Radio Ink - Radio's Premier Management & Marketing Magazine

Companies Can Work Together to Save Lives

(by Publisher Eric Rhoads) The lack of live and local programming under normal circumstances, let alone in an emergency, is an ongoing concern among many broadcasters. I think it's unrealistic to expect companies that have found an effective means to cut costs with satellite programing or voicetracking to return to the way things once were. Rather than trying to change that, perhaps we should look for a hybrid solution to address moments like this, when emergency coverage can save lives.

NAB Education Foundation Accepting Apps

The NAB Education Foundation announced the application deadline for the 2014 Broadcast Leadership Training program is May 31. The program is designed to prepare senior broadcasters, particularly women and people of color, to own and operate radio and television stations or move into more senior positions within the industry.

KDKA-FM Looking For Next Big Talent

This Saturday, KDKA-FM kicks off its Next Fan Host Open Auditions. There are five open auditions where entrants will have an opportunity to host a program broadcast weekends on Sports Radio 93.7 The Fan. PD Ryan Maguire said, "We're looking for the next great Pittsburgh Sports Talk Show host, someone who can grow into a superstar. We're eager to see which member of this passionate fan base can take advantage of this very rare opportunity."

Our "Farley File" Issue is Out

WTOP Vice President of News and programming Jim Farley is on the latest cover of Radio Ink. Farley is retiring at the end of 2013 with Laurie Cantillo set to take his place. How did he end up at WTOP? Did he really want the job? How has he, along with his team, transformed the way listeners consume news? All of those questions and many others are answered in our interview with Farley. To order Radio Ink, call 561-655-8778 or GO HERE to order a Digital subscription for only $49.00 a year.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Today is the second anniversary of the Joplin Tornado and the Zimmer Radio Group in Missouri is lending a helping hand, just as they did when their own community was hit. According to Operations Manager Chad Elliot, the Zimmer stations have filled one semi-truck with relief supplies and are currently working on a second. "This is a major effort for our community to pay forward the love and compassion the country and the world gave to Joplin May 22, 2011. Our stations teamed up with a local church (Ignite Church of Joplin) who will be directing our relief supplies where they are needed most."

Cox Gives $1 Million In Support To Tornado Victims

Cox Enterprises, in partnership with The James M. Cox Foundation, announced today it was giving $1 million in support to assist the relief and recovery efforts of the communities affected by the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma. The contribution includes a $500,000 cash donation to the American Red Cross and $500,000 of in-kind support, including public service announcements.

(UPDATE) WLDB Raises $2,250 For Red Cross

In Milwaukee, WLDB-FM auctioned a Funjet Vacations trip for two to RIU Palace Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic Wednesday and the winning bid was $2,250. The money will be donated to the American Red Cross to help the people of Oklahoma affected by the recent tornadoes. WLDB is part of the Milwaukee Radio Alliance, a partnership between former Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer Willie Davis’ All Pro Broadcasting and Shamrock Communications.

Is it OK to Advertise in Oklahoma City?

(by Tim Miles) How do you advertise when it feels inappropriate to advertise? While several rungs of importance below the life-and-death struggles facing families in and around Oklahoma City, we had a thought-provoking day Tuesday, and with the client’s blessing, I wanted to share it with you. Our client is a family-owned business in northwest OKC. They’re devout Christians, they’re smart, they’re kind, and we feel very blessed to work with them. READ THE REST OF TIM'S BLOG HERE

What Are You Doing to Help Oklahoma?

Radio is always there for local communities. Your station is doing SOMETHING spectacular to help the victims of the deadly Oklahoma twister. We'd like to hear about it. Send all the details about how you are serving your community to Radio Ink Editor Ed Ryan at edryantheeditor@gmail.com

K-EARTH's Lisa Stanley Wins Gracie

Lisa Stanley, who shares hosting duties with Gary Bryan on his K-EARTH 101 morning show, was honored with a Gracie Award as the Outstanding Host in the Field of Entertainment/Information on Radio in a Local Market – Los Angeles. Stanley has been on the show for 11 years, after performing similar duties as sidekick to Rick Dees.

D-Mac Extends With The Fan In Denver

Program Director for Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan in Denver Nate Lundy says the station has reached a multi-year contract extension with Darren McKee. McKee and former Denver Bronco Alfred Williams host the afternoon program "The Drive with Big Al and D-Mac." McKee and Williams have hosted together in drive time since October 2009.

Clear Channel Names Mitchell PD At KZZP And KYOT

Clear Channel Phoenix says Mat Mitchell will also hold down the afternoon shift on KZZP as of June 6. Mitchell spent the last six years as Assistant PD and Afternoon Host at KRBE in Houston. His more than 20 years of radio experience includes stops at KMXV in Kansas City; WXSS in Milwaukee; Y100 in Miami; and Q100 in Atlanta. Mitchell is from Wichita, Kansas, where he served as PD and Morning Show Host of Top 40 KZCH.

Double Duty For Taylor In Texas

In Austin, Clear Channel's "Sports Talk AM 1300 The Zone" announced Mike Taylor will host mornings from 6-8 as of Thursday. Taylor currently hosts mornings on The Zone's sister station, The Ticket 760 in San Antonio. He will now simulcast his show in both markets.

Hatfield Joins CMG San Antonio’s Y-100

CMG San Antonio has tapped Brian Hatfield as the new afternoon drive host on Today’s Country Y-100. Hatfield, a Detroit native, has held positions in Detroit, Charlotte, and most recently Ashville. Hatfield said, “Wow, I am blessed and fortunate to not only work for a great company like Cox Media Group, but also to work at the legendary KCYY is a dream. It's about making history, and with Jeff Garrison’s leadership, things are about to get interesting.”

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PEOPLE

Hayase New Chief Product Officer At Slacker

John Hayase will oversee the development of Slacker’s digital music service across the Web, smartphones, tablets, cars, and consumer electronic devices. Hayase joins Slacker from ElasticPath, where he was VP of client solutions, in charge of the company’s e-commerce platform. Previously he worked at EA, leading the e-commerce platform development for the company’s Origin digital download service. He was also GM of EA China. Hayase also worked at Boeing as a senior engineer.

Federated Media Joins Aha

Aha by HARMAN has launched hundreds of new stations on its audio service, including Federated Media's 17 stations in Northern Indiana. Aha also added CRN, a digital talk radio network that syndicates shows on everything from cooking and wine to car mechanics to health and happiness, all hosted by expert on-air personalities.

(NEW FEATURE) Expert In The Wings

(by Buzz Knight) Today many media professionals sit on the sidelines ready to blend with any organization and enhance the quality of a brand. Too many. These folks are keeping busy and active with projects but deserving of more recognition for their past, present and future contributions. Welcome to a new weekly feature called, "Experts in the Wings," where I'll interview a professional from our industry who's radio to transform your comany.

(WIZARD) Escaping The Most Dangerous Trap

(By Roy Williams) I recently received the following e-mail: Roy, I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on radio sales. I own a current Country format in California. One of our issues is when the GM goes in to sell and they say, “We have all the business we need.” How do you come back on that one? The GM has been in the market for the last 20 years on another station, and he says our market is “unique.” I’m not sure if I buy that or not. I would appreciate any help you can give.

(SALES MANAGEMENT)The REAL Power Of Local.

(By Dave Gifford) First, in order for radio to sell more advertisers, radio has to prove radio gets results -- shamefully radio’s most unsold and unmarketed “story.” And for a very simple reason: Getting results for advertisers is not a priority among radio’s largest companies.

(TALENT) Talent – Can ‘Em Or Keep ‘Em

(By Ron Robinson) There can be but little remorse left in this business. Anybody who has been in radio management over the last 20 years has been squashing talent at a dizzying rate. Thicker skins have evolved and the (normally) human trait of empathy has been severely suppressed. It is now a habit, typing up the following: “… and we wish them well in their future endeavors.”

(SALES) Taking Total Control Of The Sales Call

(By Sean Luce) Out in the field last week, I noticed some moves by a couple of young sales reps that exemplified controlling a sales call from start to finish. On average, once we get into the meat of the sales call, we have about 17 minutes to accomplish our intended purpose. In this case, I had two different sales calls.

(SALES) Four Essential Steps For Hiring The Right Salesperson

(By Matt Sunshine) Over the last few years I have seen sales departments sometimes take a strategy of adding salespeople in order to have more of a presence on the street and allow the station to cover more accounts. At the same time, I have seen other sales departments go in the opposite direction, shrinking the number of salespeople they have on staff to go with a more consolidated approach. But don’t worry; this is not an article on which strategy is best (we’ll save that for another day).

(DIGITAL) Calculate the Value Of A Like Or A Click

(By Stephen Warley) Do you really know the value of each click for your display or streaming ads? How about the value of your Facebook likes or mobile subscribers? Many radio AEs still struggle with selling digital advertising, so they give it away as a “value add” because they aren’t confident enough to explain its true value.

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