing you to see how much you believe in yourself and your product.

Prospect: What difference would that make?

Salesperson: All the difference in the world. Do you cook? I do. Just following a recipe is not what makes me an excellent cook. I bring my own variations to each recipe. My friends often tell me that they use the same recipe, but they don't achieve the same results. Well, that is what I guarantee I'll do for you. We'll come up with a recipe for marketing your business that will be tailored to your needs. It will not be a cookie-cutter recipe anyone else could provide, but one only I can provide.

Believe in yourself, be unique, control the situation, and negotiate a win-win outcome.

Theresa Merrill is the Director of Business Development for Anovick Associates. She has more than 20 years of sales and marketing experience in NY, Boston and Atlanta working for Katz Communications, CBS, Tribune and Cablevision and can be reached at 201.444.2991 or by e-mail merrill.theresa@gmail.com
For more articles from Theresa GO HERE

(2/23/2012 1:13:31 AM)
No way, Jose! LMFAO!

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CRS Announces 2012 Humanitarian Award Winners

The 2012 winners are KMOK/Lewiston, Idaho for Small Market, WIVK/Knoxville for medium market and WLHK/Indianapolis for large market. The Artist Humanitarian Award winner was Rascal Flatts. CRS President Mike Culotta and Radio Ink?s Lois Chooljian presented the awards following the Bob Pittman Keynote Address. Here are more details on why these stations were chosen.

Pictured are CRS 2012 Artist Humanitarian Award winners Rascal Flatts. L to R: RF?s Jay DeMarcus, RF manager Clarence Spalding, CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne, RF?s Gary LeVox, Radio Ink Magazine?s Lois Chooljian, CRS President Mike Culotta, RF?s Joe Don Rooney.

Small Market Winner: 106.9 KMOK/Lewiston, Idaho -
Lewiston?s KMOK was instrumental in dozens of local humanitarian efforts in 2011, including National Night Out Against Crime, Pet of the Week, Lewis Clark Animal Shelter?s Dog Swim, Coats for the Cold, Annual Life Safety Day, United Way Day of Caring, Relay for Life, Earth Day, Jackson Baldwin Foundation, Jog for Jugs, Wounded Warriors Project, Cruising to Clarkston and numerous others.

Medium Market Winner: 107.7 WIVK/Knoxville, Tenn. -
WIVK?s contributions to fundraising efforts helped raise a total of more than $12.9 million in 2011.  Campaigns included: the HonorAir Radiothon, Voices from the Front, Coats for the Cold, Stuff the Bus, a Susan G. Komen benefit concert and the Teddy Bear Round Up.  WIVK sponsored dozens of events, such as the ?Real Steel? movie premiere, Buddy?s Race Against Cancer, Fantasy of Trees for Children?s Hospital, Great Rubber Duck Race for Boys & Girls? Club, ADA Step Out Walk, Knoxville Zoo and more.

Large Market Winner: 97.1 WLHK/Indianapolis, Ind. -
Indianapolis? HANK FM/97.1 continued its avid support for Habitat For Humanity in 2011, building a five bedroom house at the Indiana State Fair in just 15 days.  The station hosted a Santa?s Secret Star benefit concert for the Salvation Army during Christmas, debuted its Christmas Angel program, received national media attention for Cheri?s Chores, partnered with the Indianapolis Colts to host the Big Blue Drive-Through for tornado relief and was instrumental in efforts supporting the victims at the Indiana State Fair tragedy.

Rascal Flatts received the 2012 Artist Humanitarian award for their charitable contributions and humanitarian endeavors throughout their career.   In 2010, the group donated $3 million to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children?s Hospital at Vanderbilt?s Pediatric Surgery Center.  They currently serve as celebrity spokespersons for the national suicide prevention organization, The Jason Foundation, and have been members of the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet for the past seven years.

Pictured are CRS 2012 Artist Humanitarian Award winners Rascal Flatts.  L to R:  RF?s Jay DeMarcus, RF manager Clarence Spalding, CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne, RF?s Gary LeVox, Radio Ink Magazine?s Lois Chooljian, CRS President Mike Culotta, RF?s Joe Don Rooney. 

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(PODCAST) Mentoring. The Key To Growing Your People

Download this show

2-22-2012

Rene Petrin is President and Founder of Management Mentors and the author of "Mentoring: A Business Strategy That Works."  Petrin started his company in 1989 after spending 12 years as a Vice President of Human Resources in healthcare and sales. His focus now is employee development with a specific focus on mentoring. Petrin believes a successful mentoring program can improve the quality of an organization and prevent turnover.

Petrin has a master?s degree from Harvard in consulting and counseling psychology and a bachelor?s degree in health administration and planning from the University of New Hampshire. We interviewed Petrin about how a mentoring program can improve the quality of your organization and prevent your best employees from leaving. In our interview he gave us some great success stories and named companies you can follow that have implemented a mentoring program to improve their organization.

Listen to our Podcast with Petrin HERE

Purchase Petrin's book HERE
Visit his website HERE
Contact him by e-mail HERE
Read some of his FREE White Papers HERE

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WAMU News Director Says Reporters Crossed The Line

2-22-2012

In a City that defines who you are by the company you keep, it appears WAMU News Director Jim Asendio just couldn't take it anymore. Asendio quit yesterday, telling the Washington Post he resigned because his reporters were getting together with donors to the station. Asendio believes there should be a wall between reporters and those that contribute money to the station. And when he found out reporters were scheduled to attend an event this week to rub elbows with the donors, he walked.

?When it comes to crossing the firewall, that?s where I draw the line. That questions our credibility and trustworthiness,? Asendio told the Post. The paper  writers, "Asendio signaled that he would not attend the event. He says that he then received an e-mail from WAMU General Manager Caryn Mathes. Asendio recounts the wording of the e-mail: ?My refusal to attend a major station event would send an irreversible and permanent statement on whether I was a member of our team.? Strong message right there. ?So, seeing the handwriting on the wall and not wanting to get into any kind of job difficulty, I felt it best to stand on my journalistic ethics and resign.?

Read more HERE at the Washington Post

(2/23/2012 7:17:59 AM)
I'm astonished that WAMU's internal policies didn't prohibit such contacts to begin with.
I think the GM erred massively in judgment in sending such a threat and should resign.

Asendio is right.

But sadly this is indicative of how "public radio" has become mainstream and commercial and hardly independent. Maybe Pacifica is an alternative, but WAMU's standing dropped six notches in my mind.

(2/23/2012 6:51:59 AM)
Bravo!

A man of integrity!

Caryn Mathes, et al, should take a page from his book. Let the folks in the underwriting department attend, but keep editorial sacred and sheltered.

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(PROGRAMMING)Great Teachers Inspire! Do You?

2-22-2012
By Buzz Knight

This time of year, schools have headed to recess and teachers escape to either the ski slopes or the joy of sleeping late. I did corner a teacher friend of mine who is doing neither, and who gave me some thoughts that might have a radio application. Ben, a local English teacher, is using the recess to evaluate his own teaching methods and effectiveness. Are you evaluating your effectiveness?

He's using the time away from the grind to find a way to sharpen his process so he's more effective in getting through to his students. Here are some quick tips to consider to make your talent management sharper and evaluate your own teaching process:

1. Simplify. Teachers routinely "go back to the drawing board" and simplify their process to help their students retain more and become better. In fact, every one of these quick tips somehow circles back to simplicity and fundamentals.

Have you considered the best possible way to simplify your message for your talent? In an era where there are mounds of data to share with them, sometimes taking the simpler approach can get through to the talent. Just as a teacher boils down the process to evaluate specific and measurable criteria, a programming "teacher" needs to do the same for talent.

2. Evaluate preparation and study habits. One of the greatest teachers of all time was the late UCLA basketball coach John Wooden. He stated it best: "Discipline yourself so that others won't need to."
Great teachers figure out a way to get to the root of students' habits and improve the process by teaching repetitive skills. Have you walked through your talents' preparation habits so you have a deeper understanding of their process? Conduct an audit of their process to determine areas of opportunity or improvement. And don't be afraid to boil it down to the simplest terms. Back to the great John Wooden again: He'd spend a half hour of the first day of basketball practice teaching his men how to put on their socks.

3. Reaffirm your willingness to offer help and guidance. Great teachers frequently offer their help, even when everything seems to be working well. They want to establish to the students that the "door is always open."
Have you reaffirmed to your on air talent that the door is always open? Sometimes you may think that talent understands this obvious point, but they may think you're busy or preoccupied, and they won't ask for help. A great schoolteacher establishes a back-and-forth relationship that allows the student to talk about what's working in the learning process and what isn't. Do you have that relationship with your on-air talent?

4. The most important lesson from Ben the teacher: "Acknowledge your students' success as a means to encourage future growth." Sounds simple if you're someone who manages talent, but it's frequently the missing ingredient. Whether it's a great teacher from the local schools, the great coach John Wooden, or a great programmer, great teachers inspire talent to grow!

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

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CHR at CBS Belongs To Michael Martin

2-22-2012

CBS radio says Martin (pictured) is the new Vice President for CHR Programming. Martin will lead the CBS Top 40 strategy which is currently on 10 CBS stations, including 4 out of the top 5 markets. Martin will keep his job as VP of Programming for CBS's San Francisco?s music stations, as well as PD KMVQ-FM, Alice (KLLC-FM) and KITS-FM. 

Martin joined CBS RADIO in 2009 following a career managing the operations/programming for a number of stations in Los Angeles and San Francisco, including serving as Program Director of KYSR-FM, KMEL-FM, KYLD-FM and KIOI-FM.

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Bob Hamilton to Consult Tom Kent

2-22-2012

Hamilton's resume includes; KRTH in L.A., WMXJ-FM in Miami, KSFO/KYA-FM, and KFRC in San Francisco. Kent said, "Bob Hamilton is one of the legendary names in our industry and he has agreed to help us move our programming to the next level. Our clients and affiliates deserve no less than the best and that's what they're getting with Bob's amazing pedigree."

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Garcia To Keynote Hispanic Conference

I'de suggest starting off with these:

What do you call a Mexican with a new car?
A felon

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Why are there no Mexicans in Star Trek?
They don't work in the future either!

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Did you hear about the two car pile-up in the Walmart parking lot?
50 Mexicans died

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Why do mexican kids walk around school like they own the place?
Because their dads built it and their mom clean it.

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What's a mexican's favorite sport?
cross country

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Why cant mexicans play uno?
Because they always steal the green card

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2 mexicans are in a car, who is driving?
A cop

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Why can't mexicans be firemen?
They can't tell the difference between jose and hose b

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Why were there only 5,000 mexican soldiers at the battle of Alamo?
They only had 2 vans.

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What do you call a group of stoned mexicans?
Baked beans

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When a Mexican runs into a wall whats the first thing that hits?
His Lawn Mower

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How do you stop a Mexican tank?
Shoot the guy pushing it.

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What is the difference between a Mexican and a bucket of crap...?
the bucket

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What do you call a mexican baptism?
Bean dip

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What do you call a mexican that can't do any thing?
A mexican't

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What is the difference between a pizza and a mexican?
A pizza can feed a family of four

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What do you get when you cross a Mexican and a black person?
Somebody too lazy to steal.

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What do you call a mexican that is barefoot and stepped in poop with his toe?
A PUTO

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If there was a maze with with a million dollars in the center who do you think would win: the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, a smart mexican, or dumb mexican?
The dumb mexican, the rest don't exist.

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Why don't mexicans cross the border in 3's?
Because it says no trespassing

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What do you call a midget mexican?
Paragraph because he is to short to be an essay

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Why doesn't the border have electric wires?
Because Mexicans will steal the electricity to power their house.

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Why are Mexicans so short?
They all live in basement apartments.

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How Do You Starve A Mexican?
Put Their Food Stamps In Their Work Boots.

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What do you call 100 mexicans working on a roof?
Chingos

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Juan,carlos,and antonio all jump off a cliff to see who will hit the ground first. who wins?
Society.

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What do you call mexican basketball?
Juan on Juan.

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Did you hear about the winner of the mexican beauty contest?
Me neither.

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What do you get when you cross a mexican with an octopuss?
I don't know but it could pick lettuce good.

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Why don't mexicans bbq?
The beans fall through the little holes.

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What are the first 3 words in every mexican cookbook?
steal a chicken

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Did you hear about that one mexican that went to college?
yeah.. me neither

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What do you call 4 Mexicans in quicksand?
Cuatro Cinco

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how do you stop a mexican from robbing your house?
put up a help-wanted sign

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What's the difference between a bench and a Mexican?
A bench can support a family (sorry, that one is really mean)

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What is it when a Mexican is taking a shower?
A miracle.

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What do you call a pool with a mexican in it?
Bean Dip.

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What do Mexicans pick in the off season?
Their nose.

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A bunch of Mexicans are running down a hill, what is going on?
Jail Break.

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What do you call a Mexican driving a BMW?
Grand Theft Auto.

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Why doesn't Mexico have an Olympic team?
Any Mexican that can run jump or swim is in the US!

-----

Why wasn't Jesus born in Mexico?
He couldn't find 3 wise men or a virgin. (burn)

-----

Wh

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New Edison Study Stresses Importance of Local

2-22-2012

Edison research co-founder and President Larry Rosin presented the study at CRS yesterday which included over 1,000 country fans between the ages of 18 and 54. A key finding from the research: "Local, live DJs are instrumental in the difference between radio and other music outlets like Pandora or Spotify. Both P1s and non-P1s are generally equally as enthusiastic about DJs and half of both groups say that DJs are a prime reason that AM/FM radio is better than internet radio."

Rosin told the CRS audience, ?country music remains a very healthy format and is actually becoming more popular, but one of the main points that I think this year?s survey drives home is that country radio could do a better job at understanding and identifying its non-P1 listeners. While it is understandable that P1 listeners should be a priority, the importance of the other 65 percent or so of your total audience cannot be underestimated. Our data also suggest that live, local DJs are one of the big advantages that radio has over internet and satellite outlets, and should be acknowledged as such.?

Edison Research also performed and included in-depth video interviews with fans as part of its presentation which you can view on the Edison website. The full CRS 2012 Country Radio research study is now available online at: http://www.edisonresearch.com/.

(2/23/2012 6:50:05 AM)
Whatever this study cost, you could have given me half and I could have told you the same thing. "More research in 60 seconds . . . "

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(HIRING) Turnover Kills

2-22-2012

Did you hear the one about the radio manager who hired a seasoned media sales rep and put him on the streets the first week? The new seller was told to go out and "make it happen" in the next 90 days. At that point, they would convert the new seller to 100 percent commission, with no additional guarantee. With his experience and contacts, he would be a great addition to the staff and should easily earn what he did in his past job.

The new seller was really excited. Radio was a new medium, and with all of his contacts and past clients, he could make this work! He was told that experienced media reps could make really good money in radio!

The sales manager gave the new seller a book about radio sales and showed him how to access the RAB site. "This should tell you how to convert your previous sales skills into big dollars in radio. Let me know if you need any more help" were the sales manager's parting words. 

So for the next few days, the new seller read the RAB site, read the book about radio, and tried to muddle his way through it.

But, never having sold radio, he had some questions. In his previous media sales jobs, the product was not quite as targeted as radio, and he wanted to be sure he understood the pitch before going out to call on his contacts. They trusted his expertise, knowledge, and solution-oriented suggestions, so it was important that he understood what he was now selling. He wanted to have a better handle on good targets for the different stations and formats he was now representing. He thought it would be helpful to hear some of the objections people at his new company experienced, so he could be prepared. He went to the sales manager and asked if he could go out on some calls with some of the senior sellers on the staff.

"Ask Sue or John if you can tag along with them on any calls they have scheduled this week. That ought to be a big help," replied the manager. Off went our new seller to ask these reps if they minded him tagging along. Sue was open, although all of her calls that week were relationship-building and no new business would be discussed, so probably not a good idea. John agreed to take him on a new-business pitch.

During the presentation to John's client, the new seller heard about an upcoming station event the client should consider sponsoring. While driving home, the new seller remarked, "That sponsorship was a really great idea. I didn't know we had that event planned and that we could sell sponsorships. I'll bet Lancaster Ford would love this-- I'll call them when we get back!"  John slammed on the brakes and replied, "Look, that is my account. You don't call on them! I have been working them for three years and I also think this would be great for them, and I think I may get an order now."

You can imagine how our new seller felt! Upon return to the station, he went in to talk to the sales manager to ask if he could call on the account. He had a great relationship with them and consistently got business. If John hadn't gotten anywhere in three years, maybe he could try? No such luck. The sales manager wouldn't move any accounts away from the sales reps that had been there, even if they weren't getting any business. It was up to the new seller to go and develop all new business. He couldn't go after any of his past contacts or clients.

After 30 days, it became evident that there was no way, without any leads, and without the ability to call on any established business, that the new seller would be able to cover his guarantee in another 60 days. He seriously doubted his decision to leave his past job to join the radio station. Stress set in. He hadn't done 100 percent new business for 18 years. How would he pay his bills?

As his 90th day approached, the new seller had only brought in three new accounts. He got the news that his guarantee would not be extended and that he should probably think about finding another job. He wasn't cut out to sell radio. Luckily, the seller had already found another media job where he was given the ability to call on some of his old contacts and was given a base salary with commission.

The sales manager hired another future star and offered him a 90 day guarantee.

Does this story sound familiar? Unfortunately, we hear it way too often.

Laurie Kahn is Founder and President of Media Staffing Network and can be reached at 480-306-8930 or via e-mail at laurie@mediastaffingnetwork.com. Visit the Media Staffing Website www.mediastaffingnetwork.com

Read more articles from Laurie HERE

(2/23/2012 1:10:35 AM)
I'm kinda on the fence whether I'de "do her". Any thoughts?

LOL!

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2012 Country Hall of Famers

It's Country's big show in Nashville this week as the Country Radio Seminar enters day two of seminars, speakers and live performances. Wednesday night the Country Radio Hall of Fame welcomed a new class at a sold-out ceremony inside the Nashville Convention Center. Beverlee Brannigan, Ron Rogers and Rusty Walker were inducted in the Radio category, while Moby, Eddie Stubbs and Bill Whyte were the three On-Air category inductees. 

Other awards presented during the ceremony included the CRS Career Achievement Award, given to Glen Campbell (not in attendance) and the CRS President?s Award, presented to Bob Kingsley. 

Pictured below, the 2012 class of the Country Radio Hall of Fame.  L to R: CRS President Mike Culotta, Eddie Stubbs, Ron Rogers, Beverlee Brannigan, Rusty Walker, Bill Whyte, Moby, Bob Kingsley, CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne.  

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(CRS) Join Forces With Country Media

(By Joel Raab) Today is day one of the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville. It's a perfect opportunity to point out that endless opportunities exist for radio and country-related media and industry to work together to further our respective goals. For radio, it's all about increasing ratings and revenue. In 25-plus years, I have learned how to locate and maximize those opportunities.

Some examples (and these just scratch the surface):

Use the CMA: Membership is cheap, considering what you get. Did you know the CMA has a research department, available at your fingertips? Do you want to know what TV shows Country listeners are watching? How our listeners are using social media? Ask the CMA. They have lots of sales-related material as well.

Create Access: Even in an age of slashed budgets, radio stations can provide access to artists, and that is priceless. Be creative. Artists, labels, and management are receptive to good ideas and reasonable requests -- and not just for listeners. (See my next point.)

Perks for Clients: Don't be afraid to ask for backstage passes for important clients. Creating an unforgettable experience for a client pays dividends both financially and interpersonally. We don't do this enough. Stations in all-sized markets with all-sized audiences can obtain passes -- you just have to ask. (Here's a shameless plug: Your consultant can be helpful here, too!)

New Artist Showcases: I have always encouraged radio and Nashville labels to work together to bring baby acts to the listeners and to smaller venues. When an artist comes to the conference room, host a "Nashville Newcomer" luncheon for your listeners and clients. Bring sponsors by to see these hot new up-and-coming stars. Entertain your listeners, too. It'll be a classic win-win.

Create an Annual Station Event Involving Artists of all Statures: This is one of the best ways to help brand your station. The "10-Man Jam" or station anniversary show will score major points with listeners and can be leveraged into large client buys. The Detroit Downtown Hoedown may be the largest free live country show in America, and it's co-sponsored by WYCD. The Nashville community has been great at working with radio to help make these events happen.

Enter Your Station in CMA/ACM Broadcast Awards Competition: Just being nominated provides you with bragging rights, especially in competitive situations. Having judged both CMA and ACM awards in the past, I know how prestigious both nominations and wins can be. Plus they are great exercises for your staff to gather materials the sales department can then use.

Get Involved: Volunteer to be on the CRS agenda committee or board of directors. The ACM has a radio committee and board as well. Belong to the CMA. Volunteers from all-sized markets are welcome and encouraged to participate. Being involved helps you know where the bodies lie! You'll find out about opportunities your station can take advantage of long before the rest of the world hears about them.

It's a great time to be in Country radio. Enjoy the ride!

Joel Raab is a nationally recognized consultant specializing in Country radio programming and country-related media. www.joelraab.com email: joel@joelraab.com T: 215-750-6868.

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Agency Head Has Advice For Radio Bigs

2-22-2012
Mark Storie is the President and Southeast Regional Director of ViaMark Advertising, an agency he created in Eastern North Carolina. Storie, who started out in radio, launched the company in 1995, and ViaMark has been growing ever since. It's always a good thing for radio to have someone on the agency side -- someone who knows how to use radio, and knows it produces results.

Storie makes sure his clients are heavily involved with radio. "We use it to drive many of our traditional, promotional, and digital initiatives," he says. "Radio remains one of our most potent and effective marketing weapons." We caught up with Storie recently and asked him for his perspective on the evolution of radio over the last decade.

What is your impression of our industry now, compared to 10 years ago? 
Small and medium markets are where radio can still flourish and remain relevant. My overall impression is that radio remains strong, but in markets where mass firings in sales and programming loom, radio will be weakened. The industry is more predatory and less people-kind. It's more inwardly focused. Here's a major difference: Shareholders come first, the station comes second. Clients come third. That's radio's new pyramid. 

If I worked for Clear Channel or Cumulus, I'd be seeking an opportunity with Pandora. Side note: Pandora is a game-changer in markets where local radio is being replaced by repeater efforts. IHeart all you want -- Pandora is the master.    

What's your biggest pet peeve with radio? 
The mass firings prompted by the greed and stupidity that now control the largest radio companies. Radio's biggest asset has always been its people. I guess that can be said of many industries, but it's especially true in radio. 

Do you believe radio is keeping up with the ways consumers receive information and entertainment? 
I have always maintained that radio is a social media -- if it is local, connected, and relevant. If, however, it does not maintain its local position of relevance, it is an easily replaced commodity. So, yes, consumers still turn to radio for information and entertainment. While we have more choices, radio still has a unique position in our lives.

The radio sales reps you deal with -- tell us about them. 
The reps that have been around for more than a decade are working harder for less money. For the most part, these radio veterans are educated marketing professionals doing the best they can. The newbies are run through stations like a packing house, here today, gone tomorrow. Let's be honest: Why would you go to work in radio today, really? 

What do you want to see more of from radio? How can radio be better for you and to your clients? Here's a complete waste of my time, but how about investing in people again? How about a local airstaff instead of an iPod wannabe. Really? You own a radio signal, and you are comparing yourself to an iPod? That rationale borders on lunacy. It also says you are no longer an innovator. I want to see more humility and less arrogance. Park the jet, you deserve a coach ticket at best! 

As a consumer, what are your thoughts about what you hear from radio when you get in your car? 
It depends on the market you live in. In a market like Eastern North Carolina, most of the stations are still live and local, thanks to Beasley and NextMedia.  I hear what's going on where I live. A recent event at East Carolina University, where a suspected gunman was seen near the campus, was covered by local radio immediately. While the gunman turned out to be an umbrella-toting student, local radio was all over it. In markets dominated by the likes of Clear Channel and Cumulus, I suspect you would not have heard a single word about that incident until the following morning's news.

Mark storie can be reached HERE or you can leave your thoughts below.

(2/22/2012 11:28:08 PM)
Mark!!!!

My hero. I preached this same concept for years...and I am now reluctantly retired.

Donna James

(2/22/2012 3:18:11 PM)
Based on David's observations, I now know of TWO kindred spirits!
(2/22/2012 9:32:07 AM)
In Mark's radio pyramid, he left out the most important leg...the listeners. Listeners complement advertisers. Advertisers complement listeners. Passionate radio employees are the crucial third leg.

It's been the shareholders who have made radio irrelevant the past decade-plus. They've replaced the "passionate radio employee." I guess the shareholders role is to drive radio into oblivion.

(2/22/2012 7:19:35 AM)
Seems I have found another kindred spirit in N.C. Thanks, Mark... for the straight goods.

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Lotus CEO: "Radio Might Be Wiped Out By Internet"

2-22-2012

In 1962 Howard Kalmenson put KWKW-AM on the air in Los Angeles. Kalmenson grew that one facility into what is Lotus Communications today consisting  of 27 stations in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas. According to BIA, Lotus is now generating over $21 million a year. Thirteen of the 27 stations are broadcasting Hispanic formats, a Lotus specialty. Kalmenson is now 80 years old and his honest perspective on the radio industry is refreshing and very different than what you might be hearing today.

The former marine still refers to himself as a salesman even though he's the President and CEO of a company that employs 400 people. On March 21st in San Diego Kalmenson will be given the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Radio Ink Hispanic Radio Conference for all that he's accomplished in radio, specifically Hispanic Radio. We spoke to Kalmenson and asked him to give us his perspective on the radio industry and how he's seen it evolve.

"It's terrible. It's changed terribly. And they are going to have to change again or they're going to get wiped out by the internet now. I know what to do. We are starting to do it at our corporation now, to keep us from getting eaten up by internet when it's in the car and everywhere. It has changed for the worse. The minute that the money got big and people started concentrating on the ratings, because that's where the money went, all of the great things we used to do with public affairs, community involvement went away."

"I used to give away 500,000 toys at Christmas. We gave away 25,000 turkeys at Thanksgiving. We had programs for the poor. We had news that really meant something. Now none of it happens because everybody made so much money just by doing the ratings dance. The ratings dance was wonderful for listenership or TSL, but it did nothing for your involvement in the community. In fact, it was the opposite. They found just what made people tune in or what makes people tune out. No one gave a damn about anything else. It is terrible. I won't tell you my formula for what it is. I will tell you this much: You have to achieve interest in your company from a local level. In other words, we have the one thing that nobody else can do. If there is a traffic accident outside my window at 5:00, at 5:01 can have it on the air. Nobody else can do that. We can do that. We have to be very local. We have to be very much involved in the community. We have to be needed."

Kalmenson will appear on the cover of the March 12th issue of Radio Ink magazine where subscribers will be able to read more of his open and honest dialogue about the radio industry, the company he's grown from one station and how Hispanic radio has become mainstream. It's our special issue on the explosive growth of the Hispanic format and it features interviews with some of Hispanic radio's top General Managers and Program Directors. To subscribe to Radio Ink in time to receive this special issue, go HERE

(2/23/2012 6:46:55 AM)
I agree . . . I've been saying this for at least 20 years . . . live and local . . . but I have been frozen out by the morons who want to perpetuate the status quo. Let's just keep voice tracking until it's all gone.

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CBS Launches New App For Facebook Timeline

2-21-2012

CBS Local Digital Media launched a new app that consumers can add to their Facebook timeline. The app will allow listeners to share news, traffic and weather with their friends and learn more about the day?s headlines and what?s happening locally or in other major markets across the country.

Anyone who visits CBS Local Digital Media?s NY or LA websites can add the app to their timeline. President of CBS local digital media Ezra Kucharz (pictured) said, ?We?re thrilled to launch this new app for Facebook timeline. Sharing with your friends what you?re learning about the world outside your door has more meaning today than it ever has, and this app makes it easy to build connections by telling the story of your life through your activities online.?

Check out the timeline fo Facebook apps at the two CBS pages in New York or Los Angeles

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Mayne: "CRS 2012 Will Be The Best Ever."

The 2012 Country Radio Seminar kicks off in Nashville tomorrow. The annual gathering of Country Program Directors and Country Music artists is three days filled with speakers, panels and performances in a casual setting where it's not uncommon to see some of country music biggest stars wandering the convention center shooting the breeze with those that spin their songs. CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne is on the cover of the latest issue of Radio Ink magazine. Mayne has been the Executive Director since April 1st 2010. And he told us the show that begins tomorrow should be the best ever. Today, he  explains why.

"I think it's going to be the best one ever because we are now three years into our innovation and change. A lot of the elements have come together. From a content standpoint we are going to have some great research presentations done. We commissioned Edison Research to do a nationwide study and we are very excited about providing that information. The research we provide at CRS has always been the benchmark, especially in a marketplace where individuals might not have the budgets to do their own research. I am also very excited about the people that we bring to share a new perspective. Bob Pittman is going to be our keynote this year. We are ecstatic about having Bob keynote."

Mayne says the follow-up to Pittman is futurist David Houle. "He is an amazing guy from a perspective standpoint. I think he is going to challenge people to think about the future. We have a number of panels dedicated to social media and technology. We have one panel in particular that I am very excited about called "Digital Dashboard" that is going to be taking an in depth look with very learned people in the field about technology in automobiles, especially with respect to communication and music. There is a lot on the table this year as far as perspective and new ideas and hearing from some new voices. That is why I think its going to be the best ever...in addition to a tremendous amount of great new talent that people are going to see, and see in some different configurations that we are providing this year."

Mayne says attendees will also be part of something new this year. "On Wednesday night, Lady Antebellum is going to be doing a public show here in Nashville. Every attendee from CRS will be attending that show and sitting in a special section. It will be Lady A with Darius Rucker and Thompson Square.

Also at CRS, in conjunction with SONY Radio Ink will be presenting plaques to the 2011 Best Country Program Directors in America. To subscribe to Radio Ink in time to receive the Bill Mayne CRS issue, GO HERE

Here is a rundown of the entire CRS agenda
Tuesday, Feb. 21:
CRS unofficially kicks off with the sold out Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony at 6 p.m.  The 2012 inductees are Beverlee Brannigan, Ron Rogers and Rusty Walker in the Radio category and Moby, Eddie Stubbs and Bill Whyte in the On-Air category.  Glen Campbell is the Career Achievement Award recipient and Bob Kingsley is receiving the President?s Award.  Sony Music Nashville and Sea Gayle Records are presenting the inaugural ?Official Country Radio Hall of Fame After Party? at 8:30 p.m. in the Renaissance Hotel.

Wednesday, Feb. 22:
CRS 2012 officially begins with the keynote address, delivered at 9 a.m. by MTV co-founder and Clear Channel exec Bob Pittman.  American Idol finalist Lauren Alaina will perform the national anthem.  Presentation of the Artist Humanitarian (Rascal Flatts) and Radio Humanitarian awards (winners TBA) follows.  Futurist David Houle will address attendees about trends affecting consumer behavior in his ?FLOWS? panel, and the annual, expansive CRS research study is presented at 2:30 p.m. in conjunction with Edison Research.

This year?s UMG Nashville luncheon is held at the Ryman Auditorium, featuring a lineup including Laura Bell Bundy, Easton Corbin, Scotty McCreery, David Nail, Josh Turner, Lee Ann Womack and additional surprise guests.  The KCRS Live! showcase features artist/songwriters Jim Collins, Andy Gibson, Aaron Lewis and Bobby Pinson.  A full-band concert by Lady Antebellum is held Wednesday night at Municipal Auditorium, with complimentary transportation and special seating provided for CRS attendees.

Thursday, Feb. 23:
Thursday?s agenda topics include: diary methodology, PPM strategies, coaching air talent, evaluation and implementation of social media, case studies on brainstorming techniques, CMA?s ?Year of Country Radio? presentation, a Country radio listener focus group, and the CRS 2012 research follow-up panel.

Iconic artist Alan Jackson performs at Thursday?s Capitol Nashville luncheon, and this year?s WCRS Live! lineup includes hit songwriters Matraca Berg, Natlie Hemby, Lori McKenna and Ashley Monroe.

Friday, Feb. 24:
Friday?s agenda is loaded with educational panels.  Topics include: mobile device usage, marketing case studies, multi-format programming, the Digital University roundtable discussions, radio technology in automobiles, unique branding and promotional relationships, national digital strategies, artist visit dos and don?ts, small market programming, building effective brands, ?hit record? analysis and more.

Friday?s musical lineup features a special performance from Faith Hill at the noon Warner Music Nashville luncheon and the seminar-closing, sold out New Faces of Country Music Show? at 6:30 p.m.  The CRS 2012 New Faces performers are: Eli Young Band, Hunter Hayes, David Nail, Sunny Sweeney and Thompson Square.

CRS on-site services and conveniences include the debut of CRSnet, a free intranet service available for attendees to download panel and research materials, the CRS smartphone apps for Android, Blackberry and Apple products, free internet caf? and cell-phone charging station in the St. Jude Internet Cafe, complimentary coffee cart and the second floor networking lounge.  The CRS media room is open on the first floor for approved media and artists.

On-site and after-hours destinations include The CRS Badge Bar in the Renaissance Ballroom, Bob Kingsley?s Acoustic Alley in the Belmont Room with performances from Rhett Akins, Casey Beathard, Jim Beavers, Corey Crowder, Tom Douglas, Marv Green, Ben Hayslip, David Lee, Wendell Mobley, Rivers Rutherford and Jeffrey Steele, Tenacity Records showcase with Bill Gentry and Darryl Worley, Black River Entertainment showcase with Sarah Darling, Due West, Craig Morgan and Glen Templeton and the New York Exchange Cadillac.  The Show Dog Universal bus and the Black River Mobile Cigar Lounge are located in front of the Convention Center on Commerce St.

CRS is welcoming a record-setting number of sponsors at CRS 2012, including: ACM, Arbitron, Black River Entertainment, BMI, Bob Kingsley?s Country Top 40, Capitol/EMI Records, City National Bank, Compassion International, CMA, Country Aircheck, Cumulus Media Networks, Curb Records, Digital Rodeo, GAC, HRT Records, Live Nation, Lucchese Boots, MDA, New York Rock Exchange, Operation Troop Aid, Radio Ink, R&J Records, Sea Gayle Records, SESAC, Show Dog Universal, Sony Music Nashville, St. Jude Children?s Research Hospital, Suntrust Bank, Tenacity Records, UMG Nashville, United Stations Radio Networks, Warm Blanket Orphan Care International, Warner Music Nashville and World Vision.

A detailed schedule with descriptions of all panels and events can be viewed at www.CRB.org or accessed via the CRS 2012 smartphone application, available here.  $499 walk-up registration is available, excluding admission to the sold-out New Faces of Country Music Show and Dinner.  Single-day admission passes (excluding admission to the Lady Antebellum concert and New Faces show) are available on-site for $150.  A $99 Unemployment Rate is also available.  For more information about the Unemployment Rate, contact Kristen McRary at (615) 327-4487 or Kristen@CRB.org.

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