“Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things… and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” –Walt Disney
Traditional media – especially radio – is full of rear view roadkill.
AM Stereo – 1996 Consolidation – HD Radio – Translator Pollution.
THIS headline – arrived from the brilliant Tom Taylor in the in box just this morning.
‘Number of radio jobs is down 25% since 2001’
However – there ARE encouraging signs.
The explosive growth of BOTH Midwest Communications and Midwest Family.
The Entercom – CBS ‘merger’ places a respected operator (not commodity trader) at the helm of nearly 250 radio brands.
All great news but means little to growing audience unless we invest in – people.
Townsquare Media – consistently invests in Brand Manager and air talent mentoring.
While radio longs for shiny new things, also understand we haven’t fixed what we’ve have – today.
Unskilled programmers and brand managers are promoted simply because ‘we need someone in that chair’.
A true quote from one Senior Vice President at the largest media group.
Fewer than 15% of all air talent in America receive consistent and quality talent coaching.
The National Association of Broadcasters Annual Radio Road Show returns to Austin this fall.
One lead quote from Austin’s 2008’s Radio Show came from former NAB President/CEO David Rehr.
“Right now, radio needs people who believe.”
A quote that is two words – too long.
And it’s lessons learned from the rear view mirror – then shared – that make ‘the people’ difference.
Next Week: Always Right
Kevin Robinson is a record-setting and award-winning programmer. His brands consistently perform in the Top 3 of the target – often times as the list leader. In his 35 years of radio, he’s successfully programmed or consulted nearly every English language radio brand. Known largely as a trusted talent coach, he’s the only personality mentor who’s coached three different morning shows on three different stations in the same major market to the #1 position. His efforts have been recognized by The World Wide Radio Summit Radio & Records, NAB’s Marconi, Radio Ink and has coached CMA, ACM and Marconi winning talent. Kevin lives in St. Louis with his wife of 30 years, Monica. Reach Kevin at (314) 882-2148 or robinsonradio@aol.com.