Category Archives: Radio

November 26, 2023 · 3:00 am

Grateful For All The Times I’ve Been Fired

You might think that’s an unusual thing to be grateful for, so let me explain.

No, I wasn’t immediately grateful any of the times I found myself in the position of being let go by my broadcast employer. I don’t think anyone ever does.

Blessings in Disguise

It takes a little time and space to realize, that being forced to think about your life and where you really want to be, can be the “boot in the butt” we really need at that moment in time.

As I look back on my life, I realize that every time I’ve lost a job, what came next was always better than what I had left behind. The same might also be said about love and relationships.

Always Be Grateful

The life lesson I want to share with you today is, we can’t see how the twists and turns of our lives will play out in the moment they occur, but if we choose to look for the positive in each event, we will find it; guaranteed.

Henry Ford put it this way:

Whether you think you can or think you can’t,

YOU’RE RIGHT.

The simile to those words I would contend are:

Whether you think what happens in your life is good or bad,

YOU’RE RIGHT.

Life is all about choices, and when it comes to how you deal with life’s events, you can choose to either embrace them as being good, or being bad. (Spoiler Alert: Life is better when you look for the positive in every situation.)

Gratitude

On this Thanksgiving 2023, when family and friends come together, let me leave you with this thought from Melody Beattie:

Gratitude

unlocks the fullness of life.

Leave a comment

Filed under Education, Mentor, Radio

Tagged as , , ,

November 19, 2023 · 3:00 am

Reviving Radio: Embracing Change for a Brighter Future

Today, I invited Dales Whyte, Business Advisor Enterprise Plus (South Coast Of NSW), Charity Founder & Creator Of Businesses, Community Leader, and International Broadcaster to share his perspective on the state of commercial broadcast radio from his home, Down Under.

-0-

Radio, a medium that has been a source of entertainment, information, and connection for generations, is facing a crossroads. As a radio enthusiast who fell in love with this industry in the late ’70s, it pains me to see its decline. The ghost of radio may linger, but its glory days seem to be fading unless we take action now! I refuse to attend its funeral, and I believe that with the right strategies, we can breathe new life into Radio.

Today, I serve as a business advisor for the New South Wales (NSW) Government, working with small to medium-sized clients daily. Ironically, this role has given me a unique insight into the state of the radio industry in Australia.

I’m not advocating a return to the good old days of the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and yesteryear’s hits. Instead, I’m championing the use of modern technology and techniques to rejuvenate the industry. The future of radio lies not only in its past but also in its present.

One strategy I often recommend to my clients is reverse engineering the sales process to better serve and adapt their businesses. Radio must apply the same principle to secure its future. We need to focus on two key client bases crucial for our survival.

1.         The Customer:

•          The customer is not just the listener but also the one who pays the bills, keeping the radio station afloat.

•          While streamlining operations and adopting network-centric models can save money, we must not sacrifice localism. If we do that then the customers advertising will be impacted by not having the number of listeners to act on the message of the commercial stop

•          Balancing cost-saving measures with local touch is essential to keep our customers satisfied and our revenue strong.

2.         The Radio Listener:

•          Listeners are the lifeblood of radio. We must provide them with content that meets their needs, wants, and desires.

•          Local radio plays a vital role in informing communities about local events and news, making it an invaluable resource.

•          We need to address the growing disconnect between what listeners want and what we deliver.

 To revive the radio industry, we must consider the following strategies:

1.         Embrace Social Media:

•          Radio has traditionally shied away from social media, but it’s time to change. Social media can enhance the connection between listeners, customers, and radio stations. We have to be the leaders in social media in our marketplaces.

•          Utilize platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to engage with the audience and expand reach.

•          Use social media for the coverage of events. Radio must now return to the days of turning up to every dog and pony show.

2.         Live Streaming:

•          To cater to today’s audience, we must offer live streaming of radio shows.

•          Interact with the audience in real-time during shows and engage them through video and audio content.

3.         Invest in Talent:

•          Radio’s success hinges on having the best talent in the industry. Not just announcers but for the entire radio station.

•          Encourage people to pursue careers in radio by providing opportunities and training. I have long advocated that nights and mid dawns should be utilised as training/sessions to create a true radio school.

Shared Responsibility: The responsibility for radio’s survival falls on all stakeholders in the industry.

1.         Announcers:

•          Announcers should consider their role as being a dedicated professional, not just a job.

•          They should stay informed about local events, engage with the community, and embrace localism. Announces need to embrace localism!

•          Never miss an opportunity to localise or interact with the community.

2.         Sales Teams:

  • Sales teams should focus on creating successful advertising campaigns that truly benefit clients.
  • The quick sale mentality must be replaced with a client-focused approach.
  • Members of the sales team have to be individual advertising agents understanding and utilising skills in conjunction with creative writers to achieve outstanding results for radio customers,

3.         Station Staff:

•          Every member of the station’s staff plays a critical role in its success.

•          The friendliness and engagement of receptionists, for example, can leave a lasting impression on visitors.

4.         Managers:

•          Managers should lead the way by encouraging new ideas and a change in business practices.

•          Regular positive meetings and staff collaboration are essential for radio station success.

5.         Owners:

•          Owners must be willing to embrace change and enforce ethics in the industry. People must feel safe in their job and part of a living breathing team that is growing and won’t replace them at the drop of a hat.

•          A long-term approach is needed to ensure financial success and maintain radio’s relevance.

Conclusion: The radio industry is at a pivotal moment. We can choose to let it fade into history, or we can take action to revive it. By embracing change, focusing on the needs of both customers and listeners, and using modern technology, radio can continue to be a vibrant and essential part of our lives. It’s time to write a new chapter for radio, one that ensures its survival and success for years to come.

-Dales Whyte

Empowering businesses along the picturesque South Coast of New South Wales as a dedicated Business Advisor under the Enterprise Plus / Business Connect program, I also take pride in my role as a philanthropist, founding charities and nurturing innovative enterprises. As a community leader, I strive to foster growth and collaboration, creating a positive impact locally and beyond. Additionally, my voice extends globally as an international broadcaster, sharing insights and stories that resonate across borders. Together, let’s build a thriving and interconnected world.

16 Comments

Filed under Education, Mentor, Radio, Sales

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

October 29, 2023 · 3:00 am

Are We the Solution or the Problem? (Take 2)

I originally wrote about this subject over four years ago. Since that time, I have noticed that when I publish a new article about radio, people seem to fall into one of two different camps. There are those who say radio’s days are numbered — or over, and those who think going back to the way it was will solve everything.

“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking

we used when we created them.”

-Albert Einstein

Lots of Change

When I think back to the days when AM radio rocked my world, to today, where Alexa serves up whatever my mood desires, much has changed.

“The key to failure is to hang on to the belief that things have to be

 ‘the way they ought to be.’

The key to success is to be able to deal with things

as they really are.”

-Roy H. Williams, The Wizard of Ads

Which brings me back to taking another look at the question:

“Are we the solution, or the problem?”

…when it comes to the future of radio?

Radio’s Big 3 Areas of Dysfunction?

I’m sure that you have your own thoughts on this, but the sense I have from reading articles about today’s radio industry from all over the world, along with reader comments, are that these three things are very important to the future of radio:

  1. Commercials. Radio’s commercial spot loads are too big. The 60 and 30-second ad lengths are over. Radio needs to re-think the way it monetizes itself OTA (over the air) and the creation of radio ads needs to be a specialty in every radio station.
  2. Companionship. Alexa is convenient and we even chat with one another, but I don’t consider “her” a companion. Radio needs to fulfill that social need for the listener.
  3. Quality vs. Quantity. The radio industry is focused on consolidation, where a few large media companies control more frequencies. When the game today is all about providing a better experience – quality over quantity.

The original benchmarks of radio like weather, breaking news, and school cancellations, for example, are often much more efficiently handled by other platforms. Radio needs to re-think what it can do that others can’t, and then do it. Radio needs to compliment today’s other forms media, as it no longer is the sole source of information.

What Are Your Most Prized Possessions?

Recently, a British online magazine asked men and women about their 20 most prized possessions. What you will see when you look at these lists are, that men gravitate to expensive tangible things and women covet items that hold emotional value. As you view the lists for both genders, take note of the one thing that is missing on both.

            Women                                               Men

            Family Photos                                     Home

            Home                                                  Family Photos

            Wedding Ring                                     Car

            Engagement Ring                               Wedding Ring

            Family Pet                                           Photographs of deceased relatives

            Photographs of deceased relatives    Family Pet      

            Jewelry                                                Laptop

            Car                                                       Photographs of significant other

            Childhood Pictures                             Smartphone

            Laptop                                                 Books

            Photographs of significant other        Vinyl Records

            Children’s artwork                              CD Collection

            Photographs of deceased friends       Tablet

            Clothes                                                Television

            Books                                                  Photographs of deceased friends

            Tablet                                                  Golf/Fishing Equipmnt/Bicycle

            Baby Clothes                                       Childhood Pictures

            A favorite book                                    Internet

            Parent’s wedding rings                       Jewelry

Missing from both lists is RADIO.

Radio Reaches a Mass Audience

The Council on Foreign Relations tells the story of radio’s impact on the world this way:

“Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi received a U.S. patent for radio technology in 1904, three years after he claimed to have sent the first transatlantic radio signal. Radio was the first technology that could instantaneously communicate to a mass audience. Because it allowed continuous, up-to-date news and entertainment for people regardless of their income or literacy levels, it became immensely popular. In many parts of the world today, radio remains a dominant source of news and entertainment; it is considered to be the most important means of mass communication in Africa, where literacy rates are relatively low and electricity access is inconsistent. In 2010, an estimated 44,000 radio stations operated around the globe.”

How did we squander such a dominating position in people’s lives, so that we are no longer considered a “prized possession?”

Out Damn Spot

It was seven years ago I wrote a blog titled “Out, damn’d spot!” Yet, here we are in 2023 and radio station commercial loads have increased.

I’m sure you have noticed that YouTube offers viewers a chance to “Skip Ads” when you are looking to play a video; that should be a hint that massive commercial breaks are over!

Likewise, ads that are out-of-place on targeted radio formats should be banned. Creativity in radio spot creation is virtually non-existent. Remember when program directors had the final say about EVERYTHING that went on-the-air? We need those kinds of gatekeepers back.

And if all of this is important for our AM/FM radio signals, it becomes even more critical for our radio streams over the internet.

Community & Companionship

Radio has the power to own the communities that it operates in, and provide real companionship for the listener. Pureplay streamers can’t, and won’t be able to do this, as they also lack personality. Alexa and Siri will never enter the Radio Hall of Fame, with the likes of:

Abbott and Costello Goodman Ace and Jane Ace José Miguel Agrelot Raul Alarcón Sr. Kurt Alexander Fred Allen Mel Allen Don Ameche Eddie Anderson Eve Arden Edwin Howard Armstrong Jackson Armstrong Gene Autry Red Barber Tom Barnard Dick Bartley George G. Beasley Glenn Beck Art Bell Jack Benny Gertrude Berg Edgar Bergen Dick Biondi Jesse B. Blayton Sr. Martin Block Bob and Ray Jim Bohannon Bobby Bones Neal Boortz Amar Bose Jonathon Brandmeier Marty Brennaman Jack Brickhouse Brother Wease Himan Brown Joy Browne Jack Buck Gary Burbank Burns and Allen Jess Cain Sway Calloway Eddie Cantor Harry Caray Jack Carney Howie Carr Andrew Carter Ron Chapman Charlie & Harrigan Dick Clark Jerry Coleman Bob Collins Ann Compton William Conrad Jack L. Cooper Myron Cope Don Cornelius Charles Correll Norman Corwin Lou Costello Frankie Crocker Bing Crosby Powel Crosley Jr. Steve Dahl Yvonne Daniels Lee de Forest Rick DeesDelilah Dr. Demento Tom Donahue Nanci Donnellan (The Fabulous Sports Babe) Tommy Dorsey Bill Drake Jim Dunbar Don Dunphy Elvis Duran Jimmy Durante Richard Durham Bob Edwards Douglas Edwards Ralph Edwards Ralph Emery Barry Farber Erica Farber Joseph Field Fred Foy Mike Francesa Arlene Francis Stan Freberg Alan Freed John A. Gambling Blair Garner Ira Glass Christopher Glenn Arthur Godfrey Leonard Goldenson Benny Goodman Gale Gordon Freeman Gosden Toni Grant Barry Gray Petey Greene Ralph Guild Karl Haas Joan Hamburg Milo Hamilton Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton Bill Handel Sean Hannity John Hare Harry Harrison Lynne “Angel” Harvey Paul Harvey Paul Harvey Jr. Steve Harvey Ernie Harwell Terri Hemmert Jocko Henderson Gordon Hinkley Bob Hope Clark Howard Stanley E. Hubbard Cathy Hughes Maurice “Hot Rod” Hulbert Don ImusDan Ingram Hal Jackson Michael Jackson Fred Jacobs E. Rodney Jones Jim Jordan Marian Driscoll Jordan Tom Joyner Harry Kalas H. V. Kaltenborn Mel Karmazin Carl Kasell Casey Kasem Murray “the K” Kaufman Garrison Keillor Kid Kelly Herb Kent Jim Kerr Larry King Bob Kingsley Kim Komando Kidd Kraddick Kay Kyser Art Laboe John Records Landecker John Lanigan Chuck Leonard Mark Levin Hal Lewis Rush Limbaugh Melvin Lindsey Michael “Mickey” Luckoff Larry Lujack Ron Lundy Joe Madison Ray Magliozzi Tom Magliozzi Guglielmo Marconi Angie Martinez Groucho Marx Luther Masingill Dan Mason Lowry Mays Mary Margaret McBride J. P. McCarthy Edward F. McLaughlin Gordon McLendon Graham McNamee Marian McPartland Garry Meier Ruth Ann Meyer Jon Miller Agnes Moorehead Robert W. Morgan “Cousin Brucie” Morrow Scott Muni Edward R. Murrow Manuel “Paco” Navarro Pat O’Day Eddie O’Jay Stu Olds Dick Orkin Charles Osgood Gary Owens Ronn OwensWilliam S. Paley Edward Pate Jr. Dan Patrick Norman Pattiz Virginia Payne Sam Phillips Wally Phillips Dick Purtan James Henry Quello Robin Quivers Dave Ramsey Ronald Reagan Cokie Roberts Tony Roberts Neil Rogers Jim Rome Javier Romero President Franklin D. Roosevelt Orion Samuelson David Sarnoff Michael Savage Chuck Schaden Laura Schlessinger Vin Scully Ryan Seacrest Elliot Segal Scott Shannon Jean Shepherd Bill Siemering Robert Sievers Donnie Simpson Red Skelton Rick Sklar Kate Smith Paul W. Smith Eddie “Piolín” Sotelo Susan Stamberg Frank Stanton Alison Steele Bob Steele Don Steele Martha Jean Steinberg Charley Steiner Bill Stern Howard Stern Todd Storz Fran Striker Studs Terkel John Tesh Jay Thomas Lowell Thomas Rufus Thomas Mac Tichenor Les Tremayne Charlie Tuna Bob Uecker Ed Walker Orson Welles Ruth Westheimer Dick Whittinghill Bruce Williams Nat D. Williams Jerry Williams Wendy Williams William B. Williams Walter Winchell Wolfman Jack

I rest my case.

35 Comments

Filed under Education, Mentor, Radio

Tagged as , ,

October 15, 2023 · 3:00 am

Congratulations Doc

One of this year’s highlights at the New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters Granite Mike Awards was seeing Chris “Doc” Garrett be named “Broadcaster of the Year 2023.” Tracy Caruso, Executive Director of the NHAB, actually picked Doc to do this year’s introduction of this award, with Doc not realizing the person he would be introducing as the winner, would be himself.

Since He Was 5 Years Old

When Chris realized he was the person who had been named to win this coveted award, his enthusiasm for radio broadcasting exploded on the stage. He shared with the audience that he wanted to be in radio since he was five years old. That resonated with me, because like Chris, I also knew at a very young age what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. But, I can’t help but wonder if five year old’s today have the same burning desire.

A Radio Life Well-Lived

Chris Garrett would begin his radio journey at WKXL in Concord, New Hampshire in 1981. Over the years, Chris would adopt the nickname “Doc” as in “Doctor of Rock.”

Chris’s career spans WGIR in Manchester, WHEB in Portsmouth and Clear Channel Broadcasting where he served for over twenty-four years as a company Program Director.

Like most broadcasters our age, Doc has done every job in a radio station, saying “you can never be satisfied with where you are, you need to always be looking down the road and embracing new technologies, giving listeners what they want, and where they want to receive it.”

42 Years in Radio

After over four decades in radio, Doc is still full of enthusiasm for the business saying: “I’ve always wanted to be in radio, so I have a hard time thinking of something else I’d want to do. The reason I got into radio is because I wanted to be a jock. That’s why we all love doing this.”

Fellow broadcasters are quick to point out that Doc always brings light of enthusiasm wherever he goes, and an uncanny ability to see the big picture, focusing on the small stuff to reach company goals. “Doc is one of those people you want to work with, and are willing to make a change to do just that,” said Angela Anderson-Connolly, a journalism instructor at Emerson College in Boston.

General Manager Stripes

Chris “Doc” Garrett wrote on his LinkedIn page in February of 2013, “I am now the General Manager for 106.3 Frank-FM in Nashua as part of the Binnie Media Regional team. I am thrilled to be part of this great group as we continue to grow and become the largest regional media outlet north of Boston.”

Doc has been fortunate to have lived his radio dream for over 40 years, and lived all of it in his home state of New Hampshire – an impressive feat for any radio broadcaster.

“Hats off to the Doctor of Rock!

Nobody is more deserving, you’re always an inspiration.”

-Heath Cole, VP-Programming, Binnie Media

Leave a comment

Filed under Education, Mentor, Radio

Tagged as , , , , , , , , ,

October 8, 2023 · 3:00 am

We Won !

Wednesday night, October 4, 2023, the WMEX Good Guys took to the stage in Concord, to accept the New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters award for “Best LPFM Radio Station in the Granite State for 2023.”

WMEX-LP 105.9 FM was assigned the call sign WMVI-LP by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on May 20, 2014, but eight days later changed its call sign to WMEX-LP and began broadcasting “The Most Amazing Oldies”, providing local radio service to the city of Rochester, New Hampshire for the past nine years.

The Station’s History

WMEX-LP 105.9 FM plays the best classic rock and roll hits from the 1950s through the 1980s. WMEX-AM was the authority for the hit songs we all loved, back when New Englanders wore bobby sox and poodle skirts, . Today, WMEX-LP broadcasts in FM stereo and sounds even better.  The voice of the station’s most popular air personality, and one of the most popular in New England, Arnie “Woo Woo” Ginsburg, can still be heard on 105.9 FM WMEX-LP.

The Shows

WEEKDAYS:

Gary James 6-10 am USA Radio News at the top of the hour

and Gerry Gilbert with Sports reports between 7 and 10 am.

Dick Taylor 10 am-3 pm

Tim Richmond 3-7 pm with USA Radio News at the top of the hour

Sal “The Hitman” Pacino 7 pm-Midnight

All Night Jukebox Midnight to 6 am

SATURDAY

Gerry Gilbert 6-10 am with USA Radio News at the top of the hour

Sal “The Hitman” Pacino 10 am-3 pm

Solid Gold Saturday with Jim, Chris, Mike and Nancy 3 pm-7 pm. 

Brian Battles 7 pm-Midnight

All Night Jukebox Midnight-6am

Sunday

Steve West with Early Rock and Roll on the Time Machine 6-10 am

Nothing But Old 45s with Larry Kratka 10 am-Noon 

Dick Taylor Noon-3 pm

Tim Richmond 3 pm-7 pm 

The Mop Tops and The King 7 pm-8pm

Steve West 8pm-Midnight 

All Night Jukebox  Midnight-6 am

WMEX-LP is a Non-Profit Radio Station

Everyone of the station’s air personalities is a volunteer, having retired from decades of working in professional radio. We are a local non-profit organization that is here for the purpose of keeping “The Heritage of WMEX” alive by playing the most amazing oldies, while staying focused on all things local to Rochester, New Hampshire.

WMEX-LP is a huge supporter of the Rochester Rotary, as well as everything happening in the Lilac City.

The station is financially supported by underwriting from local businesses and donations from its listeners.

For more information, visit the station’s website: http://www.1059WMEX.com

21 Comments

Filed under Education, Mentor, Radio

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

September 24, 2023 · 3:00 am

Is There a Future For Anyone in an A.I. World?

Last week I asked the question “Is There a Future for Radio Personalities?” That blog was my analysis of the latest research done by Jacob Media Strategies for Don Anthony’s annual Morning Show Boot Camp. I wasn’t surprised by the volume of comments about the blog, however it was sad to find that most people feel the days of making RADIO a career are over.

A.I. (Artificial Intelligence)

The part of Fred Jacob’s research I didn’t include in last week’s blog was the impact that air personalities thought A.I. would make on their future. 76% of the people in the survey agreed with the question: “I’m personally concerned that A.I. technology will lead to many more on-air radio jobs being lost.”

It’s Worse Than You Think

Our universe is estimated to be 26.7 billion years old. Humans on planet earth have only been around 6,000 years, but look at all we’ve accomplished in such a short period of time.

Now, what maybe mankind’s greatest invention might also be responsible for our demise: A.I. or Artificial Intelligence.

This technology has the potential to take away

30% OF ALL JOBS within 10 years.

Think of all the jobs that A.I. can do better (and maybe do even better than you or I).

  • Stock Trader
  • Truck Driver
  • Accountant
  • Telemarketer
  • Lawyer
  • Bookkeeper
  • Actor
  • Writer
  • Musician
  • Painter
  • Radio Personality

It would be easier to make a list of the jobs that cannot be impacted by A.I., than a list of those that will.

To get a better idea of how scary this technology is, listen to either of these links:

The proliferation of these kind of A.I. creations can abundantly be found on YouTube.

Today’s A.I. voice software can listen to a few seconds of anyone’s voice and completely re-create a replica that is almost indistinguishable from the original. I don’t know what is most troubling, that it can be done, that it can be done so quickly or that it’s so easy that anyone can do it.

Call Centers

Call centers are big business around the world, making up 8% of India’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product), 6.3% of Brazil’s GDP and while America outsources the majority of this type of work, the U.S. still employs 3.4 million people who work in call centers.

A.I. has the ability to completely replace everyone

working in call centers around the world.

You don’t have to be a political scientist to predict what would happen if 8% of a country’s GDP is suddenly wiped away. You’ll see more people carrying pitchforks and torches than stormed the castle in “Beauty & The Beast.”

I have radio friends that have used their incredible voices to produce audio books, and earned a good living in the process. A.I. will replace these talented people as well.

Actors & Writers Strike

It’s not just the radio industry that is finding itself in unknown territory.

Actors fear they will lose control of their lucrative likeness and writers fear they will have to share credit with a machine. Watch this situation closely, because writers and actors are the proverbial “canary in the coal mine” for what’s to come for the rest of us in media.

A.I. is at the very heart of the current actors and writers strike, it’s ahead of pay models, benefits and job protections.

Federal A.I. Commission

Senator Chris Murphy is one of the most outspoken members of Congress on artificial intelligence. “When you start to outsource the bulk of human creativity to machines, there comes with that a human rot,” says Senator Murphy. He estimates that humans being replaced for creativity by computers will happen at a staggering scale within the next two to three years, and it scares the hell out of him.

Senator Murphy believes that it is time to create a new regulatory body, like the creation of the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) that came into existence with the advent of broadcast radio.

“There are really deep spiritual questions at hand here. I don’t think policymakers should be shy about talking about that,” Senator Murphy believes.

Putting Things In Perspective

While humans may have inhabited this planet for 6,000 years, look at what has happened in just the last 50 years:

  • The personal computer is 50 years old
  • The iPhone is 16 years old
  • Today’s A.I. is 5 years old

Of all the many calamities the human race faces in the years ahead — a full-scale nuclear war, climate change or artificial intelligence – it’s A.I. that poses the greatest risk. One highly researched economist report on A.I. noted that “there’s more than a 50-50 chance A.I. will wipe out all of humanity by the middle of the century.”

“Open the pod bay doors please Hal.

I’m sorry Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that.”

-from the movie “2001 – A Space Odyssey”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSIKBliboIo

Google co-founder, Larry Page, believes that once computers are smarter than humans, they will find no use for us humans, and they will simply get rid of us. He sees this as the next step in the evolutionary process.

If we don’t understand the risks, along with the benefits A.I. brings to us, we might all end up like Dave.

-0-

Note: For a deep dive on this subject, read the article by Nick Bolton from the September 13, 2023 edition of Vanity Fair. It was this article that provided many of the facts and quotes used in this week’s blog: Artificial Intelligence May Be Humanity’s Most Ingenious Invention—And Its Last? Silicon Valley is barreling ahead with AI technology that could unlock novel forms of creativity, art, and medicine, and potentially, wipe out all mankind. As one AI engineer warns, “We’re creating God.”

7 Comments

Filed under Education, Mentor, Radio, Sales

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , ,

September 17, 2023 · 3:00 am

Is There A Future For Air Personalities?

This past week, Fred Jacobs shared the latest research about radio air personalities and how they view the future of this profession. Here’s what struck me about the presentation.

The Radio Talent Pool is Shrinking

Jacobs Media Strategies has been producing this research for Don Anthony’s Morning Show Boot Camp since 2018, and during COVID, no research was done in 2020. So, from the first survey in 2018 to the latest one in 2023, the number of participants shrank 62%; from 1,168 to 442 people.

COVID, with the resulting Work From Home (WFH) operating model,  has greatly impacted radio station cultures and has not returned to anything like pre-pandemic days.

Less People, More Hats to Wear

Not surprising, with fewer people working on the content side of radio, those that remain “wear more hats” than ever; 54% of radio personalities now say they are responsible for more than four different areas.

No Talent Farm

When I began my radio career, it was board operating Sunday morning church programs. That first radio job would give me the opportunity to land a nights/weekend part-time air shift. This was pretty much the norm for baby boomers in broadcasting. In fact, Jacobs research shows that 78% of us started in radio this way.

Today, those entry level radio positions are gone, with only 14% of today’s up and coming air talent having those same opportunities.

Talent Development

One of the concerns expressed by today’s air personalities is believing their radio station and/or their company is not working to discover or develop new air talent. Radio’s biggest companies are blamed most, with medium and small companies being exceptions.

Would You Recommend Radio as a Career?

When today’s air personalities were asked how they would respond to the statement:

“I would absolutely recommend [that] a high school student pursue radio as a career,”

  • More than half, 52%, said they would disagree or strongly disagree.
  • A quarter of the sample was neutral.

Possible reasons for this negative attitude might be:

  • Four in ten air personalities are in debt or struggling
  • Few air personalities expect to make more money this year
  • Three in ten air personalities are now involved in a second business
  • A majority of the air personalities feel they are taken for granted
  • 76% are personally concerned that Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) will lead to many more on-air radio jobs being lost
  • Four in ten of those air personalities currently “on the beach” say they won’t be back

Welcome to Consumer Choice

Gone are the days of the gate keepers of music; those people being the radio program directors, record store owners and record companies. Consumers are now in charge and define the characteristics of the media world we live in.

Any solution to the problems we confront must understand our audience’s needs, wants and desires, and put those first.

“People don’t by what you do, they buy why you do it.”

-Simon Sinek

21 Comments

Filed under Education, Mentor, Radio

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,

September 10, 2023 · 3:00 am

A Life of Learning

One my life goals has been to learn something new every day. What you find if you pursue this path is, the more you learn, the more you don’t know.

So, what are some of the things I’ve learned in my life, that might benefit you in yours.

Living Is How You Gain Wisdom

In my life, the things that went wrong were the greatest teacher. No one ever learns from things going right. It’s through the difficult times, when our mettle gets tested, and we build our internal strength for the years ahead.

Wisdom Is Meant To Be Shared

The reason I write this blog is to share the things I’ve learned in my life. Sharing helps others to grow, and you might be surprised to find how much your knowledge grows in the process.

Wisdom Is Not The Same As Being Smart

You don’t become wise from reading a book or attending a class. You become wise through living your life, through personal experiences.

Great radio air personalities, great media salespeople, great broadcast engineers, and yes, their managers, become great through putting in the hours of effort to hone their craft.

When they make it look easy, you know they own it.

Always Be Curious

I’m one of Roy H. Williams wizards. Wizards are curious people and life-long learners.

Look at a picture of a wizard’s room, and you will find a room that’s cluttered and at the same time you will realize that here lives a person whose mind cannot be focused on a singular subject. It’s this diversity of learning that provides the foundation for future problem solving skills.

As we accumulate knowledge our minds begin the process of distilling what we learn into wisdom.

Connect The Dots

It’s through wisdom, that a person learns how to connect the dots and plot the path forward in life. Because of uncontrollable curiosity, and our desire to explore all areas of our world, we are predisposed to seeing the big picture.

Surround Yourself With Wise People

If you want to be better at something, go and find the people who do it best, and immerse yourself in their wisdom.

I remember when I was learning to play tennis, I started off playing with someone who was as bad at the sport as I was. When I moved on and played with a more skilled tennis player, I never won against this person, but my game improved immensely.

Artificial Intelligence (A.I.)

A.I. may be superior at many things, but when it comes to the very human quality we call wisdom, I believe that is where people will always dominate. Unlike artificial intelligence, human wisdom mentors and inspires people to become their personal best.

“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”

-Steve Prefontaine, Handley High School Class of 2011

Leave a comment

Filed under Education, Mentor, Radio

Tagged as , , , , ,

September 3, 2023 · 3:00 am

What We Know About Radio Listeners and The Industry That Serves Them

The Pew Research Center recently completed a survey for National Radio Day about today’s radio industry and the people who listen to its broadcasts.

My own radio career has spanned over 50 years, and in that time I’ve witnessed considerable change. So, where are we now in 2023?

82% of Americans Over The Age of 12 Listen to Radio

While the 82% number of weekly listeners to radio is outstanding, in today’s competitive media world, that percentage of weekly listening is down from 92% in 2009, according to Nielsen.

Last week, Edison Research published new research showing that Share of All Audio Listening now ranks “On-Demand Platforms” ahead of “Linear Platforms,” the latter being sources such as over-the-air radio, radio streams, radio services, etc. People today prefer to listen to media on their time schedule, like podcasts, owned music, paid streaming services etc.

47% of Adults Get Their News From Radio (at least sometimes)

Pew Research says, that this percentage has remained relatively constant in recent years. However, just 7% of adults said that they prefer getting their news from radio broadcasts.

20% of Adults Get Local News From Radio

When FORD announced it would be ending AM radio in its vehicles, the radio industry was quick to mount an assault on Congress to have AM radio stay in all cars and trucks, initiating the “AM for Every Vehicle Act.”

When the town of Lahaina, Maui was going up in flames, news outlets were asking the head of Maui’s emergency management agency why he didn’t sound the warning sirens, but no one asked why it took that same agency 48 hours to reach out to local radio stations to spread the word.

38% of adults get their local news from TV, 17% from newspapers and 12% from the internet or other types of outlets.

Share of Adults Listening to Podcasts is UP

A decade ago, just 12% of Americans over the age of 12 said they had listened to a podcast in the past month, but in 2023 that number is 42%.

Podcasts began as an audio only, on-demand service, but today 22% of the top 250 podcasts include video which is posted on YouTube, finds a Podtrac study. In fact, today 75% of all podcast consumers say that podcasts are both audio and video, according to Coleman Insights.

Just as the term “podcast” can now refer to any on-demand audio/video content, I found that my university students, even a decade ago, thought all audio content as being “radio.”

Clearly, different generations use the same words, but what they mean in 2023 – and which demographic is using them – the meaning can be totally different.

Radio Strong

In spite of the many challenges facing radio today, the medium still reaches more Americans every week than any other platform measured by The Nielsen Company.

For the industry to stay strong and grow, it must listen to its audience and deliver what it is asking for, in the way they wish to receive it.

NPR, for example, makes everything they broadcast available on its website, social media, podcasts, and video-on-demand platforms.

“Radio’s strongest asset is its connection to a community,” says Donna Halper, an associate professor of communication and media studies at Lesley University. Halper believes that the “digital disruption has enhanced our connection to our listeners and to our community. It has kept radio on its feet.”

But it all comes down to the attitude of the people who own and operate radio stations in America. Managed properly, radio can stay strong and vital in the years ahead.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.”

-Henry Ford

3 Comments

Filed under Education, Mentor, Radio, Sales

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , ,

August 27, 2023 · 3:00 am

More Leadership Advice

Last week, I shared “12 Leadership Lessons from Ted Lasso,” it stimulated interesting conversation. One reader told me that he was in a manager’s office that had one of those 12 lessons posted everywhere you looked. That manager believed it didn’t matter what your position in the organization was, everyone could benefit from this positive leadership advice.

Victor Escalante

Victor has been a weekly reader of this blog for as long as I can remember. He’s an expert in providing corporate training and development solutions to help businesses succeed. His business website is: https://victorescalante.com/

When we talked on the phone this week, I learned that we’re both graduates of the Roy H. Williams Wizard Academy in Buda, Texas. Victor was a member of the class of 2007, the “World Changers,” and I was a member of the class of 2001 that took place right after 9/11, which caused about two thirds of the registered students to not attend out of concern for flying. Our class, Roy named, the “Fearless Flyers.”

Victor and I are both fierce advocates for creating great radio and providing the leadership to accomplish that goal. In response to my “Lasso 12,” Victor wrote his “list of 10” in the comment section of last week’s blog. I was so inspired by his list, I asked for his permission to share it with you this week.

10 Things Leaders Need To Do by Victor Escalante

1. **Adapt to Change**: Just as music genres evolve, life is constantly changing. Adaptability is your compass through the unpredictable.

2. **Craft Your Narrative**: Just as you structure radio shows, frame your life’s story to engage and inspire those around you.

3. **Tune into Empathy**: Just as you empathize with listeners, understand others’ perspectives to forge deeper connections.

4. **Embrace the Unexpected**: Just as surprise guests shake up broadcasts, welcome life’s surprises as opportunities for growth.

5. **Balance is Key**: Just as sound levels need balance, find equilibrium between work, personal life, and self-care.

6. **Nurture Resilience**: Just as a signal may fade, cultivate resilience to weather life’s challenges and come out stronger.

7. **Stay Curious**: Just as you seek new music, remain curious about the world. Embrace learning as a lifelong journey.

8. **Connect Through Communication**: Just as you connect through the airwaves, communicate openly and authentically in your relationships.

9. **Celebrate Collaboration**: Just as harmonies enhance songs, recognize the power of collaboration in achieving shared goals.

10. **Spread Positivity**: Just as music brings joy, spread positivity and kindness wherever you go, making your life a melody for others to hear.

Why I Blog

I blog for broadcasters, educators and students, I blog to provide media mentorship and to pay-it-forward to the broadcasting industry that I have been a part of for over 50-years. It’s my belief that together we can all learn from one another by sharing our experiences, knowledge and wisdom. Feel free to contribute your thoughts to the discussion in the comment section, as I read every one of them.

Victor Escalante shared his wisdom on leadership with me, and now I’ve shared it with you.

You can get anything in life you want,

If you will just help enough other people get what they want.

-Zig Ziglar

7 Comments

Filed under Education, Mentor, Radio, Sales

Tagged as , , , ,