CBS Detroit VP Debbie Kenyon

9-13-2013

I met Debbie at a casino. Now that may seem like a line from a Martin Scorcese film, but when you need to stay in downtown Detroit, the casino hotels are some of the best in the city. Debbie was a breath of fresh air; she was smart, knew the market inside and out, and had a full understanding of her stations from sales to programming and everything in between. Besides being a genius regarding Detroit radio, and pretty much everything else in life, she juggled being a mother and a wife as well and did it all in the same 24 hours as everyone else who accomplishes half as much. Working the past several years with Debbie has made me a better person. Her kindness, demeanor, work ethic, and passion are contagious; and every time we talk I feel a little smarter just knowing her.

Now, in her own words, is how CBS Detroit VP Debbie Kenyon got into radio?

My radio career started in sales, and the seeds were planted at a very young age?selling candy bars door-to-door for our local swim team when I was 6 years old!
My Dad was a long-term salesperson at WJBK in Detroit and instilled a strong work ethic in me. There was no way he was going to sell the candy bars for me ? I was going to have to do it myself. So  he would stand on the street as I went door to door selling the candy bars. Times have changed, of course, and now I would probably be too nervous to let one of my three children go to door to door selling anything.
Then, as I grew older, I spent a lot of time at work with my Dad; many of his clients were regulars at our house on the weekends. I loved listening to the jingles over and over that were created for his local advertisers? TV spots.
Growing up, I would play "office" with my friends. My office, however, just happened to be a TV station! We would create an imaginary traffic department, a sales department and, of course, a general manager would oversee the operation. My passion for radio really started during junior high years when my friends and I would spend hours listening to the radio, trying to get requests on the air, or coming up with pranks to play on the local DJs. Trying to win prizes was of course a huge part of the fun too.
I graduated with a degree in finance from Western Michigan and had every intention of working in New York, hoping for a career on the floor of the stock exchange. However, while my boyfriend -- now my husband -- was finishing his own studies, I interviewed at a local radio station, WNIC (Fairmount Communications) and started working in sales. This was going to be a temporary move until he graduated, but one month into it I had fallen in love with the business. It was inspiring to create programs for small businesses and really seeing the true positive effect the radio station had on each business.

Starting out on $1,200 a month turned into $50,000 in my first year. Although I grew up through sales, the air product is thrilling for me too, which makes my job that much more fun every day. I am also fortunate in that I have worked, and continue to work, each and every day with some of the best talent around, including Detroit radio legends Dick Purtan, Jim Harper, and now Dr. Don, Mike Valenti, Jim Johnson, and many more.

Reach out to Debbie at Debbie.Kenyon@cbsradio.com

Lisa Miller is the President of Miller Broadcast Management in Chicago. She's also one of Radio Ink's Most Influential Women in Radio. Miller can be reached at Lisa@millerbroadcast.com or 312-454-1111.
So, how did you get into radio? We'd love to hear the story about why you're passionate about radio. Read more "How I Got Into Radio" columns by Lisa HERE.

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Debbie Wagner Out In San Diego

9-4-2012

Clear Channel replaces Wagner as the market manager with Melissa Forrest (pictured). Forrest moves west from Atlanta where she was market manager from 2008 until last week when Clear Channel brought in Matt Scarano from Chicago where he was D.O.S. At the time Clear Channel said Forrest would remain with the company in a soon-to-be-announced position, and here it is. The Clear Channel cluster has 5 FMs and 2 AMs.

Prior to joining Clear Channel, Forrest  served as Vice President and Market Manager for Entercom Communications in Austin. Forrest also has previous radio leadership experience in the Seattle and Detroit markets.

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Debbie Greenbaum Joins WYM

8-15-2012

Greenbaum (pictured) joins WYM Media Management LLC as co-founder, managing partner with Ron Hartenbaum and Liz Laud. Greenbaum's business, DG Media will merge into WYM. Greenbaum  said, ?The opportunity to take my shows to the next level and grow WYM with the integration of Ron's product at WYD and ground-breaking new shows such as ?Istook Live,? ?Zach Sang and the Gang? and The Stephanie Miller Show is incredible. The timing couldn't be better; we are going to have a lot of fun and a lot of success."

Hartenbaum said, ?Deb is an accomplished industry veteran who has successfully launched a variety of shows and products throughout her career and by bringing the ?The Leslie Marshall Show? and Good Parts Media services ("Mr. Prep" and "The Hookup") into the fold, immediately adds to our arsenal of affiliate sales opportunities. I am thrilled to be able to continue our working relationship with her as a partner in WYM and am very excited about what the future holds.?

Hartenbaum, who has worked with talk programming personalities that include Rush Limbaugh, Dennis Prager, Neal Boortz, Mike Malloy, Clark Howard, Mike Gallagher, and Ring of Fire hosts Sam Seder, Mike Papantonio and Robert Kennedy Jr., had earlier this year joined forces with Affiliate Sales and Marketing veteran Liz Laud to launch WYM.

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5 Questions With Cox GM Debbie Morel

Why retire?
Because I can and fortunately I?m still young enough to enjoy!  Seriously, I wish there was another word to replace retirement, it sounds so old and over!  I?m moving on from a very blessed and fulfilling career of 33 years in the radio business and 28 years with the best media company ever!  I am very proud and grateful for all the opportunities and all the people I have worked with and befriended over the years.  Now it?s time for my husband, Marc, who?s been retired since we moved to Orlando, and I to enjoy the next, most exciting time of our lives!  Our roots are calling us back to Chicago and the Desert Sun is calling us to Arizona, so, the plan is to live our dream by dividing our time between Arizona and Chicago while traveling around the world as much as possible?God willing. 

What has changed since day one on the job as a GM compared to today?
Everything!  Change is good and should be embraced.  With that said, there are some things that should never change.  The ?Values? that you instill and build a culture around are the foundation for everything else.  Talent, research and development along with the ?fun? factor helps to create our brands.  And, developing custom and creative marketing campaigns for our brands and customers? brands remains a priority which ultimately allows us to achieve our profit goals. 

But, the key is having the right Talent and knowing that People are what differentiate you from your competitors.  ?People are our Greatest Assets? has been the mantra of Cox since day one and something that I have always embraced.  When I was promoted to VP/GM, Nick Trigony, President of Cox Radio and Television, told me that a successful GM doesn?t have to be an expert in every aspect of the business, however, you do have to be an expert in surrounding yourself with those whom are experts that you can trust and share the same vision.

I think the most significant change speaks to the resources available through the advances in technology and how we decide to maximize and monetize those resources to improve our brands along with our customers? businesses.  At the end of the day, we?re all creating ways in which we can be better operators, increase profitability and remain relevant.  I believe we are all trying to figure out what is the most effective and efficient structure of people and resources to be the best.

What 3 tips/pieces of advice can you give radio folks who have set a goal to become a GM?
That?s the million dollar question!   I would say?Remember the importance and contributions of others in that you are only as successful as the People who work with and for you; Always do the right thing, your reputation is the only thing you have control of and will be with you forever; Try and hook up with a great company and always have confidence in yourself and your abilities. 

What is the most important part of a GM's job today?
I believe the most important part of a GM?s job is being a great leader of People in a creative and thriving environment, working together toward a shared vision.

Is the Radio industry in a good place in your opinion?
Absolutely!  As the Radio Industry continues to identify ways to be relevant, radio will continue to be a part of everyone?s life.  The most successful radio professionals are those with the ?Radio Gene?!  The passion and creativity levels are unmatched to those who have dedicated themselves to the most fun and competitive industry I know!  I hope that Radio will continue to recruit the talent that?s necessary for Radio to thrive in the future!

Congratulate Morel on her wonderful career Debbie.Morel@coxinc.com

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CBS Market Manager Debbie Kenyon Hires a Slacker

7-11-2012

CBS Detroit Market Manager Debbie Kenyon has given the thumbs up to bring Ian "Slacker" Richards onto the CBS Detroit team. Richards becomes the afternoon drive host for 98.7 AMP Radio. Kenyon said: ?I?m very happy to promote Slacker, who has spent the last two and a half years growing into a major market talent.  It?s great to find full-time talent among the part-time staff who dedicate so much time to the station.  Slacker has a great personality and quickly will become one of the radio stars in Detroit.?

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(MIW SPOTLIGHT) Clear Channel's Debbie Wagner

6-11-2012

Debbie Wagner never forgets about the people that helped her along the way. Today, she's a very successful Market Manager for Clear Channel in San Diego, the 17th largest radio market in America. Wagner is also one of Radio Ink's Most Influential Women for 2012. "It?s been a privilege to live and work in some special markets and I believe it?s our obligation to always give back and support the community that has given so much to us. What you give out always comes back." Here is more advice and insight from Wagner. The entire Most Influential Women in Radio list will be released June 18th. 

RI: What advice can you offer readers on how to succeed, to get to the top and reach their goals?
Wagner: Determine what position you would ultimately like to have and seek out a mentorship relationship with someone who has that position.  You can then build your plan on what experience and steps you need to take to get to your goal. Work hard, be professional, positive, honest, inquisitive and always go above and beyond.  Your work and presence should make a difference to your team. Actively seek out and take on new opportunities to learn and get known within your stations, company and market. 

Develop strong relationships and super serve your clients and listeners. They are key members of your team and business.   Appreciate and treat co-workers , especially your support team, with respect as they will always be an important part of your success. Be open to change so you can quickly adapt to our constantly evolving business and market.  Once in a leadership position, you need to effectively communicate your vision, set high expectations, hold the team accountable to goals and celebrate successes. You also can?t be afraid of making tough decisions regarding people, shows, formats or expenses in order to improve your business and results.

What mistakes can you help them avoid?
Take care of your reputation as it always precedes you. Avoid burning bridges- you never know who you will be working for or with in the future. Communicate your career goals to your managers and seek out their feedback on how you are progressing and areas to improve.  Actively pursue upcoming job openings which pertain to your goals and make sure to apply for the openings. Many people think that they will be recognized with advancement for their good work but you need to ask and actively pursue the opportunities you want. 

Why have you succeeded?
Over the years, I have had the honor to put together and work with some really talented mentors, managers, personalities and teams as well as great owners like Clear Channel.  Recruiting, hiring, maintaining and growing the best talent and matching their skills to the right position has been key to my being able to create successful, high performing teams and achieve and deliver results.  We all spend more time at work than at home so I have always strived to create a focused but positive and fun culture where people want to come.  Success is always earned as a team.

I never forget the quote by Althea Gibson:  ?No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helped you.? Participating and giving back to the community by leading and serving on charitable and industry boards has also been a top focus. It?s been a privilege to live and work in some special markets and I believe it?s our obligation to always give back and support the community that has given so much to us. What you give out always comes back. 

Send a note of congratulations to Debbie directly: debbiewagner@clearchannel.com

Read our previous MIW spotlights:
Weezie Kramer of Entercom. "Being Average Doesn't Cut it."
Nancy Odney of Radio Fargo Moorehead. "Accountable Goals and a Detailed Plan."
Alene Grevy of Clear Channel Charleston. "You Can't Get to the Top Without Goals."
Alex Cameron of Emmis in New York. "Attitude is Everything."

View the original article here

(MIW SPOTLIGHT) Clear Channel's Debbie Wagner

6-11-2012

Debbie Wagner never forgets about the people that helped her along the way. Today, she's a very successful Market Manager for Clear Channel in San Diego, the 17th largest radio market in America. Wagner is also one of Radio Ink's Most Influential Women for 2012. "It?s been a privilege to live and work in some special markets and I believe it?s our obligation to always give back and support the community that has given so much to us. What you give out always comes back." Here is more advice and insight from Wagner. The entire Most Influential Women in Radio list will be released June 18th. 

RI: What advice can you offer readers on how to succeed, to get to the top and reach their goals?
Wagner: Determine what position you would ultimately like to have and seek out a mentorship relationship with someone who has that position.  You can then build your plan on what experience and steps you need to take to get to your goal. Work hard, be professional, positive, honest, inquisitive and always go above and beyond.  Your work and presence should make a difference to your team. Actively seek out and take on new opportunities to learn and get known within your stations, company and market. 

Develop strong relationships and super serve your clients and listeners. They are key members of your team and business.   Appreciate and treat co-workers , especially your support team, with respect as they will always be an important part of your success. Be open to change so you can quickly adapt to our constantly evolving business and market.  Once in a leadership position, you need to effectively communicate your vision, set high expectations, hold the team accountable to goals and celebrate successes. You also can?t be afraid of making tough decisions regarding people, shows, formats or expenses in order to improve your business and results.

What mistakes can you help them avoid?
Take care of your reputation as it always precedes you. Avoid burning bridges- you never know who you will be working for or with in the future. Communicate your career goals to your managers and seek out their feedback on how you are progressing and areas to improve.  Actively pursue upcoming job openings which pertain to your goals and make sure to apply for the openings. Many people think that they will be recognized with advancement for their good work but you need to ask and actively pursue the opportunities you want. 

Why have you succeeded?
Over the years, I have had the honor to put together and work with some really talented mentors, managers, personalities and teams as well as great owners like Clear Channel.  Recruiting, hiring, maintaining and growing the best talent and matching their skills to the right position has been key to my being able to create successful, high performing teams and achieve and deliver results.  We all spend more time at work than at home so I have always strived to create a focused but positive and fun culture where people want to come.  Success is always earned as a team.

I never forget the quote by Althea Gibson:  ?No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helped you.? Participating and giving back to the community by leading and serving on charitable and industry boards has also been a top focus. It?s been a privilege to live and work in some special markets and I believe it?s our obligation to always give back and support the community that has given so much to us. What you give out always comes back. 

Send a note of congratulations to Debbie directly: debbiewagner@clearchannel.com

Read our previous MIW spotlights:
Weezie Kramer of Entercom. "Being Average Doesn't Cut it."
Nancy Odney of Radio Fargo Moorehead. "Accountable Goals and a Detailed Plan."
Alene Grevy of Clear Channel Charleston. "You Can't Get to the Top Without Goals."
Alex Cameron of Emmis in New York. "Attitude is Everything."

View the original article here