Matt Smith Promoted To Market Manager

12-3-14

Beasley makes it official, giving Smith the title of VP/market manager overseeing WJBR-FM in Wilmington and a cluster of three AM radio stations in the Philadelphia market that include WWDB-AM, WTMR-AM, and WTEL-AM (formerly WIP-AM). Smith was interim market manager for Beasley Philadelphia after the retirement of Natalie Conner in June. That's when the company still owned WXTU and WRDW. Those two stations were swapped to CBS. Beasley picked up WIP-AM in the swap which has been changed to WTEL-AM. In 2013, Smith was named one of Radio Ink's Best Managers in Radio.

Smith began his career with Beasley in 2003 as an account executive in the Beasley Broadcast Las Vegas cluster. In 2006, he was named local sales manager, an additional promotion to general sales manager occurred later that same year. By 2007, Matt was offered the opportunity to lead the sales efforts at Beasley's WJBR-FM in his hometown of Wilmington, DE. He joined WJBR as general sales manager and by 2009 was named director of sales for Beasley's Philadelphia FMs.

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Foundation To Honor Smith, NAB

11-17-14

NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith and the organization he leads will be the 2015 recipients of the Broadcasters Foundation of America's Golden Mike Award, to be presented in a black-tie fundraising gala on February 23, 2015, at the Plaza Hotel in New York. Broadcasters Foundation Chairman Philip J. Lombardo says, "Gordon's accomplishments for broadcasters are widely recognized across our profession, but perhaps many are not aware of Gordon's tireless efforts on behalf of the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation to help our colleagues in need."

Lombardo continues, "Gordon's influence has raised awareness of the foundation's charitable mission, and his commitment to helping those in our business who need it most has been admirable.  We are honored to have Gordon on our board and to recognize his dedication to our purpose with the 2015 Golden Mike Award."

Broadcasters Foundation President Jim Thompson adds, "The NAB is always at the forefront of advocacy for broadcasters' interests. Their task is often daunting, yet they persevere, providing legislative guidance and educational programs to advance broadcast radio and television. The NAB has provided the Broadcasters Foundation with platforms to helps us generate awareness about our mission, and we are thankful for that support.  With the 2015 Golden Mike Award, we recognize their contribution."

Smith called it a "privilege to represent this industry of charitable, giving professionals." He goes on, "I am awed by the number of broadcasters who come forward to help their colleagues through the foundation's work.  I'd like to thank the board of directors for this recognition, and I would ask all broadcasters to please consider your good fortune and help those in our profession who, through no fault of their own, have fallen on the hardest of times."

Before joining the NAB in 2009, Smith served as a two-term U.S. senator from Oregon and later as senior adviser in the Washington, DC, offices of Covington & Burling, LLP. While in the Senate, Smith was on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, which oversees all broadcast-related legislation.

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Smith Joins DMR As VP

10-21-14

After working in radio for 20 years with Cox, CBS Radio, and Hubbard, Doug Smith has signed on with DMR/Interactive as vice president/marketing strategy. "Radio has an amazing story," Smith said, "and I'm fortunate to partner with clients and help them engage the Nielsen households that matter most. Building relationships has been the key throughout my career and it's what DMR/Interactive is all about."

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Guthrie to Talk With Farber, Smith

10-17-14
Cox Media Group EVP/Radio Kim Guthrie will be at Forecast 2015 -- and we hope you'll be there too! If you're at the Harvard Club on November 19, you'll have a chance to hear Guthrie talk with RAB President/CEO Erica Farber and NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith in a conversation onstage and off the record (Forecast has a no-press policy). These industry leaders are set to talk candidly about the state of the business, as well as their initiatives, objectives, and vision for the year ahead.

At the RAB, Farber sets the tone for how radio presents itself to advertisers, while Smith represents radio in DC as the head of one of the country's most influential trade associations. Very different roles, but both key to radio's future -- and you shouldn't miss what they have to say. Register for Forecast today.

Kim Guthrie is Cox Media Group's (CMG) executive vice president/radio, with oversight of all of CMG's radio markets. Prior to this role, Guthrie was SVP of radio for Cox Media Group, and before that, she was group VP, overseeing 31 CMG TV and radio properties. She also previously held the position of regional vice president for Cox Radio. Guthrie joined Cox Radio in 1998 as VP/GM for its Long Island, New York properties. She was elected to the NAB board this year and also serves on the executive board for the RAB.

Erica Farber is president and CEO of the RAB. She joined the organization in January of 2012 as EVP for membership, services, and professional development and rose to her current post later in the year. Before that she was CEO of radio consulting and Internet service provider the Farber Connection, founded in 2010. During her 15-year tenure at Radio & Records, she served as COO, president, publisher, and CEO. Earlier in her career, Farber was VP/Radio Development Director at Interep.

Gordon Smith is president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters. Before joining NAB, he served as a two-term U.S. senator from Oregon and later as senior adviser in the Washington offices of Covington & Burling, LLP. During his tenure in the Senate, Smith's committee assignments included the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, the panel that oversees all broadcast-related legislation.

Register today:

Forecast 2015
November 19, 2014
Harvard Club
New York
www.radioinkforecast.com

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Kim Guthrie Talks With Erica Farber, Gordon Smith

10-17-14
Cox Media Group EVP/Radio Kim Guthrie will be at Forecast 2015 -- and we hope you'll be there too! If you're at the Harvard Club on November 19, you'll have a chance to hear Guthrie talk with RAB President/CEO Erica Farber and NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith in a conversation onstage and off the record (Forecast has a no-press policy). These industry leaders are set to talk candidly about the state of the business, as well as their initiatives, objectives, and vision for the year ahead.

At the RAB, Farber sets the tone for how radio presents itself to advertisers, while Smith represents radio in DC as the head of one of the country's most influential trade associations. Very different roles, but both key to radio's future -- and you shouldn't miss what they have to say. Register for Forecast today.

Kim Guthrie is Cox Media Group's (CMG) executive vice president/radio, with oversight of all of CMG's radio markets. Prior to this role, Guthrie was SVP of radio for Cox Media Group, and before that, she was group VP, overseeing 31 CMG TV and radio properties. She also previously held the position of regional vice president for Cox Radio. Guthrie joined Cox Radio in 1998 as VP/GM for its Long Island, New York properties. She was elected to the NAB board this year and also serves on the executive board for the RAB.

Erica Farber is president and CEO of the RAB. She joined the organization in January of 2012 as EVP for membership, services, and professional development and rose to her current post later in the year. Before that she was CEO of radio consulting and Internet service provider the Farber Connection, founded in 2010. During her 15-year tenure at Radio & Records, she served as COO, president, publisher, and CEO. Earlier in her career, Farber was VP/Radio Development Director at Interep.

Gordon Smith is president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters. Before joining NAB, he served as a two-term U.S. senator from Oregon and later as senior adviser in the Washington offices of Covington & Burling, LLP. During his tenure in the Senate, Smith's committee assignments included the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, the panel that oversees all broadcast-related legislation.

Register today:

Forecast 2015
November 19, 2014
Harvard Club
New York
www.radioinkforecast.com

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Greg Smith Is The New VP Of Sales For Cumulus Detroit

8-27-14

The 19-year radio vet is now responsible for sales at Cumulus' two Detroit stations WDVD and WDRQ. He moves to Cumulus from Greater Media Detroit and also worked for CBS Radio in Detroit for 17 years. Gary Pizzati, senior vice president for Cumulus said: ?Greg has the market equity we needed to lead the sales for WDVD and Nash in Detroit. He has the relationships and respect from the ad community in the Motor City to make an immediate impact. We're thrilled to have Greg as a part of the Cumulus family in Detroit.?

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Stephen A. Smith Gets Show On Sirius

8-7-14

As Radio Ink reported last week, ESPN host Stephen A. Smith will be getting his own Sports Talk program on SiriusXM's Mad Dog Sports Radio (channel 85). The program will be produced by ESPN from ESPN Audio's headquarters in Bristol. The new two-hour daily show debuts Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 1 p.m. ET. Smith said, "Words can't express how excited I am to be going to SiriusXM. I've waited a long time for this. All I'm going to say is Sept. 2 can't arrive soon enough. So buckle up, because I'm coming!"

Traug Keller, ESPN senior vice president, production, business divisions, added, "This is an exciting new business opportunity for ESPN Audio. By creating outstanding exclusive audio content for SiriusXM, in this case The Stephen A. Smith Show, we are maximizing our presence on a variety of platforms that expand our reach and options for sports fans."

Smith just came off a one-week suspension after he made insensitive comments toward women shortly after the Ray Rice incident. Rice was caught on tape getting physical with his girlfriend (now wife) and suspended by the NFL for two games. Smith used the word "provoke," when talking about women in that type of violent situation, which lead to his suspension from both ESPN TV and radio for one week.

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Is Stephen A. Smith Leaving ESPN Radio?

7-28-30

ESPN has no comment on the story in The New York Daily News that Smith is headed to SiriusXM to join former WFAN host Chris "Mad Dog" Russo's channel. You may remember our story back in May when Russo said he was unable to find a black host ?who is worthy of doing a national show.? The very-well-connected Bob Raissman at The Daily News reports Smith is leaving ESPN-98.7 FM and heading to Sirius, where he'll get his own show. Currently Smith is a co-host with Ryan Ruocco on 98.7.

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Randy Smith New GSM For Cox Tulsa

3-13-14

Smith was GSM at CMG Tulsa?s TV stations KOKI-TV and KMYT-TV. He also spent five years as LSM at the NBC affiliate in Tulsa. Before that, he held sales management positions with Clear Channel Tulsa. Smith will be responsible for sales at KJSR Classic Rock 103.3 FM, KRAV Adult Contemporary 96.5 FM, KRMG News/Talk 102.3 FM/740 AM, and KWEN Country 95.5 FM. Smith is a former Radio Ink Radio Wayne finalist in the D.O.S. category.

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Smith Urges Broadcasters to Get Behind the Chip

9-18-13

NAB CEO Gordon Smith told Radio Show attendees Wednesday that investing in innovation is crucial to the long-term growth of the industry -- and one of those innovations is the FM chip for cell phones. Just watching people walk the hallways or sit in sessions, it's clear the cell phone has become an extension of the human body. Most agree that if radio had a perrmanent position on the face of every cell phone, that would be very beneficial to the industry as a whole.

Of course, Smith mentioned the importance of local radio being on and available to communities in times of tragedy and disaster, which unfortunately, we hear about every year in this country. An FM chip delivers radio without the need of a stream, so your local station will always be there, over the air, when listeners need it most. Smith said the FM chip technology, now also being referred to as "hybrid FM radio," benefits consumers and provides many opportunities for broadcasters and manufacturers. NAB Labs has been instrumental in helping produce the product that Sprint would eventually buy into and put in its phones.

Smith also gave credit to Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan, who, he said, pioneered the FM chip effort; he added, "and, like many unsung pioneer heroes, he has taken his share of arrows in the back to bring this initiative to the forefront of the radio business." Smulyan, according to Smith, had additional help on the FM chip initiative from Hubbard Radio's Bruce Reese and Ginny Morris and Cromwell CEO Bud Walters. Smith believes that getting the chips in all phones is yet another way to increase the influence of the radio industry.

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After 25 Years WXXI's Bob Smith Retires

8-29-13

He's the longtime host and producer of WXXI-AM Rochester's 1370 Connection and he's stepping down as host of the midday talk show. This past April, Bob Smith suffered a stroke and is currently in long-term rehabilitative care. WXXI President Norm Silverstein said, ?Bob?s incredible wealth of knowledge and curiosity of many varied topics made him such an engaging talk show host. His dedication to the program has made 1370 Connection essential to the Rochester community for more than 25 years.?

Smith started his career in broadcast news before his 20th birthday, when he landed his first full-time radio job as a reporter/anchor for Syracuse station WHEN (AM) while simultaneously enrolled in graduate school at Cornell University. He holds a Ph.D in American political and legal history from Cornell and taught undergraduate American political and diplomatic history courses to Cornell undergraduate students. He joined WXXI in March of 1988.

Throughout his career, Smith received several awards, including a New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association Award and an Award for Media Excellence from the United Nations Association of Rochester. Smith has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Rochester Rotary Club and the Small Business Council of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce. He's also author of the first of a series of major task force reports for the Urban League of Rochester, which helped launch public school reform in the city. 

 A national search for a new host of 1370 Connection is currently being conducted.

(8/29/2013 6:03:56 PM)
I knew Bob, from way back, as a fellow contributor to the (excellent but now long-gone) Broadcast Professionals Forum on Compuserve. He always had good and constructive advice for fellow broadcasters, and made many wise contributions to general discussion there.

Here's wishing him a full recovery.

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How I Got Into Radio -- Steve Smith

2-22-2013

If you know Steve Smith, then you know there is no one else like him in the radio industry or in the world for that matter. Steve's personality is all over every station he programs and the station?s success is the result of Steve's ?It's the right thing to do" attitude. He?s never scared of the establishment and follows the voice in his head that tells him which direction to go. And in doing so, he is always ahead of the game. In the early 90s, I worked with Steve when he was overseeing the programming of KKFR in Phoenix. We had just placed Danny Bonaduce after his first run in Philadelphia. Danny made every day interesting; every phone call from Danny started with "Lisa, you're not going to believe what happened" and every one of Steve?s calls started with ?Lisa, you?re not going to believe what happened.? So, needless to say, Steve and I spent a lot of time together on the phone ?not believing what happened.? If you don't know Steve, you don't know one of the brightest guys in the industry, as Director of Radio Programming, is still working ahead of the business and making Cox a formable competitor.

Now, here's Steve in his own words?

I was 17 years old, playing in a rock band, going to Arizona State University, and preparing for law school. I was going to be a litigation attorney.

I took a job with Phoenix Pest Control as the new telephone sales manager. We would call new home owners and trick them into thinking we had been servicing there house all along. I became a top sales manager within weeks. One day the phone rang back, a bit startled I answered; it was a woman from a research company. She asked me if I wanted to help her by answering a few questions. She went on to explain that she would play the hooks to certain songs and I would rate the songs between 1 and 10 based on if I liked them or hated them. I said, sure. Several months later when I left the pest control company, I needed extra money for my senior year in college so I called the ?song hook girl? and asked her about openings at her company. The next day she called me and told me that I had an interview for a job. I drove to the company for my interview; the corporate headquarters were located in a double-wide trailer in Guadalupe, Arizona.  As I sat through my interview, I remember looking at the guy behind the console who was talking into a microphone. I thought he was performing air traffic control for Sky Harbor Airport nearby; I had no idea he was the DJ of the radio station located in the trailer.

The next thing I knew I was in the research department, where I made up all the answers, picked my favorite songs, and watched the station get the best ratings ever.

From this, I was promoted to weekend public affairs/overnight producer. KUPD was a Top 40 FM station. The station was known as ?Cupid?; and if the ?Cupid Call Girl? called you, you got cash. The AM station was a ?wacko? throwaway; I was on the AM station. Steve Casey was the PD of the AM station and John Sebastian was the PD of the FM station. One Sunday, while babysitting ?Dateline Israel,? I cracked the mic and said ?670 KKKQ Phoenix, break from the tapes with more of your favorite music.?   The next day Steve took me aside and told me: ?While driving my wife to the airport Sunday morning in an effort to get her to a 6 a.m. flight, I heard you.?  ?I?m sorry," I replied.  ?I?m not angry, I thought you sounded good.?

Thirty days later I went to work for KUKQ-AM an R&B radio station. I was a paid weekender and acting as music director for free.  In 90 days we had a 5.5 rating 12+ and beat KUPD, and creamed Guy Zapoleon at KZZP. Guy immediately flipped to a rhythmic CHR.

I had finished college and was enjoying playing at the radio thing when I was accepted to Pepperdine in Malibu. But, I was struggling with the thought of going to law school and leaving the radio business. I told my Dad, ?I love this radio thing, meeting great artists, going to concerts; it?s really a lot of fun.? My Dad said, ?If this radio thing is so great, how come you still don?t have enough money to live on? So I went to law school, and when I finished I went to work for Hot 97.7 in San Jose.

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.

How Dan Mason Got Into Radio
How John Gehron Got Into Radio

(2/22/2013 11:44:43 AM)
Steve Smith was fun to work with. When he was going to law school in LA, he was the music director, then soon program director of 670 KWNK "Top Hits 67 K-Wink" in Simi Valley. We had some good times there. And I knew then Smith had what it takes as a great PD.

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NAB CEO Gordon Smith Says Push For The Chip

9-18-2012

In his opening remarks at the Radio Show in Dallas, Wednesday, National Association of Broadcasters CEO Gordon Smith said it's important for radio to continue its fight to have an FM Chip in all mobile phones. He also said, while the wireless industry is trying, a 90-character text message during an emergency just isn't enough. "They are wise to direct their customers to turn to local media for the full story. We are natural partners, and we must work together. Radio can supplement these emergency alert efforts, since our medium doesn't have these types of limitations."

The NAB has been lobbying members of Congress, most recently the Homeland Security Committee last Friday. The wireless industry has been reluctant, although many phones already have an FM chip installed. It's just that few people know how to activate them and fewer salespeople ever explain that to the consumer. Smith says the NAB "discovered that all of the top 10 best-selling smartphones in the U.S. were already equipped with radio chips.
But, unfortunately, none of them had the chip activated. Activating these radio chips presents huge opportunities for listeners, wireless companies, and broadcasters alike. We just need to continue educating our friends in the wireless industry about the benefits of providing their customers with built-in radio. The bottom line is radio provides a great service to the public ? and we must continue to inform all Americans about the facts."

(9/20/2012 6:12:25 PM)
We recently had a tornado watch in this area and my Verizon phone alerted me with a very loud beeping tone and a description of the emergency. Why would I want an FM radio that wouldn't be able to alert me to a problem?
(9/20/2012 10:42:59 AM)
Every time Gordon opens his mouth I feel like I need to take a shower. I guess that's the nature of a lobbist and I'm sure it bets laying on your back all day for the money.

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WJHM-FM Orlando Adds Bobby Smith as PD

7-20-2012

Smith was already PD for WOMX-FM and now adds similar duties at WJHM-FM. It's a multi-year contract for Smith, according to a Clear Channel Orlando press release. Smith was previously an on-air personality, assistant program director/music director at KHFI in Austin, and also held similar positions at stations in Philadelphia.

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Wild 95.5 WLDI Names Brody Smith PD

6-14-2012

The Clear Channel owned West Palm station says Smith begins July 2nd. He replaces Valentine who went to WHYI/Miami to become the as Assistant PD. West Palm Market Manager John Hunt says, ?Brody has been a vital key to G105?s success over the years and we?re thrilled for him to join the Wild 95.5 team. His on-air experience, digital and social media skills and ability to program with attention to detail will be extremely valuable to the success and leadership of Wild 95.5.?

Smith will join the West Palm Beach cluster from Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Raleigh, where he is currently the Assistant Program Director for G105 WDCG-FM and 93.9 KISS-FM WKSL.  He joined Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Raleigh in August 2003 as an evening on-air host.   During his tenure Smith also served as Music Director and on-air talent for evenings, middays and the afternoon drive.

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Beasley Gives Courtney Smith a Nice Promotion

5-22-2012
Beasley's 5-station Vegas cluster promotes Smith to Director of New Business Development and Marketing & Events Manager. A Las Vegas native, Smith joined Beasley Broadcast Las Vegas in early 2006 as a Promotions Assistant. By the end of her first year, she was promoted to Marketing Director and in 2009 assumed additional duties as Events Coordinator for the Las Vegas cluster.

          SEND ALL YOUR NEW HIRE DETAILS TO EDRYANTHEEDITOR@GMAIL.COM

In her new role, Courtney is charged with creating benchmark events and brands that generate additional awareness of  -  and non-traditional revenue for - Beasley?s Las Vegas cluster. Additionally, she will continue to oversee established signature events such as Junefest, Countryfest, Fan Jams, National Finals Rodeo and Children?s Miracle Network Radiothon. 

Smith says, ?I?m extremely passionate about my hometown and I believe that giving back to your community is the right thing to do. Nobody does it better than Radio!  For the last 6 years, I?ve been working with our local clients on a daily basis. My new job will expand those relationships and broaden the reach of non-profits and community groups that need our help.?

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Smith Challenges Radio to Decide On Streaming

April 16, 2012

NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith spoke at the NAB Show about how advanced the automobile dashboard has become -- an area radio has always dominated. It's now a battle for space, as everyone wants the spot once only occupied by AM and FM radio. And perhaps radio has not been totally committed to that war. Smith challenged radio stations to decide on a path to streaming: "Where are you going to be?"

Smith said Ford is already letting people tweet in the car, and there's more technology like that to come. He said to broadcasters, "Where are you going to be? I imagine many of you are getting pressure to get into streaming. Only you know the right answer for your business. Whatever path you decide, NAB will be there on your behalf. Ubiquity tomorrow means your ability to get to people at all times in all places and on all devices."

Smith then went on to criticize the cell phone industry. "Even today, broadcast radio and TV are where the ears and eyeballs are," he said. "Even in an area of Pandora and Spotify, local radio is by far the number one source for new music. Radio has a new opportunity, including on cell phones. Carriers don't make that known and may be refusing to activate the chip. Some say they want to charge for data streaming. We're hopeful, over time, carriers will come to appreciate having an activated radio tuner."

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Big Crowd For Final Ron Smith Farewell

1-17-2012

WBAL's Ron Smith died last month at the age of 70 after a short but public battle with pancreatic cancer. A service was held yesterday in the auditorium of Goucher University. In attendance were U.S. Senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin, Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger and former Gov. Robert Ehrlich.

The service was emceed by WBAL-TV's Gerry Sandusky, and speakers included Dr. Bill Howard, Smith's physician and longtime friend, WBAL-TV anchor Stan Stovall, Hearst Radio general manager Ed Kiernan, and Jonathan Murray, WBAL radio financial analyst and friend.

Smith's wife June, seen here accepting an American Flag at the service, said ?We called this a gathering of family, friends and loyal listeners. I think everyone who was there today really saw their Ron Smith.? She said the service was exactly what Smith wanted, a memorial where loved ones could celebrate and laugh together.

Audio and video from the service are HERE on the WBAL website.

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WBAL's Ron Smith Says He Has Pancreatic Cancer.

It's something a patient never wants to hear from his doctor. "You have grade four pancreatic cancer that's metastasized to your liver, your abdominal cavity, the lungs and so on." That's what 69-year old Ron Smith was told when he went in for a checkup recently and that's what he told his audience Monday morning. He said he had no idea anything was wrong with him until he started feeling "unwell" a few weeks ago.

Ron Smith has been at WBAL since 1984. He hosts the 9AM to Noon slot on WBAL-AM in Maryland which is owned by Hearst. Smith told his listeners, "going forward, I'm going to fight this and see what happens -- how the cancer responds to the treatment, how my body responds to the treatment. There is no way to be sure of anything about this other than I will be undergoing chemotherapy for the rest of whatever time I have. There are going to be some changes here. I'm still going to do the show, but not all the time. This is not going to be a pity party. We're going to do a Ron Smith radio show every day that I'm here... Obviously, people are going to upset, but just understand that I'm OK."

Listen to Smiths full announcement HERE
Reach out to Ron here rsmith@wbal.com

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Smith Goes Off The Air Sooner Than Expected

Smith had been syndicated by American Urban Radio Networks. Now she's a talker looking for a new network. AURN pulled the plug on her show and is now running best of Bev because, she says, they can't control what she's saying (it was originally planned that Smith would stay on the air until October 28th). AURN told a Pittsburgh newspaper it was economics and an aging demo. Smith says she asked for proof the numbers showed her listeners were too old and never received them. She believes she was let go because of her age, her gender and, perhaps her race. Smith is hoping another network will pick up her show and plans to be up and running on her website, at least, by mid-October. We spoke to Smith this morning and have posted a link to that interview. 

Radio Ink Editor Ed Ryan talks to Bev Smith

Watch the Bev Smith YouTube Statement

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