The Infinite Dial

Name:
Adam Uytman

Current Title/Position/Company:
Programme Director, XFM London

Bio:
Following heavy involvement in community, student and numerous other radio projects since the age of 15, I joined the launch team of regional radio station Beat 106 in Central Scotland in 1999 in my final year of study at Glasgow University. During this time I gained wide experience in all aspects of programming through roles such as Station Producer, Newsreader and Presenter – this included a year on mid-mornings where I achieved the show’s highest figures to date. From 2001 until 2004 as Music Manager I was responsible for programming the musical output at the station and helped take the Beat 106 to it’s highest reach figure of 509,000.

In March 2004 I moved to Birmingham, joining EMAP as part of the launch team of rock station Kerrang! 105.2. As Head of Music I was responsible for shaping the musical direction of both the new FM service in the West Midlands and the existing national digital service. In June of 2005 I was appointed Programme Director of the station, and during my time achieved a 55% increase in regional audience and a 40% increase in national audience. I also led the team to win, amongst numerous other industry accolades, 4 prestigious Sony Gold Awards, including Station Of The Year.

Most recently in January 2007 I joined GCap Media as Programme Director for XFM London, tasked with refocusing the station in order to gain significant audience increases in the most competitive radio market in the UK.

Posted by at 12:47 PM | Permalink

Name:
Rob Garcia

Current Title/Position/Company:
Program Director – WZBZ/WGBZ-FM & WMID-AM Atlantic City, NJ

Bio:
A life long resident of New Jersey, I got my start at a small radio station in Vineland, NJ (WVLT-FM) My first duties at the station was to get the church shows on the air Sunday mornings. Shortly after that, I was moved up to a Saturday air shift and eventually went on to hold down full time afternoons, then mornings and the music director position.

After many successful years at WVLT, I ventured down to the Jersey shore to work part time at WAYV-FM.

Margate communications came knocking in December of 2001 and I left WAYV to become the production director for WZBZ, WMID, WTTH. A short time later, I was offered and accepted the PD position at then Dance/Rhythmic WZBZ-FM.

Not to long after, Equity Communications, owner of WAYV & WZXL bought our Margate cluster. I retained my programming position with WZBZ while flipping the station to CHR/Rhythmic and taking it to # 1 in our first book. I also added programming duties for Classic Oldies AM, WMID and Urban AC, WTTH.

I currently reside just outside of Atlantic City with my wife and 2 pets and loving every minute of working with South Jersey’s best radio company, Equity Communications.

Posted by at 12:40 PM | Permalink

Name:
Michael Bryan

Current Title/Position/Company:
Program Director XL 106.7-Orlando & Kiss 95.1-Melbourne

Bio:
Radio is what I do. I've been in love with the radio since I was a little kid. Born 3/21/1978 in the small town of Greeneville TN, I'm a second generation broadcaster. My father (Darrell Bryan) spent over 30 years in our industry and I was literally under his feet in a Production Room from the time I could walk. My first 'official' radio job happened in 1992 at age 14. I started by board-opping Sunday Morning preachers at my dad's radio station -- WSMG in Greeneville, TN. By 15, I was completely hooked. My dad would have to pick me up from my Saturday Night show, because I couldn't drive. He'd coach me on the way home. I literally spent all of my high school and college years working at multiple radio stations in East TN (Greeneville & Tri-Cities) fighting for every second I could get "on the air."

In addition to actually working at radio stations... Since 1997, I've had my own company called "Radio Cafe." Radio Cafe is a Creative Services company specializing in both Creative Web Design & Radio Imaging. We've imaged radio stations from major markets like Boston to small towns like Paducah. In addition, RC has created industry Web sites ranging from state broadcasting associations to Imaging Services like A-Town Sound.

In May 2000, I graduated with a Broadcast Management degree at East TN State University in Johnson City. The same week of my graduation, I started my first full-time job doing nights at Hot AC WRQQ (Star 97) in Nashville. Within 6 months, I had the opportunity to move to WNVZ (Z104) Norfolk as Midday Talent and Imaging Director. After two years (at age 24), Entercom promoted me to the Assistant PD job at WEZB (B97) New Orleans. 15 Months later, at 25, Entercom moved me to Greensboro-NC as Program Director of WOZN (The Zone). After two years and a successful format flip to Variety Hits in Greensboro, I was given the opportunity to move back to Z104-Norfolk with Entercom as the first new Program Director in over 12 years. It was a killer opportunity with a tremendous staff. After a successful 15 months back in Norfolk-- and a great 7 year run with Entercom, I got the call from Clear Channel to move to Orlando! I'm currently diving in as new PD at CC's XL 106-7/Orlando and Kiss 95-1/Melbourne.

I've been married to my high school sweetheart (Rachel) since 2001. We have a 2-year-old daughter (Greta) and a furry Shetland Sheepdog named Simon.

That's my story. Thanks so much for considering me for this honor. I'm sort of blown away.

Posted by at 12:33 PM | Permalink

There is no more complete repository of news on the events of the day than Rusty Hodge’s blog. Hodge, who runs SomaFM, has a lot at stake in this issue--come to think of it, so do you!

Posted by Tom Webster at 1:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Name:
Nadine Santos

Current Title/Position/Company:
Music Director: In Charge of all music airing on Power 1051 and our HD Latin station Power Latino. Schedule day to day programming of music as well as on air jocks, phoneops, and board ops. Liason between record companies, management companies and Power 1051. Help with Promotional ideas and events. On-Air Personality: On-air jock from 2a-6a Monday thru Friday and Saturday nights from 10p-2a

Bio:
Born and raised in a Puerto Rican home in New York, Nadine Santos has been engulfed in music from birth. Surrounded as a child by mainly Latin influenced music, her love for the art has always been in her blood. From dancing, to singing, Nadine used this form of expression to help her not only grow mentally and emotionally, but also get through some of the roughest times in her life. Her father passed away when she was just 8 years old so Nadine turned to music as her escape. Always watching MTV and VH1 she was introduced to the genre of Hip Hop, and it was love at first sight. Realizing that Hip Hop took over her heart and R&B was in her soul, it took no thought to acknowledge that this is what she wanted to do in life. Somehow spread this love to others.

Nadine got her degree in Recording Arts after attending Full Sail in Orlando Florida, one of the world’s top schools for this field. Shortly after, she landed a job in Music Publishing. While the experience was eye opening, it wasn’t the right place to conquer her dreams so she took a chance in radio. Starting as a phone operator at the newly founded Power 1051 in New York in 2002, Nadine quickly worked her way through the ranks. Even though Nadine was considerably young, nothing would stop her from doing what she set out to do. In 2004 she was promoted to the Programming Assistant position for then Program Director, Michael Saunders, where she absorbed every possible bit of information she could about radio, and how to take it to the next level. In 2005, she was offered a position as Executive Assistant to the President of Atlantic Records, Julie Greenwald. She went over to the record company side for a few short months before Clear Channel and Power 1051 came back and asked her to return as the Music Director of the station. A position she had admired and long waited to have. Nadine returned and again worked her way through the ranks, eventually landing the on-air position for the overnight show as well as a newly developed co-host slot on the Saturday Night show, The List.

Nadine has received many accolades including being written about in several newspapers, as well as being featured in New York’s Crain’s Magazine for her work. She was honored as Music Director of the Year in 2006 by her peers and S.I.N Network. Nadine hopes to continue on this ladder of success and keep striving for new achievements. Constantly learning from those around her, staying humble and working hard are what she says keeps things moving in the right direction.

Posted by at 12:29 PM | Permalink

Okay, see if this sounds familiar:

According to just-released statistics, radio listening for adults dropped from 19.1 hours a week in 2005 to 18.6 hours in 2006, led by precipitous drops in 12 to 24 usage. Teenagers, who listened 11.3 average hours in 1996, now listened for only 7.6 hours--down an hour from just a year ago. Young adult male listening fell from 15.1 hours to 13.7.

What's different about this story is that these are actually figures released by Statistics Canada, based on listening in that country, and reported by the Canadian Press.

Canadian broadcasters have been concerned about young-end listening since the early '90s when Top 40, still regulated as an AM only format at the time, nearly fell off the face of the earth--even more than it did in the U.S. It happened again in the early-'00s when the Jack/Bob phenomenon saw many of the country's CHRs switch formats. Ironically, CHR repopulated in Canada, but only because most of the country's newly launched Urban stations switched format--leaving younger listeners with one fewer choice no matter what.

Posted by Sean Ross at 5:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Name:
Kane

Current Title/Position/Company:
Morning show host for WIHT-FM/WASHINGTON DC, afternoon personality for WFLZ-FM/TAMPA, FL & host of the syndicated Sunday Open House Party.

Bio:
Kane wasn't always the center of attention -- or very popular. Growing up in Danbury, CT. he was ran with the geeky "art" crowd. Picked on by jocks, made fun of by the burnouts and turned down by the cheerleaders, Kane had an uneventful childhood. Rather than dating, he spent time drawing and doing creative stuff. He also interned for WKCI-FM, KC101 in New Haven, CT. where he painted offices, cleaned vans and was accused of sleeping with the Program Directors wife (he was only 16). It was then that his passion behind radio was fueled. He continued to drive an hour to intern for free until he graduated high school in 1995.

Kane was accepted to Syracuse University's school of Visual and Performing Arts and was going to pursue a career in advertising and design. While attending college, he volunteered for Z89, one of the two radio stations operated by the University. Still very green, Kane experimented and tried to refine his on-air style his freshman and sophomore years. He was "asked to leave" the station in June of 1997 because he said "ass" on the air. He was told that "this was not 'New York" and "you can't do that kind of thing in radio." He was hired a month later to do nights on the new sign on WWHT-FM, Hot 107.9 across town. Spending days in classes, and nights with the asses, Kane was courted to move to Florida and join the legendary staff at WFLZ. In 1998 he made the move from the land of snow to the sunshine state. He's been in love with 93-3FLZ ever since. Kane's show has always been about the masses.

He is also syndicated to several hundred markets with the highly successful Sunday Night Open House Party, which carried on great stations like WIHT/DC, WXKS/Boston, WFLZ/Tampa, WAKS/Cleveland & many more.

Kane's newest adventures take him to Washington, DC. to host mornings at Hot 99-5. His Tampa afternoon show will be broadcast from his home-studio. Kane has been awarded the Radio Music Award for CHR Air Personality Of The Year 2004 as well as A.I.R. Awards for best evening drive show and best new talent. He's had the chance to talk to every major artist from Usher to Britney, 50 Cent to Mariah. He's even had his own television show.

He speaks regularly to Elementary and Middle schools about the importance of education and volunteers his time to various events throughout Tampa Bay & Washington, DC. He's an accomplished artist and aviation enthusiast and is finishing work on his pilot's license. Kane lives in Gaithersburg, MD. with wife, their two dogs and cat.

Posted by at 12:22 PM | Permalink

Name:
Daniel Anstandig

Current Title/Position/Company:
Vice President, McVay Media Consulting

How did you get your start in radio?I started on-the-air when I was nine years old at WELW in Cleveland--and with a five watt FM transmitter out of my parents' basement. At age 12, I began at John Carroll University, working at WUJC. At age 15, with the help of several private investors, I started an Internet-Radio Station, which established partnerships with Microsoft, Telos, and Interep Radio Sales. The station was sold in 2000.

Seven years ago, I began working on various projects for McVay Media, including programming syndicated shows. Since then, I have worked with clients to grow ratings, revenue, and business/marketing strategies for companies like Clear Channel Radio Interactive and the Clear Channel Format Labs, recording artists Jewel and Jim Brickman, Tesh Interactive, Regent Communications, Mental Floss Magazine, The White House Commission on Remembrance, International Publisher Glencoe-McGraw Hill, Jones TM, and various AC, Hot AC, and Christian broadcasters around the world.

What are your career goals?
My passion is creating entertainment that connects and moves people. In the coming years, I would like to see myself further facilitating radio’s entry into the new media/interactive content era. I enjoy working with people, and I'm passionate about the evolution of entertainment into the interactive world.

I am also an entrepreneur at heart, and I have been blessed at McVay Media to have a mentor like Mike McVay, who values and encourages an entrepreneurial spirit.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Working with creative people and helping people and organizations grow. Every day is a new surprise and challenge.

What are the biggest challenges ahead for radio, from your perspective?
Many broadcasters are distracted and mystified by the complexity of new technology (internet, cell phones, satellite, etc), and they forget that we’re still in a content competition. If the programming was boring on terrestrial radio, it’s going to be just as boring on internet-radio.

While it may be true that some listeners are using iPods or cell phones for music simply because the device is sexier, it’s also true that people will gravitate to entertainment that personally engages them. Most people use iPods and cell phones because their own music playlist and/or exercise of choice in entertainment feels better to them than subjecting themselves to the-same-old-thing on terrestrial radio.

The challenge for radio right now is NOT “finding a way to recreate the same programming on a new device.” The challenge is “finding a way to create better programming… and also making it accessible on a new device.”

There are plenty of radio stations that have won over the years by default, because they were the best thing available. The increased acceptance of new media and abundance of narrowcast entertainers means that there will always be someone else playing the listener's favorite song better, faster, and more often than broadcast radio.

Every day, I have the pleasure of working with some of the best and brightest talent in the industrypeople who really get that content is the winner, not just the delivery system. I would hold Clear Channel Content Research and Development up as a great example of true innovation and “outside the box” thinking. Their team, lead by Tom Owens, approaches entertainment at a level far beyond “where to schedule the liners.” The development of the “Format Labs” and new media programs such as “Stripped,” SMS Text Messaging, and podcasting has opened new doors for a lot of radio stations.

Another client, John Tesh, has developed one of the most attractive content vaults on the web with www.Tesh.com. The new Tesh “IntelliCast” media stream is a great example of new media that lets the listener drive their own entertainment experience while spending time with one of our brands.

...and anything else you would like to pass on.
This is a great time in history for music lovers to be alive. Music is more accessible now to consumers than ever before. We live in a world of instant gratification. Want reggae? Want polka? It can be in your headphones in thirty seconds or less.

Every new instant-gratification-music-service, from iPods to cell phones, challenges radio stations to create programming that transcends the popularity of any particular song or artist. I'm excited to be in radio at a time when the bar for creative and "connective" programming is raising.

This is a cultural renaissance. Now, you don't need expensive equipment to create audio art. If you can find a computer and audio software, you have a blank canvas. Radio's end-user is now more empowered to create their own entertainment experience--becoming the artist/musician themselves, or becoming the Music Director themselves.

This time in the entertainment industry is only for people who are consistently creative, brave, and enthusiastic.

Posted by at 5:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A year ago, it may have seemed a little optimistic (okay, naive) to talk about a comeback for Modern AC. Since then, however, there's been a lot of activity, including the growth or launch of Clear Channel stations in Salt Lake City, Rochester, N.Y., and even Philadelphia, that sit in the place where Modern AC and Modern Rock overlap. And on June 22, CBS launched its new KSCF (Sophie @ 103.7) San Diego.

The first trade press on Sophie described it as a Modern AC/Triple-A hybrid. It has some of the depth of the latter--more than one cut deep on core artists, and some recurrents that were never Hot AC hits. But it also has some pop edges that most Triple-As would not (Avril Lavigne, Linkin Park), even in an era when many Triple-A proponents believe the format's future should be more Modern AC'ish.

At this point, it's not hard to see the station as "Alice" a decade later--particularly with its logo for helpful guidance. Or as a female counterpart to adult-leaning modern rocker KBZT (FM 94.9). Or a radio answer to VH1.

Some other interesting touches: the station is giving prizes to listeners who put Sophie on their MySpace or Facebook page; it is also explaining its depth as "some things you know, some things you don't . . . everyone likes to be turned on to something new."

Here's KSCF (Sophie @ 103.7) this morning at 5:50 PT:

Cobie Caillat, "Bubbly"
Corinne Bailey-Rae, "Put Your Records On"
Kooks, "She Moves In Her Own Way"
Beck, "Girl"
Rob Thomas, "Little Wonders"
Avril Lavigne, "Sk8r Boy"
Amy Winehouse, "You Know I'm No Good"
Peter Gabriel, "Big Time"
Joss Stone, "Tell Me 'Bout It"
G. Love, "Hot Cookin'"
Eddie Vedder, "You Got To Hide Your Love Away"
Modest Mouse, "Dashboard"
10,000 Maniacs, "Because The Night"

Posted by Sean Ross at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Name :
Patrick Thomas

Current Title/Position/Company:
Executive Producer "Big D and Bubba Show" Premiere Radio Networks, host of "Nick and Drew" KTUX Shreveport and producer and co-host of "Country Spirit" on WSIX in Nashville.

How did you get your start in radio?
I got into radio at the suggestion of my 11th grade history teacher, Ann Labiche. She said, if I was going to get a summer job, then I should apply at the local AM radio station so that my constant talking might be put to good use. I started out at KANE-AM in New Iberia, LA. I moved to Baton Rouge at 18 and within a year I was doing a shift on all 5 Clear Channel stations there. I started with Big D and Bubba in 1999 and we have built something that was long thought to be impossible... A successful syndicated Country morning show. We are now on 36 stations from Atlanta to Seattle. I started doing Nick and Drew in Baton Rouge before the BD&B network moved to Nashville. Though Drew and I are both producing successful morning shows in other formats, we both love Rock radio. Nick and Drew has been our outlet for all the bits we dream up that wouldn't work on our other shows. It is both a hobby and a practice field for us. We decided that living in different states wouldn't stop us from doing the show. So, we use the technology available to us to make it sound like we're sitting in the same studio every night (in a city that neither of us live in).

What are your career goals?
I would like to continue doing everything I’m doing now, but with greater success. I like to see BD&B syndicated on over a hundred stations. I'd also like to syndicate both "Nick and Drew" and "Country Spirit." I know that sounds a little optimistic, but I think it's a good possibility.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love the creative part of my job. I love dreaming up outlandish bits that might make other people laugh. I also love the people (ok, not all the people). I enjoy working with people who are interesting. If I can say one thing about Big D, Bubba, Drew and Devon O'Day (the host of Country Spirit) it's that they are very fun to work with.

What are the biggest challenges ahead for radio, from your perspective?
Focusing on content is the only way to separate ourselves. We also need to work with sales instead of treating it like an "evil necessity" as a PD of mine once called it. If we think there are too many spots or if the spots are bad, we should work to fix that in whatever way we can. It is possible to make good radio and make money. If we don't figure out how, we will all be in big trouble.

What have you learned that you would most like to pass on to your fellow under-thirty-somethings?
Don't sit around griping about how bad things are. Accept the technology and the low budgets and all the things that people constantly whine about and DO THE BEST YOU CAN DO WITH WHAT YOU HAVE! That's the only way to get yourself into a position to eventually make things better.

Posted by at 4:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

Name:
Chris Oliviero

Current Title/Position/Company:
Vice President Programming CBS Radio

How did you get your start in radio?
Intern for the Howard Stern show

What are your career goals?
Be a productive part of radio's next wave of reinvention and rebirth. Our future is even brighter than our past.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Understanding the magnitude and the importance of the history of our great stations and in some way being able to help write the next few chapters of that story.

What are the biggest challenges ahead for radio, from your perspective?
Not believing the baseless misinformation of external forces that like to predict gloom and doom for our industry, and going one step further and actually speaking up loud against it.

What have you learned that you would most like to pass on to your fellow under-thirty-somethings?
Find a mentor that believes in you and your ability, which is priceless. Then remember to return the favor to someone else in your shoes in the future.

Posted by at 4:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Name:
James Kurdziel

Current Title/Position/Company:
Program Director/WEDG-FM

How did you get your start in radio?
I started as in intern on The Shredd & Ragan Show. Then like pretty much everyone else, I did anything I could to stay in the building. The nice thing is that I’m where I always wanted to be, and I didn’t have to move all over the place. That would’ve been terrible.

What are your career goals?
I don’t really think that far ahead. What can I say? The Empire Strikes Back had a huge affect on me. Where you are is more important than where you’re going. My ratings are great, but I want them better. My station is topical and relevant to my market, but I can improve that on a daily basis. My goals are to keep getting better each day. When you work on what’s in front of you, the rest will come together. I never liked those 5-year plan folks. What’s the point of that? It will never happen the way you planned, so it’s a waste of time.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Writing. Whether I’m writing bits with my afternoon show, clever promos or even sweeps. I love that I can just sit down and be a writer sometimes. Can you entertain, get a message out and keep interest? It’s challenging and by far the most under rated part of radio. I don’t really like dealing with people, so anything that I can do by myself is great.

What are the biggest challenges ahead for radio, from your perspective?
Two things. First, I’d like to see the companies catch up with our ideas. Many companies have made great strides and that’s great but there’s more to do. We all want better web content, but we can’t always have it. That’s tough sometimes. The only other challenge that I see a lot is the lack of pride in this industry. We’re the most consumed mass medium in the world. But sometimes it feels like we let everyone kick us around. Maybe it’s because that’s what high school was like for most of us. Here’s the thing…if free radio (terrestrial is a stupid word for it) were going away, it would’ve been gone the first time an 8-track player when in a car. People still use us. They want to love us. But we’re too afraid now. We’re afraid for our jobs, afraid of the FCC, and afraid of our own listeners. But it can be better. We’re integrating our brands now. Our stations, websites, and other content can be offered as one experience. That’s so great. Can newspapers, magazines and even local TV do that? Nope. We’re going to get it and thrive in the future. Simply because we have to.

What have you learned that you would most like to pass on to your fellow under-thirty-somethings?
You can totally dip French fries in the foam of a Guinness. Seriously. I learned that and it’s awesome.

Posted by at 1:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

From AllMediaScotland comes this news: Radio Station Hands 17 Year-old Weekday Breakfast Show. Maybe it's time for us to announce 20 Under 20!

Posted by Tom Webster at 1:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Internet Radio Broadcasters Call for Day of Silence on June 26: "Internet radio broadcasters have called for a Day of Silence to make a statement and raise awareness against the royalty rate increase that could put several Internet radio broadcasters out of business. The planned silence is to show what the stations will really sound like if the rate increase goes through. This is planned to take place next Tuesday"

(Via DIGG.)

Posted by Tom Webster at 1:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

For the last few weeks, there have been rumors in the Phoenix market that CBS was getting ready to flip that market's Free-FM affiliate, KZON to some form of Hip-Hop/R&B. Those rumors are finally coming to fruition with today's expected unveiling of the new 101.5 Jamz. It's not such a surprising move when you consider the success of Clear Channel's Mainstream Top 40 KZZP (Kiss 104.7) and the recent move of longtime Hip-Hop outlet KKFR (Power 92) from its longtime home to 98.3.

What's interesting here is KZZP's redeployment last Monday of its HD-2 multicast channel from Spanish Oldies to Hip-Hop as 104.7-2 Da Block, "Commercial Free Hip Hop." KZZP's move was hardly a deterrent. KKFR's vulnerability, if any, is being on a lesser signal and KZON announced its move three days later. But it's still curious to see a major broadcaster deploying an HD-2 multicast channel in the same way that a cluster owner might re-deploy, say, a Class-A FM on the main band.

Posted by Sean Ross at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Name:
Jeremiah J Hicks

Current Title/Position/Company:
Apd/Md/Nights WQHH

How did you get your start in radio?
I got my start in radio by being a breakfast intern for Mason & Company on FM 98 WJLB. At the time, my sister Courtney Hicks, was the Morning Show co-host on FM 98 WJLB, and one day she decided to bring me to work with her and that’s exactly what I did, I worked on breakfast orders soon becoming the best breakfast man in the stations history (Never messing up a order). My skills quickly landed me an internship in the Promotions Department.

What are your career goals?
Program Director within the next year or MD in a Top 10 market along with an air-shift. Continue to brand my name and make friends within the industry. Maybe some ownership somewhere down the line.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Free food & free food…. Developing relationships with good people.

What are the biggest challenges ahead for radio, from you perspective?
Finding out how to pull in listeners?
With so many other alternatives to choose from such as mp3 players, I-pods, satellite, internet.
Radio needs to find a way to pull listeners to the medium, which has to go beyond the hit music!!

What have you learned that you would like to pass on to your fellow under thirty-somethings?
-Always treat everyone with respect, always give compliments and don’t ever burn bridges.
-Help someone & find someone to help you
-Ask questions?????

Posted by at 1:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It was inevitable. As the war between radio and the music industry over a performance royalty heats up, a high-school dance station has announced a boycott of the artists in the musicFirst coalition. WMPH (Super 91.7) Wilmington, Del., has announced its intention to "[say] no to this insatiable greed" by banning those artists until they "[quit] the unfair and ungrateful coalition." It's not hard for a musically aggressive dance station to give up Isaac Hayes, Gloria Estefan, and Celine Dion, but the list of musicFirst artists does also include Ne-Yo, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera, and the Pussycat Dolls.

Posted by Sean Ross at 12:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Name:
Matt Johnson

Current Title/Position/Company:
Program Director, Afternoon Jock for CHR/Mainstream WXKB-FM/Fort Myers, FL (B103.9)- Owned by Beasley Broadcasting

How did you get your start in radio?
I interned at WHEN-AM/Syracuse (620WHEN) as a junior in high school

What are your career goals?
To help usher radio into its next life

What do you enjoy most about your work?
No two days are alike. Different challenges everyday.

What are the biggest challenges ahead for radio, from your perspective?
Realizing that it’s the entertainment business, not the music business.

What have you learned that you would most like to pass on to your fellow under-thirty-somethings? Actually communicating with people in the community you serve is waaaay more important than “developing content delivery systems” for radio’s survival and for there to be a “next” radio generation.

Posted by at 9:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Name:
Jared Mims

Current Title/Position/Company:
Program Director WZZP/WKFN Saga Communications-Clarksville TN/Hopkinsville KY

How did you get your start in radio?
I began as an intern for Clear Channel in Jackson TN. After a semester of fetching lunch and pulling CD’s for air talent, I was hired part-time and moved up from there. While in Jackson, I was lucky enough to work for great programmers in Brett Sharp, Roger Vestal, and AJ Martin. With their guidance, I was able to learn and grow as a programmer.

What are your career goals?
For me, it’s not so much about market size. I am very happy with my current role in Saga. Sure, I would like to serve as a regional program director or consultant one day. But for now, I’m taking advantage of my situation and learning as much as I can.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
First, it has to be the people. I’m sure that we could all share stories about some of the people we’ve met while working in radio. More than that, I enjoy everything that radio has to offer. Whether it’s being creative, being on-air, or dealing with listeners in general, it’s all very exciting.

What are the biggest challenges ahead for radio, from your perspective?
We have to remain relevant. The listener makes the choice and now there are more choices than ever. It’s a constant challenge that will force us to be both creative and innovative.

What have you learned that you would most like to pass on to your fellow under-thirty-somethings?
You should involve yourself in all aspects of radio. Learn how each department works, and support them as best you can. Also, use the resources given to you. Don’t be afraid to call someone to get some advice.

Posted by at 1:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

For a frightening number of radio people of a certain age, listening to Casey Kasem's "American Top 40" on the weekends was a gateway into the concept of radio programming, specifically interest in the national charts and the notion that there might be hits other than the ones that the local CHR station had chosen to offer. For those people, it was excitement enough that Premiere Radio Networks began syndicating vintage AT40s from the '70s and '80s.

But my chart junkie brethern no longer have to wait for the weekend. Premiere owner Clear Channel is nowrunning the AT40 shows from the '80s non-stop as one of its Clear Channel Format Lab offerings. At this writing, Casey is counting down the top 100 hits of 1986 and very earnestly explaining what a street busker is as a way of setting up Dire Straits' "Walk Of Life." And as has been said elsewhere about the reissued shows themselves, the "American Top 40 Classics" channel is also a good way to hear Kasem the way that listeners experienced him in the '70s and '80s--as the authority on music news and not just the guy railing at his staff about an ill-placed dedication.

Posted by Sean Ross at 9:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

I haven't had a ton of sympathy for the suggestion that the post-Imus fallout is making it impossible for air personalities and talk hosts to do their jobs. After all, if your act pre-Imus consisted entirely of deriding the Rutgers women's basketball team and prominent females in government, and making prank calls to Chinese restaurants, how much of an act was it? But in Friday's [New Jersey] Star-Ledger, syndicated morning host Steve Harvey tells radio writer Claudia Perry that even he feels constrained in the post-Imus world.

Posted by Sean Ross at 11:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Name:
Dustin "Fletcher" Matthews

Current Title/Position/Company:
Program Director, WFXH Savannah/Hilton Head, Triad Broadcasting/Adventure Radio

How did you get your start in radio?
Like many of my peers, I grew up making tapes and "playing radio." When I was 15 I did a school job shadowing program at WIMZ in Knoxville, the radio station I grew up listening to. That's all it took to put me over the top. After that day I applied at my local radio station, WCRK, in Morristown, TN. By 16 I was working a weekend airshift for WIMZ.

What are your career goals?
I want to continue to be successful in Alternative Radio Programming. Eventually I would love to become a Director of Programming and one day consult.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Being creative. Developing and executing fresh concepts and promotional ideas is always thrilling to me. Just sitting down to Microsoft Word and cranking out a page of copy never gets old.

What are the biggest challenges ahead for radio, from your perspective?
Competing with other media outlets and staying relevant to our audience. We know this will always be a challenge and it will only become more difficult. I think of this as a good challenge! This will force us to be consistently innovative in what we offer and how we interact with listeners.

What have you learned that you would most like to pass on to your fellow under-thirty-somethings?
1) Get involved in every aspect of your radio station. Don't keep to yourself in programming. Take the time to sit down with a GSM or Business Manager... or custodian! Ask them questions and let them know you care about their passions too! It can only help your station's success.

2) Never forget to be a listener. When you're an "under-thirty-something" it’s easy to go to events and meet your audience. Remember that will always be a key to success. We should strive to never become the "old jaded radio vet!"

Posted by at 9:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

From ProNet Advertising, via Neatorama.

Posted by Tom Webster at 7:37 AM | Permalink

Name:
Chris Pickett

Current Title/Position/Company:
Operations Manager. Hot AC (KVUU) and a Soft AC (KKLI) Colorado Springs

How did you get your start in radio?
I auditioned for a children's radio network (Radio AAHS) affiliate at a mall in Denver. I got a call back a week later and became the Kid Radio Sports guy! I got to interview Broncos and Nuggets players and even got to introduce Denver to the mascot of the brand new Colorado Rockies!

What are your career goals?
To stay happy! Not a market size guy... just want to have enough freedom to be in control of my own destiny and make enough money for my family and me to be able to live comfortably.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
The best part of working at Clear Channel in Colorado Springs is being able to create experiment and strategize without being shut down. I have made changes on my radio stations that would have made a lot of GM's or OM's uncomfortable. Some of them worked, some of them didn't, but I'm allowed to try new things. Who wouldn't love a situation like that?

What are the biggest challenges ahead for radio, from your perspective?
Being able to stay relevant in an ever changing competitive landscape. We've got internet-only broadcasts, iPods, satellite radio, television and your competitor across the street. I think that in order to continue to stay relevant, programmers are going to have to give some control up to their audience. How much and how it's executed will determine future success.

What have you learned that you would most like to pass on to your fellow under-thirty-somethings?
Keep doing your thing. Sometimes you'll be right and sometimes you'll be wrong. You'll make mistakes, some bigger than others, but you have to stay confident. You can't let other people determine your outcome. There will be people who just don't like you, no matter what, and that's okay. At the end of the day, you have to be able to say you gave it all you had.

Posted by at 9:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Name:
Jana "Rogers" Lopeman

Current Title/Position/Company:
Managing Partner, WMOM-FM

How did you get your start in radio?
My family's been in the business for years...so I guess you could say by hanging around radio stations and picking up on things from an early age. OR you could say by starting out as a part-timer/weekender running CD's and doing all of the production nobody else wanted, and working my way up from there.

What are your career goals?
I'm a bit undecided. Whatever it is, I'd like to be having fun doing some aspect of radio. I could just as easily enjoy being a midday jock as I could manage a station or doing programming alone. I'd be happiest, I think, if I could be working with my family running one or several stations, and all of the miscellaneous jobs that go with that so...that.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I like helping people when I come to work. Be it helping an intern present the news more effectively, helping a listener find their lost dog on the air, or help a local charity raise funds through our radio station, those are by far the best things about getting up every morning.

What are the biggest challenges ahead for radio, from your perspective?
I think it's going to be keeping competitive with new and emerging forms of entertainment technology, and I believe strongly that it's entirely possible. We just have to stay CREATIVE!!

What have you learned that you would most like to pass on to your fellow under-thirty-somethings?
ALWAYS take the opportunities to learn more, and try things out, even if they seem over your head. ALWAYS take immediate accountability for your mistakes, be thankful if you get the opportunity to learn from them.

Posted by at 11:56 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Name:
Maynard

Current Title/Position/Company:
Program Director/Mid-Days/Sandusky

How did you get your start in radio?
I was an intern at KQKQ Sweet 98 in Omaha(RIP). I was just looking for something to do to keep busy on the weekends. Then I fell in love with radio and haven't looked back.

What are your career goals?
I'm in the process now of redefining my goals. I LOVE being here at Sandusky and here in Seattle; so there is not much out there that can compete with this. I would love to be a group programmer. I would also love to Program in LA, Phoenix, or San Diego; but who wouldn't?!

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Strategy, startups, turnarounds, and coaching!!! I love helping people get to the next level! I love seeing their eyes light up after all those years of hard work have finally paid off for them.

What are the biggest challenges ahead for radio, from your perspective?
The biggest challenge for radio in comparison to other mediums out there is differentiation. I believe we should conform to an extent, but not at the price of differentiation. I think there is a reason the people that listen to terrestrial radio are still listening. Let's not stray too far away from what they actually love about us! Sell the city, sell the music, sell the station!

What have you learned that you would most like to pass on to your fellow under-thirty-somethings?
Way too much to write here. I hope to always keep an open mind and keep learning. When it comes to programming within our own medium, I say "It's not 20 years ago, so don't program like it is." The landscape has changed. Don't compare yourselves or your stations to how they "used" to be...It is a different world; so don't be afraid to break the monotony, be innovative, and take risks....Just because it worked or didn't work 15 years ago, does not mean it will or won't work today. Be true to your gut!

Posted by at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There's been a certain amount of talk in the industry about the more stripped-down sound of many Clear Channel stations: more cold-segues between records, lower-key production, and (reportedly) a greater emphasis on having the remaining jock breaks focus primarily on music. (That latter dictate is a little harder to stick to when you put callers on the air, although I did hear WKQI [Channel 95.5] Detroit's midday host use a caller very effectively yesterday for a "MyPod" segment that was, essentially, a fresher replacement for the usual "retro lunch: feature.)

What occasions a mention today is that the "only talk about the music" concept has actually been worked into the verbiage of an on-air promo, specifically one promoting WHTZ (Z100) New York's social networking site, The Z Zone. In the promo I heard this afternoon, middayer Shelly Wade promotes her blog on the Z Zone page by saying something on the order of "since I only talk about the music we play on the air, read what I have to say on other topics..."

The whole notion of "only talking about the music" could occasion a much longer discussion. It's certainly job one for any radio station, and you can certainly imagine somebody in a focus group somewhere announcing that any other topic is superfluous chatter. But it's usually by talking--selectively--about what's going on around listeners that stations become more than just radio stations. And in the "we must compete with iPod" era, one can certainly make a case for going the other way. That said, it's interesting that this strategy would make it on to the air, even subtly as it did here.

Posted by Sean Ross at 5:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Name:
Buck Head

Current Title/Position/Company:
Buck Head Show/ Morning Host KKRZ/ Portland Oregon/ Clear Channel

How did you get your start in radio?
At the age of Seventeen, I started a life changing internship under BJ Harris and Dominic Theodore (truly father figures) at WFLZ in Tampa, FL. From washing vans to running boards to finally getting the big break, everyone at WFLZ from Kane to MJ made me the Talent I am today.

What are your career goals?
I will be working hard to maintain great ratings as one of Portland’s Top morning shows as well as working on syndication, starting an afternoon talk show and a super secret idea that everyone will experience soon.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Laughing makes this job fun, exciting and easy. Working with an awesome team of management and co-workers is something I have learned shouldn’t be taken for granted.

What are the biggest challenges ahead for radio, from your perspective?
I worry for future talent. Big winners will be companies that believe in Talent driven local radio and educate beginners on how to show it.

...and anything else you would like to pass on.
Check us out! www.buckheadshow.com

Posted by at 9:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Name:
Spero Dedes

Current Title/Position/Company:
Radio Play-By-Play Announcer/Los Angeles Lakers

How did you get your start in radio?
During my senior year at Fordham University in NY -- with the help of a professor (who is now my agent) -- I was able to land a gig as the sideline reporter for the now-defunct XFL's NY/NJ Hitmen on ABC Radio. It was a chance to work as a professional while still in school. From there, WFAN Radio hired me to work overnight updates. It was my first chance to gain major exposure in the New York market.

What are your career goals?
From the start, one of my career goals was to be the Voice of an NBA team. While I never dreamed it would be for the Lakers, my career has taken me to Los Angeles. From here, the next big jump I hope to take one day would be to the network level, be it in radio or television. But for the forseeable future, I hope to stay in my current position with Lakers for as long as they'll have me. It's just too much fun.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
The spontaneity of it. The anticipation of each game. Walking into the arena, and not knowing what to expect on a nightly-basis. NBA players are so gifted, there is always that chance you'll see something special. And when Kobe Bryant is on the floor every night, there is an "once-in-a-lifetime" feel to my job.

What are the biggest challenges ahead for radio, from your perspective?
As someone who’s still new to this business and still learning, I don't pretend to be an expert in predicting the future. But right now, the onslaught of Satellite Radio seems to be an enormous threat to "terrestrial" radio, and the format we grew-up on. On the most basic level of competition, more content with fewer commercials will always be more appealing to listeners.

What have you learned that you would most like to pass on to your fellow under-thirty-somethings?
I've learned so much since I've been out of school these past 6 years. First and foremost, it's that there's a job out there for all of us -- if we sacrifice. In college, I was warned about the competitive & cut-throat nature of this business, and that "making it" in New York would be nearly impossible. But the industry has exploded. There are so many wonderful jobs out there, so many chances for a young kid to make his/her mark. I say it's a great time to be young & hungry.

Posted by at 3:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Name:
Tommy Chuck

Current title/position/company:
Program Director WFLZ Tampa, OM Clear Channel Format Lab CHR Channels

How did you get your start in radio?
I was one of the lucky ones born into the business. My dad and uncle operate WEMB and WXIS in Erwin, TN. I did my first board shift at age 7 pressing buttons for a Major League Baseball broadcast.

What are your career goals?
Director of Programming for a major radio broadcast company

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Coaching air talent and developing the game plan. In my second life, I'd love to be a high school basketball coach.

What are the biggest challenges ahead for radio, from your perspective?
STEP 1: Getting the entire Programming Department to ask for, listen to and actually ACT on feedback from the audience regarding content they are interested in listening to between the music.

STEP 2: Getting comfortable with the fact that doing so will probably mean making uncomfortable changes to historical "radio fundamentals."

What have you learned that you would most like to pass on to your fellow under-thirty-somethings?
When you are young and handed power, it's easy to get a big head. Remember, that we are lucky. Don't spoil it by being a jerk to people.

Posted by at 3:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Name:
Romeo

Current Title/Position/Company:
Music Director/Nights
WHTZ New York
Clear Channel

How did you get your start in radio?
I started at age 15 at WKYN in St. Mary’s, PA running weekend overnight PSA's. I am very grateful for Bob Stevens who sprung me out of the record store I was working at to do radio. He would come in the store and buy the entire product for the station. It was an unrated market with no label service. Apparently he liked "my ear" as many of my recommendations made it on the air. I later became APD and mornings a few years later. From there I spent time in Erie, PA; Johnstown, PA; Nashville, TN; Salt Lake City, UT; Detroit, MI and 6 years now in New York, NY.

What are your career goals?
To stay at Z100 as long as I can! No, really, I'd love to own a small market station someday. Much like job Stevens did years ago in St. Mary’s, PA. I would be the GM/ PD /APD/ MD/ GSM/ LSM...and probably the morning guy. I would also love to consult radio and travel the country working with clients.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
The feeling I get when driving home every night past the Statue of Liberty. I love hearing records we just added for the first time in my car. I don't think I could be truly happy in any other industry. Radio is my life and I love life.

What are the biggest challenges ahead for radio, from your perspective?
Adapting to the technological advances of the user. We have done a fine job at Clear Channel implementing our own mobile service and social networking websites. We now have the ability to text message a listener exactly when their request will play- how cool is that?!?!? With our social networking sites listeners can be more involved with the station than ever before on a one on one level. As long as we continue to grow with the user, we should be fine.

What have you learned that you would most like to pass on to your fellow under-thirty-somethings?
Never stop learning. Absorb every piece of information that passes your way. Ask a lot of questions. Know who your audience is. Study them from head to toe and deliver them quality entertainment. You can never know enough about your target demo- spend time with them every day!

Posted by at 3:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There are some particularly baffling things that record labels do. Putting out songs that nobody can yet purchase is one of them. So is the attempt to make more money by not putting out records ('cause if you don't release 'em, you won't lose your promotional calls). But none is more frustrating than the stories that repeatedly emerge of PDs being told not to play a label's songs if they deviate from the singles release schedule.

Last week, there were headlines in the trade press about Country PDs getting a C&D letter from Sony BMG ordering them not to play the album version of Tracy Lawrence's "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" on indie label Rocky Comfort/CO5. The album version featured Sony BMG's Kenny Chesney and the label had not granted CO5 "singles rights," which is sort of a specious distinction as any Urban PD who has negotiated the various tangle of guest appearances on any new artist project can tell you.

Labels have, in the past, tried to discourage radio from playing songs as imports, or songs that existed only as audio from a TV show (e.g., Tim McGraw's recent ACM awards performance, "If You're Reading This"), but the Tracy Lawrence single was different. For the first time, PDs were being told not to play a song that anybody could walk into a record store and purchase. PD reaction was swift and defiant and a day later, Sony BMG apologized.

You may know that part already. But in last week's press coverage, one PD made the comment that programmers would not be rooting for Lawrence to go to No. 1. And, indeed, "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" is indeed No. 1 on this week's Country chart. Then again, in case you think that radio is ready to stop worrying about what the labels want altogether, "If You're Reading This" goes 28-31 and has plateaued in airplay.

Posted by Sean Ross at 2:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Name:
Jon Daniels

Current Title/Position/Company:
Program Director/Afternoons
94.3 WMJC / Long Island, NY
Long Island Radio Group, Inc.

How did you get your start in radio?
When I was in college at Cornell, I was lucky enough to get an opportunity on local station WVBR. Cornell didn't have its own radio station, but at WVBR, I was able to get on the air, and learn the business, and actually became President/General Manager there for three years. Here on Long Island, I got an internship at the old WLIR, which helped take my career to the next level.

What are your career goals?
To be a successful programmer & manager, working for a great company in a great market...and perhaps loftier titles that would have me overseeing the programming of multiple properties.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love how it's different every week, every month, every year. There's always new music, new ideas, and new challenges. I also love the variety of tasks we do: from being on the air, to interacting with clients, to conducting research, to creating promotions, to meeting the listeners in the field. No two days are ever the same!

What are the biggest challenges ahead for radio, from your perspective?
**Getting younger generations to "use" radio the way their parents do, where it becomes a primary source for music & local information.

**Finding a way for competitors within the industry (and even within local markets) to work together to ensure that the future for our industry is strong. With new technologies developing, what's more of a threat to your station: the station across the street, or the internet?

What have you learned that you would most like to pass on to your fellow under-thirty-somethings?
Victory Is In The Details. That's one of my mottos...getting the basics done is simply not enough. Mine the details to ensure that your plan really is a winner. Work hard to ensure that all the details of whatever you're doing get done the right way.

Posted by at 3:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

...is an HD radio from Amazon. Check out this page I pulled off their site a while back:

What's wrong with this picture? Better dig deep into your purses, Moms of America!

Posted by at 12:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Name:
Drew Murrell

Current Title/Position/Company:
Executive Producer - Envision Radio's syndicated AC Morning Show Murphy, Sam and Jodi (cheap plug for my bosses)
Host - Nick and Drew, 99X KTUX and hopefully soon to be nationally syndicated (soon to be owned by the lovely and talented people at GAP broadcasting)

How did you get your start in radio?
My Mom and Dad used to go to karoake night at a Chinese Restaurant in our hometown on Longview, TX. One of the hosts was Neil McCoy and the other was the APD/MD of KYKX. Mom harassed him until he let me "audition" for a job. When I went up to the station he had two girls up there, one he wanted and the other was her sister. I distracted the sister while he worked his game. I never told his girlfriend, who my Mom knew, and I got hired. I didn't to go on-air for 6 months till the over night weekend guy failed to cover his shift.

What are your career goals?
Nationally syndicated Active Rock Morning/Night show!!!

What do you enjoy most about