10-13-13
Radio has a David-and-Goliath story of its own, one that's being played out all over the country by small and independent operators. And despite a lack of giant resources, these companies can -- like the legendary hero -- get the best of their bigger competitors. At Radio Ink's Forecast 2014, set for November 20, 2013 at the Harvard Club in New York, you can learn about "The Future and Vision of the Independent Operator" from a panel of top indie radio execs moderated by Patrick Communications' Larry Patrick (pictured here).
Patrick says, "Independent operators remain viable players in the radio business. They face competition from giant groups yet achieve success by focusing on local business and listeners. This panel with three great middle-market operators will share some of their secrets to success. They also will share how they built their groups and what the radio industry's future is from their perspective. Listen to these independent experts, and ask the questions you need answered about your own stations."
How can independent operators compete, and even lead, in today's multi-platform world? Where are the most promising growth prospects and opportunities? Who's buying in the heartland, and who's financing the deals? All those topics, and much more, will be on the table at this sure-to-be-fascinating Forecast panel.
Moderator:
Larry Patrick is founder and managing partner of Patrick Communications and has completed hundreds of radio and TV brokerage deals. Patrick has worked with dozens of group owners, private equity funds, Wall Street firms, and lenders over the past 30 years. He's also owned more than 60 radio stations; his experience includes serving as COO of Gilmore Broadcasting and senior VP of the NAB. Patrick is chairman of the NAB's political action committee and a past president of both the National Association of Media Brokers and the Broadcast Education Association.
JP 
is CEO of South Central Communications, an Evansville, IN-based media company with assets in radio broadcasting, digital marketing, and audiovisual solutions marketed under the names of South Central Media and South Central AV. South Central Media is a marketing company that includes top-rated radio stations, online strategies, and digital marketing services such as Web design, search marketing, SEO, and online display advertising. South Central AV is an audiovisual solutions provider that designs and installs music, pro sound systems, visual solutions, video surveillance, drive-through intercoms, and conference room A/V systems.
Bud Walters is president of the 22-station Cromwell Radio Group, a company he founded in 1972. Cromwell has stations in Illinois (12), Indiana (three), Kentucky (four) and Tennessee (three). The company also operates the 30-affiliate Cromwell Ag Network. Cromwell Group has specialized in startup and turnaround stations; over the years, the company has owned approximately 35 stations, and still operates its first station at Hawesville, KY. Bud Walters is active in the broadcast industry and serves or has served on the following boards: Kentucky Broadcasters Association, Tennessee Broadcasters Association (chairman), NAB, RAB, and the Radio Music License Committee.
Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff 
began construction of his first radio station while still a student at Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He founded Connoisseur Communications Partners in 1993. Through strategic purchases of multiple single radio stations in medium to small radio markets, the company grew to 39 stations owned or operated. Connoisseur Communications Partners was sold to Cumulus Broadcasting in October 2000 for $258 million. In 2004, Warshaw launched Connoisseur Media, LLC, which has grown to own and/or operate 39 stations in 14 markets after its acquisition of 10 stations from Nassau Broadcasting and four stations from Cox Radio. The company has made over $100 million in radio acquisitions in the past 12 months.
Radio Ink's Forecast is the radio industry's exclusive financial conference, gathering radio owners, CEOs, CFOs, group executives, and managers with Wall Street and private equity investors and analysts to forecast the upcoming year. Well informed and noted economic, political, and media participants present trends, opportunities, projections, and analytical commentary on the state of business, especially as it impacts media. Now in its 11th year, Forecast has become the premium event in radio financial circles. The event is held at the Harvard Club in New York City and is closed to the press.
Immediately following Forecast, Radio Ink's "40 Most Powerful People in Radio" are honored at an exclusive, invitation-only reception, also at the Harvard Club. Forecast attendees will get the exclusive opportunity to mingle with these industry luminaries. Only registered conference attendees are guaranteed invitations to this premier networking after-party. Attendance is limited to 200.
Forecast 2014
November 20, 2013
Harvard Club
New York
To register, call 561-655-8778 or go to www.radioinkforecast.com.
