NO Sports, Politics, Religion?

Thanks to Reid Morgan (pd@country95.fm), PD at B93 and Country 95.5 in Lethbridge for this discussion topic: I am looking for a quick opinion. In his most recent newsletter Chris Byrnes mentions that the three things never to discuss on air are sports, politics and religion. With the obvious exceptions of major events happening in any field or maybe a client driven promotion with a sports team, what do you think of this statement?

Here's my spin, for what it's worth..

Chris is a very smart guy and a very experienced programmer, but it seems to me that his primary expertise in (soft) AC may possibly be making him a bit overly conservative for a format targeting today's 30-somethings.

Half of men and a third of women are BIG sports fans. So, I admit, maybe only 40% of the audience would ID themselves as a sports fan, but if you do something local and compelling about sports that tells a story that grabs interest, why not?

Sports is all about emotion and drama. My personal favorite AC consultant Mike McVay has even suggested rethinking all of the traditional rules of information - like sports on a female-targeted format - and the way it's presented in his "Reinventing Radio" writings, which are posted at www.mcvaymedia.com.

Why wouldn't we talk about those things?

Politics = one of my fav bits of 2004 was when John Cretien resigned and Ted Roop and Derm Carnduff of KIX in Barrie ran all of his verbal gaffes over Alan Jackson/Remember When, so politics is life and as long as you don't alienate people, it's OK with me.

Religion is of course more difficult than ever with some folks really digging in to their positions in the wake of evangelical Christians and funadmentalist Muslims on the two extremes.. but the majority of us are simply trying to cope and have a good time without offending anyone.. so even something relatable that expresses that is OK too as long as you don't end of leaving mom with something to explain that makes her uncomfortable with the kids in the car.

For example, another of my favourite bits of the past year was heard on KRTY, San Jose (http://www.krty.com/) as LDS morning host/PD Julie Stevens, redneck Southern Baptist cohost Gary and their Catholic stunt guy talked about Lent semi-seriously with tongues firmly in cheeks from each of their perspectives.

It was a bit that made me stop and turn up the radio.

So, for me, no topical areas are absolutely 'off limits,' unless:

- you don't know in advance how you're going to get into it ..
- who it relates to ..
- if it passes the who cares test and resonates with the values of the target listener ..
- and you don't know how you're going to get out of it .. before you start.

Brad Paisley and William Shatner

Thanks to Bill Wyte at WUBE, Cincinnati for this tip... check out William Shatner/Has Been by popping the Media Player from http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/shatner_william/783226/album.jhtml or go to http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/paisley_brad/artist.jhtml and choose "Listening Party: "Real" Featuring Brad PaisleyProduced and arranged by Ben Folds, "Celebrity" pals Shatner and Paisley team up for a duet on Shatner's new CD, Has Been."

Christmas in Topeka - Holiday Ideas

From: "Radio Rich" Bowers, FM Program Director/Morning Show Host, WIBW, Topeka, (785-272-3456 - radiorich@94country.com)

We started the before noon money tune and the afternoon money tune today. 7:20 Louann and I give a hook of the early tune. #19 wins 100 bucks before noon. Then that Jock gives a hook of the after noon money tune. Different song, played before 4 pm.

WIBW Christmas Shopper Lunch and Christmas Wrap 7-8 pm weekdays and Holiday Music Weekends now that the local AC station went all Christmas on Thanksgiving.

Other Holiday promotions we are involved in:

Are you a WIBW Santa Claus?, in conjunction with WIBW TV, ask everyone you meet are you a WIBW Santa. Chance to win cash.

Also soliciting businesses to sing Christmas Carols for us. We'll go record them and give the office a great Holiday Gift basket, then we play them back on the air " here's the Sears Automotive department with Silent Night" It sure can't hurt at work listening.

We're also the sponsor for Winter Wonderland, it's a drive through light display, 2 miles. It benefits a local agency that helps mentally challenged adults.

We are the exclusive radio sponsor for the Salvation Army this Christmas.

We have a 25 foot tree on top of our bldg. that lights from red to green as we get closer to their goal of 325 Grand.

And the local Festival of Trees.

This ought to put us all in the Holiday spirit!

Country fans' Holiday travel plans + Radio's Loyalty

R&R Country Daily Prep email: If you're not getting Country Daily, send an e-mail to moreinfo@radioandrecords.com with your name, job title, company/calls, address, phone and fax numbers to be added to the distribution list. It's free! A sample of the materials Lon Helton and Chuck Aly distributed recently...

R&R/Bullseye: This week’s R&R Country Callout America by Bullseye question asked 325 Country listeners if they’ll be traveling this holiday season, how andhow far they will be going. Of the overall sample, 32% said they planned to travel, with 25% driving, 6% flying and 1% seeking bus, train or other transportation.

As for distance, 8% were traveling 100 miles or less, 18% said they’d traverse 100-500 miles, and 6% would venture beyond 500 miles.

* Gretchen Wilson’s voice is featured in Target television commercials. Her DavidFoster-produced versions of “Joy to the World” are in two spots currently on the air.

* Darryl Worley will perform prior to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio on Jan. 15. The game pits 78 top high school players in an east vs. west gridiron contest.

* Trisha Yearwood is profiled in the Dec. 7 issue of Woman’s Day. She discusses her new album and tells her favorite Christmas story.

* Rascal Flatts will perform “Bless the Broken Road” on ABC’s The View on Monday.

BIRTHDAYS:

Wednesday, 12/1 - Kim Richey
Friday, 12/3 - Ferlin Husky
Saturday, 12/4 - Lila McCann
Sunday, 12/5 - Gary Allan, Tyler England, Jim Messina, Little Richard
Monday, 12/6 - Helen Cornelius

Radio Listener Loyalty Heralded By Analyst
Guzman & Co. analyst Jake Balzer notes in a report released Nov. 24 that despite the industry's financial struggles, he believes radio's overall audience stability when compared to its chief competitors' will help the industry grow next year. "Television audiences have become increasingly fragmented with the major broadcast networks now achieving less than 50% of viewership, while newspaper readership has also steadily declined, making each less attractive for advertisers," Balzer said. "As a result, we believe that radio will continue to gain share from newspapers locally." He also believes consolidated radio groups will benefit on a nationwide scale. "Large radio groups that have a national footprint will be able to make inroads with large national advertisers," Balzer said. As for new competition, Balzer believes that while satellite radio poses more of a "viable threat" than MP3s to radio listening, he is skeptical of the forecasts from some on Wall Street who believe the subscription-based services will grow at a pace similar to cable TV. "Listeners spend an average of 14 hours per week listening to the radio, versus 30 hours in front of a television," Balzer noted. "Based on this time difference, we believe that many will be unwilling to pay an additional monthly fee."

2005 GEORGE STRAIT TOUR

AWARD-WINNING SINGER -SONGWRITER DIERKS BENTLEY AS TOUR OPENER with Texas Native Amber Dotson also on the Tour Line-up:

George Strait returns to the road in celebration of his huge hit 2-CD set, 50 Number Ones. Throughout George’s enviable 23-year recording career, he has sold over 65 million albums, played to millions of fans and scored more #1 songs than any other single artist in recording history. 50 Number Ones, George Strait’s 32nd release debuted at the #1 spot on both the Billboard Country Album and Billboard Top 200 charts. Upon the release of this collection, George added another #1 to his record when “I Hate Everything,” the only new track in the set, shot to the top of the charts and earned George his 51.

As is common for George’s tours, each of the shows will be in a center stage configuration with the performers playing to all sides of the stage throughout the evening.

Tickets for the first of the tour dates in Charlotte, NC; Birmingham, AL; Lafayette, LA; and Richmond, VA go on sale Saturday, December 4 at 10AM local time. Tickets are $59.50 and $49.50 (plus applicable service charges) and are available at the box office and at all TicketMaster outlets.

GEORGE STRAIT 2005 TOUR

Date ~~ City ~~ Venue
1/1 3~~ Charlotte, NC ~~ Charlotte Coliseum
1/14 ~~ Birmingham, AL ~~ Birmingham Jefferson Civic Ctr.
1/15 ~~ Lafayette, LA ~~ Cajundome
1/20 ~~ Richmond, VA ~~ Richmond Coliseum
1/21 ~~ Knoxville, TN ~~ Thompson Boling Arena
1/22 ~~ Cincinnati, OH ~~ U.S. Bank Arena
1/27 ~~ Lubbock, TX ~~ United Spirit Arena
1/28 ~~ Austin, TX ~~ Frank Erwin Center
2/3 ~~ Las Cruces, NM ~~ Pan American Center
2/4 ~~ Phoenix, AZ ~~ America West Arena
2/5 ~~ Las Vegas, NV ~~ MGM Grand Garden Arena
2/17 ~~ Greenville, SC ~~ BiLo Center
2/18 ~~ Orlando, FL ~~ TD Waterhouse Centre
2/24 ~~ Grand Rapids, MI ~~ Van Andel Arena
2/25 ~~ Charleston, WV -- Charleston Civic Ctr.
2/26 ~~ Indianapolis, IN ~~ Conseco Fieldhouse
3/ 3 ~~ Rosemont, IL ~~Allstate Arena
3/4 ~~ Kansas City, MO ~~ Kemper Arena
3/5 ~~ Denver, CO ~~ Pepsi Center

For artwork, bio, etc, go to www.frontpagepublicity.com or www.GeorgeStrait.com.

LIA IS CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN NASHVILLE

Beginning on Monday, December 20th through Christmas Eve, Lia will be celebrating the season each weeknight with special celebrity guests every hour, plenty of holiday tunes, and a few surprises from Music Row!

In addition to the regular Lia feed, JRN will be offering stations an optional, produced 5- hour “Christmas In Nashville with Lia” holiday special delivered on CD. It is commercial free, and packed with special artist interviews and holiday tunes to spice up your holiday programming. It will be shipped and available for you to air anytime December 20th through Christmas Day.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ken Moultrie at 206.508.8116 or ken.moultrie@jrnseattle.com

Earl Pitts Xmas Party

Pitts Gets The Christmas Spirit and offers something FREE..

The Earl Pitts Christmas special, “A Very Earl Christmas,” will be offered again this year from Earl’s favorite watering hole, The Dew Drop Inn. And, for the first time, the 2-hour party is available to all stations in all markets – whether or not they are affiliates of Earl’s daily commentaries.

Earl’s friends and neighbors will join him again this year for Christmas cheer including his favorite tunes off the juke box like “Santa Got a DWI” and “Let’s Put the ‘X’ Back in Xmas,” courtesy of Pinkard & Bowden, along with his favorite adult beverages, and even some parody Christmas commercials slipped in by Earl’s buddy Gary Burbank.

Call Burbank Creations to sign up for A Very Earl Christmas on CD. The commitment is 2 minutes per hour of Burbank Creations commercials. The rest of the inventory belongs to the local affiliates.

Call Rick Consolo and be the only station in your market to party with Earl Pitts and friends this Christmas! 1-800-EARL PITts, or e-mail rick.bc@sbcglobal.net.

Contact: Rick Consolo
Burbank Creations, Ltd
12417 Cedar Rd. #26
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
Tel: 800-327-5748
Fax: 216-229-7284
e-mail: Rick.bc@sbcglobal.net or Juan.bc@sbcglobal.net

Marty Thompson and Bob Wood

I received this note from Marty, who wrote to let us know that Clear Channel has eliminated his position as 'oldies format director' so he's looking for employment for the first time in 15 years.

Check out the website www.martythompson.com. I have a bunch of free holiday artist liners up there and December "Oldies Today" is there for free-- I'd appreciate it if you'd share that info with other Oldies folks you know. The prep is available for only $600/yr (gotta feed the family).

Contact Marty on his cell: 702 204 9197home 702 791 KOOL or by email at marty_thompson@juno.com.

Another casualty of Clear Channel oldies format changes is Bob Wood, who was OM for two of the company's Minneapolis stations. Bob is moving to Austin after the first of the year. Email him at bobwood@usinternet.com. These are two quality individuals!

When It's Time To Change Format

Jones Radio Networks is kind enough to allow us to share highlights of their weekly client newsletter, "Share Points," and this week's features a great checklist on format changes by Jim Murphy, JRN's VP/Integrated Country Media:

Occasionally, despite everyone's best efforts, a total makeover is the only option that will not only grow your station's audience, but also give local advertisers new reasons to do business with you.

As format specialists, the programmers at Jones Radio Networks assist dozens of local stations each year in navigating the sometimes unfamiliar waters of a shiny new format. With that in mind, we'd like to share some ideas to help make the transition as smooth and productive as possible, while helping you avoid the three most common mistakes broadcasters make during a format flip. Before we get to the big "don'ts," let's run through a few "dos."

Do consider your new format carefully
As simple as this might sound, it's astounding to see how many stations leap into a new format without adequately considering all the available options, or the possible pitfalls. If you decide to go up against the market-leading AC station, ask yourself whether your market can support two ACs. Think about how much money and time it will take to peel off listeners and advertisers from your competitor. Listeners and advertisers can be annoyingly loyal to a heritage station.

Do look for the format hole
The larger the market, the harder it is to find a truly unique format that no other station is covering. All things being equal, a station is better off being the #1 station in its format -- no matter what the format -- than it is to be the #2 or #3 station behind a more successful station in the same format. Although it's slightly easier in smaller markets, the tricky balance is to find a format that attracts a large enough audience which isn't already being done well in your area. From a sales standpoint, it may be better to be the only all-talk station than the second soft AC, even if the AC audience is somewhat larger. If you seek out research or professional advice for NO other aspect of your format change, this may be the one area where an objective outside opinion can be the most valuable.

Beware of falling into the "But my market is unique" trap
Somewhere out there is a station manager who thinks his special blend of Polka and Rap will work because, he's quick to tell you, "My market is unique." You can probably count on one hand the number of radio stations that are totally different from anything being done on the radio anywhere else. The fact is, the vast majority of stations across the U.S. in each individual format are remarkably similar. This has nothing to do with media consolidation or group programmers, but EVERYTHING to do with our mobile society and the increasingly homogenous tastes of mainstream radio listeners.

Here are the three most common mistakes we see broadcasters make when changing format.

1. Don't assume everyone knows you're changing (or have changed) format

A top-rated radio station in a medium to small market might have 10% of the market listening. If you're changing format, it may be safe to assume you DON'T have 10% market share. So for the sake of discussion, let's assume you have 5% of the audience. That means, then, that some 95% of your market is NOT listening to your station. These are the people you need to reach, and just talking about a format change on your own air won't reach these people.

2. Don't skimp

We work with small market owners and operators every day, and we know no operators outside of the top two or three markets with a million bucks to launch a new radio station. Few small market stations can afford even $10,000. But whatever you have, this is not the time to skimp. It's important to the get the word out, and quickly, once you've pulled the trigger. Done well, a reasonable investment in outside advertising (direct mail, e-mail, billboards where available, newspaper, etc) can generate substantial word-of-mouth. Done poorly, a format change drives away the 5% who WERE listening, and misses the 95% who have never listened to your station…and still assume you're doing the same ol', same ol'.

3. Don't forget you have one chance to make a first impression - Be bold!

When you're ready to go, make your format change something everyone will be talking about. Think "spectacle" and think BIG! Some stations stunt before launching their new format, stimulating both curiosity and tune-in. Launching commercial free for the first week -- or month, broadcasting from a highway billboard, or having a masked man hand out dollar bills in public places are all strategies smaller stations have used to get big attention for a new station with a small cash investment. Every dollar you invest, and every hour you spend planning your launch promotion, will be ten times more effective than the same time or money invested three months later.

One bonus "Don't"
Don't assume that listeners to your new format are the same as your old listeners. Oldies listeners have different wants and needs from Rock fans or Country buffs. Working with a format specialist who understands your new audience's likes and dislikes can help avoid the biggest common mistake of all: not getting it right the first time.

To see a complimentary copy of "Share Points" or learn more about JRN services like Bill Cody's Classic Country Weekends, "Lia" and "Danny Wright All Night" daypart programs, email walter.powers@jrnseattle.com or call 800 426.9082. A&O is proud to consult JRN's country products.

November Country Promotions

Scanning the dial for ideas to adapt and 'borrow?' Here are some that we heard recently....

Double Your Paycheck KSON will announce one name per hour weekdays between 8-9am, 12-1pm and 4-5pm. The person whose name is announced over the air has 30 minutes to call to win their prize. KSON will double the weekly paycheck of all winners by matching one week's gross salary up to $1250. You must be 18 years of age or older, and a San Diego County Resident to play. KSON will determine the winner's weekly salary by averaging the winner's previous 5 weekly pay stubs. (If the winner is paid on a 2-week period, the previous two pay stubs will be averaged). Pay stubs must be dated from the 3-week period prior to winning the contest. If you are currently unemployed, You would receive the minimum prize amount of $500. If you are retired, or a homemaker, you would receive the minimum prize amount of $500. If you work, but make less than $500 a week, you would still receive the minimum prize amount of $500. The most you can receive is up to $1250. KSON-FM/San Diego CA

Open Casting Call K102 is giving away 2 guaranteed auditions with the Casting Directors to become one of the bachelorettes. Visit our web site to register now. Or, if you'd like to be the next Bachelor or Bachelorette, please fill out the correct application on our web site and bring it with you, along with two recent photographs to Marshall Field's Department Store. KEEY-FM/Minneapolis MN

Larry The Cable Guy Let's git-r-done with Larry The Cable Guy, live in concert Tuesday January 18th at the Ford Center. Keep it on King to win your tickets with the Krash Krud Classic. Tuesday it's fourth row tickets, Third Row Wednesday, 2nd Row Thursday and Front Row Friday. Krash Tells you the classic at 6:15 and 7:15pm and we play it the next morning. KKNG-FM/Oklahoma City OK

Red Dirt Extravaganza Join King Country at the Mcclain County Expo Center in Purcell Saturday for the Red Dirt Extravaganza. Cooder Graw, The Burtschi Bros, Stoney Larue, Camille Harp and Company, Southern Highway, Scott Adkins and Friends, Dw, On and Gary Harp and Contraband perform in this all day concert. Listen to Ty Austin and Classic Country with an edge to win your tickets. KKNG-FM/Oklahoma City OK

At Work Perks Let us know you listen at work by calling or sending us an e-mail from our web site. We'll be checking up on you to make sure you're listening at work, and when we catch you ... you could win cash, concert tickets, t-shirts and more. KKNG-FM/Oklahoma City OK

Big Money Jukebox 98.7 KUPL is giving you a chance to win $1000 an hour. Just listen between 7am-10pm for your chance to win. Here's how it works: Each hour after the 40-minute music set has ended, listen for the cue to call. Be the 9th caller, and you will have a chance to guess which song from the 40-minute music set is loaded in the Big Money Jukebox. If you're correct, you score $1000. It's that easy. KUPL has given away over $150,000 to date on this contest, and you could be next. It's another reason the Northwest Spells Country, KUPL. KUPL-FM/Portland OR

Lonestar The Northwest's Country Concert Leader 98.7 KUPL is bringing you yet another concert for the holiday season. It's Lonestar, December 9, at Spirit Mountain Casino. Naturally, we wouldn't be the Northwest's Country Concert Leader if we weren't giving away tickets to this show, so keep your radio in KUPL Country for your chance to win free tickets. KUPL-FM/Portland OR (Country) (11-18-04)

Dolly Parton Your Northwest Country Concert Leader 98.7 KUPL would like to invite you to join us for a night at the Rose Garden Theater of the Clouds with country legend Dolly Parton, December 17. Of course, 98.7 KUPL will have tons of chances for you to win tickets to this show, so keep it tuned to KUPL for more information on your chance to win. KUPL-FM/Portland OR

WB32's Women of Country 98.7 KUPL and the Smokehouse Cafe invite you to enter the WB32's Women of Country contest. The grand prize is an overnight stay and dinner for 2 at the fabulous Heathman Hotel in downtown Portland, a pair of tickets to see Dolly Parton, December 17th at the Rose Garden Theater of the Clouds, Reba McEntire's complete CD library, and an autographed copy of an actual script from Reba's show on the WB32. To enter, e-mail your name, address, and daytime phone number from our web site. KUPL-FM/Portland OR

Free Ticket Tuesday Win all week long on your favorite continuous country radio station... 99.9 Kiss Country. Listen all day today and win a pair of tickets to see the Miami Hurricanes take on Wake Forest Saturday, November 20. Plus, passes to Moroso Motorsports park in West Palm Beach for the Citrus Nationals Championship drag racing November 27-28. WKIS-FM/Miami FL

Kiss Country Reindeer Games Listen for the mystery reindeer and win, win, win. It's holiday time in South Florida. No snow in the forecast... but that means perfect weather for some Kiss Country Reindeer Games. Here's your chance to win a 2004 Ford Ranger 4x2 Edge Supercab from GameWorks. You'll need a big tree this year 'cuz we're gonna load you up for the holidays. You'll win $1000 worth of goodies from Sports Authority... a Honda Four Trax Rancher 4x4 ATV and an NPS 50 Ruckus Scooter from Rick Case Honda Powerhouse and more. Here's how to win it. Starting November 22, we'll announce the name of the mystery reindeer... then, when you hear the Rudolph Touchtones be the 9th caller. If you can name that day's Mystery Reindeer you'll win a pair of tickets to the 20th anniversary Chili Cookoff-starring Hank Jr., Keith Urban, Montgomery Gentry, Big & Rich and more. You'll get free GameWorks Gamecards for the kids. WKIS-FM/Miami FL

A Classified Concert Hansen & Horn, 8 Seconds Saloon and 95.5 WFMS presents a Classified Concert. Listen for details on how you can get your tickets to see... well... we're not telling. Find out when the secret star is reveled the night of the concert on November 24 at 8 Seconds Saloon. WFMS-FM/Indianapolis IN

Early Morning Contest Listen to Jim, Deb, and Kevin all this week for your chance to win a Family 4 pack of tickets to "Nutcracker" from Butler Dance and a Family 4 Pack of Pacer tickets, 4 Pacer t-shirts & 4 food vouchers. Plus, listen your chance to win, courtesy of General Hotels, a one overnight room package (good for up to 5 people, one night stay) at Holiday Inn Select North to celebrate Caribbean Cove Waterpark area. WFMS-FM/Indianapolis IN

Indy Tire Centers StockCar Challenge Build your dream team of pro drivers and win great prizes. Maybe even a trip for two to the 2005 Daytona 500. Get started early with the Indy Tire Center StockCar Challenge from WFMS. WFMS-FM/Indianapolis IN

$250 Shopping Spree Here's your chance to win a $250 shopping spree at Waterloo Premium Outlets where you will be able to find all your favorite brands for less at 100 incredible outlet stores like Polo Ralph Lauren, Liz Claiborne and Coach -- plus, you'll also win a 6-hour limo ride including your trip to Waterloo and a premium winery too. So register now and win - courtesy of WBEE and Waterloo Premium Outlets. WBEE-FM/Rochester NY

The WBEE Beestro Listen in to the WBEE Beestro weekdays at noon. Call in your requests and for your chance to win great prizes. WBEE-FM/Rochester NY

Five O'Clock Whistle It's the Five O'Clock Whistle. Call in with your requests every weekday starting at 3pm and listen in the five o'clock hour for Billy to play your requests and win. WBEE-FM/Rochester NY

$1000 Song Of The Day KYGO wants to give you a Green Christmas. Beginning Monday we'll give away $1,000 seven days a week with KYGO's $1,000 Song Of The Day. To win, listen every morning at 6:20, 7:20 & 8:20 for Kelly, Jonathan & Mudflap to tell you the KYGO $1,000 song of the day. When you hear the song played between 9am and 6pm, be the 12th caller and you'll instantly win $1,000. 98.5 KYGO is the Denver station playing Santa this holiday season. KYGO-FM/Denver CO

Free For All Weekend Bring KYGO with you this weekend to win tickets to see Keith Urban on December 6th at the Fillmore Auditorium. You'll also win a CD three pack including his latest release. KYGO-FM/Denver CO

Teacher Of The Week KYGO and Applebee's have teamed up to recognize Teachers who make a difference in your life. Do you have a favorite teacher? Find out how to nominate your favorite teacher on our web site. Each Monday afternoon Catfish will recognize an outstanding teacher based on your e-mails. The Teacher of the Week will receive a nice award from KYGO and Applebee's. Send us an e-mail and tell us about a teacher who makes a difference in the students in your school and you. Be sure to include the school, grade, teachers first/last name and subject. KYGO-FM/Denver CO

Instant Millionaire Listen each workday for the WGAR Loyal Listener Instant Millionaire cue to call in and win Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:06am, 3:06pm, 5:06pm or 7:06pm; Tuesday and Thursday 10:06am, 2:06pm, 6:06pm, 8:06pm and 10:06pm. When you hear the cue to call. The 100th nationwide caller has a chance to become an instant millionaire and instantly wins $1000. Your chance to be an instant millionaire from Subway, Eat Fresh and 99-five WGAR. WGAR-FM/Cleveland OH

See Dierks Bentley Win tickets to see Dierks Bentley at House of Blues. Listen next week to be one of the very first people to attend a show at the new House of Blues Cleveland. Next week, Mantel and Michelle will tell you when to call for a pair of tickets to see Dierks Bentley on Monday November 22 at 7:30pm. WGAR-FM/Cleveland OH

Holiday Package Mantel and Michelle have a great grand prize holiday package next week. Everyone winning with the morning show will be entered to win two nights hotel plus activities and dining certificates, courtesy of the Cleveland Convention Bureau and the 21st Annual Winterfest and Holiday Lighting. Head downtown Saturday, November 27 at 6pm for Santa's arrival for the holiday lights and a Victorian Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade. WGAR-FM/Cleveland OH

Be a Teacher's Pet Join WGAR's Mantel and Michelle and honor great teachers. We'll treat them to prizes from Prime Outlets at Lodi, Applebees and we'll treat one lucky homeroom to a gift from Vector Screenprinting and Embroidery. So pay attention to your teacher and plan to enter them... you will be the Teacher's Pet. WGAR-FM/Cleveland OH

Live Texas Country The 2004 Interstate Batteries Texas Stampede is back with amazing ProRodeo National Finale action and live Texas Country with Pat Green, Gary Allan with Jerry Jeff Walker, and Big & Rich with Gretchen Wilson this weekend at American Airlines Center. Tickets are on sale now. Listen to the Wolf to win them every hour today. KPLX-FM/Dallas TX
Texas 12 Man Jam Live and up close on one stage on one night. The only way to get in is to win tickets from the Wolf and Dodge. Win tickets on the air, on the streets and on line. More details coming soon on 99.5 The Wolf. KPLX-FM/Dallas TX

Teacher Of The Week Nominate your favorite local educator now at any Minyard, Sack'n Save or Carnival Food Store. Weekly winners get $1,000 and $1,000 for the school. One grand prize winner gets a new set of wheels from Hancock Mazda. Weekly prizes include a $1,000 cash school prize, $1,000 cash payable to the school which employs the winning teacher and a complimentary Domino's Pizza Party which includes a gift certificate good for (8) large, one-topping pizzas for the winning teacher's class.A congratulatory luncheon for all winning teachers and their principals will be hosted by Minyard Food Stores at the end of the program. KPLX-FM/Dallas TX

100.3 KILT's Ten Man Jam 100.3 KILT is proud to bring you another Ten Man Jam on Thursday, November 18th at H-Town's Arena Theatre. Here are this year's performers: Tracy Byrd, Billy Dean, Kevin Fowler, Pat Green, Tracy Lawrence, David Lee Murphy, Joe Nichols, LeAnn Rimes Blake Shelton and Travis Tritt. Remember - you can't buy tickets for the 100.3 KILT Ten Man Jam - the only way to get in is to win VIP invitations from us. Listen to 100.3 KILT for your chance to win. Also, listen at approximately :30 past every other hour all day for the location of the next Ten Man Jam Stop. KILT-FM/Houston TX

McDonald's Early Bird Special 6:05am with Hudson & Harrigan Each morning around 6:05, Hudson & Harrigan host the McDonald's Early Bird Special, your first chance to win each morning. Listen each morning just after 6am for your chance to win the McDonald's Early Bird Special. KILT-FM/Houston TX

On the Job 100.3 KILT wants to reward you for listening at work. Sign up for the KILT On the Job Contest and then listen at work each day. Around 10:20am and 2:20pm each weekday, we'll announce a name and if you hear your name on the air at either of those times, call us within 30 minutes to claim your prize. Prize for 11/8-11/12: a KILT CD Prize Pack including a $25 Ugo's gift certificate and more. KILT-FM/Houston TX

Ultimate Shopping Spree Y100 wants to give you the Ultimate Reward a $25 gift certificate to Cavender's Boot City and a chance at the Ultimate Ultimate Shopping Spree including a twist of Reba, just for listening. That's just one of several Ultimate Reward Packages Y100 is giving you. By the way did we mention the shot at 2 million dollars be sure to listen to Y100 for further details. KCYY-FM/San Antonio TX

Nominate Your Favorite Teacher The Y100 KB Home 7th Annual Teacher of the Week is back and we want to know if you have a special teacher who deserves some extra recognition? Teachers can influence us in ways that can't even be imagined. Whether it makes you or your child want to learn more, maybe it's someone who goes the extra mile, or just makes going to school fun and exciting. Nominations can come from anybody including parents, students, fellow educators, family and friends. Just submit a short paragraph about why you think the teacher should be the Y100 KB Home Teacher of the Week. Make sure that you include the teacher's full name, school, class and grade. Make sure to also include your name, address and phone number. Each Friday at 6:40am, Winston and Alyce will introduce the winning teacher from all the letters we receive. An air personality from Y100 will be at the school with the teacher and the class to award the teacher with a commemorative Y100 KB Home Teacher of the Week t-shirt and a gift basket and goodies from our sponsors. The teacher will be featured on Y100fm.com along with the child who nominated them. KCYY-FM/San Antonio TX

Turned Around Trivia Listen to Winston & Alyce every weekday morning for the answer to Y100's Turned Around Trivia. Then be sure to tune into Alamo Jones that same day for the question. Caller number 10 with the correct answer wins on Y100. KCYY-FM/San Antonio TX

Ultimate Rodeo Reward Y100 wants to give you the Ultimate Reward just for listening. Weekdays 7am to 6pm be sure to have Y100 tuned in when you hear Bossy the Original Cash Cow Moo, be the correct caller and you can win a pair of tickets to the 2005 San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo and a chance at the Ultimate Rodeo Reward. Ultimate Rodeo Reward Prize Package: Tickets to each performance of the 2005 San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, including a chance to meet the Artists and George Strait Edition Justin's for him and her. KCYY-FM/San Antonio TX

Win Cash & Live Free Win $100 and a chance to have us pay your rent or mortgage for a full year. Here's how: Register now on our web site. Listen every weekday for us to announce your name at these winning times: 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm. When you hear your name, call within 9 minutes and 69 seconds and you'll win $100 cash. All daily winners are automatically entered in our grand prize drawing for Kat to pay your rent or mortgage for a year. WKKT-FM/Charlotte NC

Take Your Kat & SheDaisy To Lunch Imagine having one of Country music's hottest acts come to your workplace fo a Private Lunchtime Performance. It Will happen for one lucky Kat Club member, Monday, November 15. Register on our web site, and listen to Paul and Sarah for the winning announcement Friday morning, November 12. If you'r our winner, The Kat will bring lunch and SheDaisy to your workplace the following Monday. WKKT-FM/Charlotte NC Win

Shrek 2 Listen to Cornbread to win Shrek 2 on DVD. The #1 comedy of all time is now on DVD and video -- Shrek 2 -- another whirlwind adventure with Shrek, Donkey, and your favorite characters. Now with an all-new surprise ending. DVD is available for purchase at stores everywhere, or you can win a copy by listening to the Cornbread morning show all this week. WIL-FM/St. Louis MO

Family 4 Pack Win a Family 4 Pack to Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus. Want to win tickets to Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus November 18 at 7pm? Log into the Loyal Listener Club for your chance to win a family four pack of tickets to the event. If you're not a club member, you can join now on our web site. WIL-FM/St. Louis MO

Win a Trip for Four Win a Shop 'n Save Gift Certificate or even a trip for four from Shop 'n Save Pharmacy. Shop 'n Save Pharmacy and 92.3 WIL are giving you the chance to win a trip home for the holidays: Four round-trip airline ticket vouchers to anywhere in the continental U.S., courtesy of Southwest Airlines. Use the tickets to fly out and see your family, or give the tickets to family members to come out and see you. Five runners up will each receive a $25 Shop 'n Save gift certificate. Just visit our web site to enter. WIL-FM/St. Louis MO

Are You a Brewskeez Babe? Join 92.3 WIL and Brewskeez every Thursday night from 7-9pm for the Brewskeez Babe Watch. We are searching for girls to appear in the exclusive Brewskeez Babes Calendar. Each week, 92.3 WIL and Brewskeez will search for the hottest females. Two girls will be selected weekly to move on to the finals happening on December 16th. The winners will receive cash prizes, free concert tickets and back stage passes, VIP treatment and VIP treatment as the reigning Brewskeez Babes. Contestants will be judged on the following criteria: bikini wear, club wear and personality (based on a Q&A session). You must be 18 or older to enter. 20 contestants will be selected randomly to compete each week from all entries received. WIL-FM/St. Louis MO

Year's Supply Of Coffee Register on our web site for a chance to win a year's supply of coffee. One winner each day will receive a Wawa coffee gift bag, including two one-pound bags of Wawa coffee, a "Gottahava Wawa" coffee mug, and Wawa coffee coupons. On Friday, November 5, we'll announce the grand prize winner of a year's supply of Wawa coffee. WGH-FM/Norfolk VA

Gimme Five Listen to the Jimmy Ray Show every weekday morning for your chance to play "Gimme 5." You could win concert tickets, CD's and more. WGH-FM/Norfolk VA

Land at The Eagle's Nest You could be named the Eagle's Nest "Member of the Day." Jimmy Ray announces the winner weekdays at 6:30am. You'll get some nice prizes and your name will be on the air all day long. WGH-FM/Norfolk VA

Win Lonestar Tickets KMPS welcomes Lonestar to The Moore Theater for a very special acoustic show on Friday, December 10th. Tickets go on-sale this Saturday but you can win 'em before you buy 'em all day long this Friday. When you hear the Lonestar sounder, if you're the right caller, you'll automatically win a pair of tickets. KMPS-FM/Seattle WA

Dolly Parton Show KMPS welcomes Dolly Parton's "Hello, I'm Dolly" tour to the Everett Events Center for one show only -- Sunday, December 19th. Each day this week, you can win tickets before they go on sale. Just listen for the Dolly sounder and the 10th caller scores a pair of tickets to the show. KMPS-FM/Seattle WA

Student Of The Week Do you know a student who has worked hard to overcome challenges in his/her life? Are they an awesome role model for other students? Does your student help make his/her community a better place to live? If so, then nominate him/her for the KMPS Student of the Week. Simply tell us in 75 words or less why your student deserves this honor. Each week, KMPS will announce a new Student of the Week. That student will receive $100 from Cascade Bank, and dinner for 4 to Outback Steakhouse. To nominate your student, simply fill out the form on our web site. You will be contacted if you student is chosen. KMPS-FM/Seattle WA

Win A KMPS Work Break Each Wednesday a KMPS personality hosts a "work break" at the office of one of our listeners. This month, KMPS will be bringing the lucky winner and their co-workers goodies from the Everett Mall. You can win a visit from KMPS just by being part of the KMPS Country Club. Register today on our web site. KMPS-FM/Seattle WA

Pass Me the Mic Karaoke Join 99.5 WYCD Detroit's Best Country startingy November 1 for Pass Me the Mic Karaoke at the Motor City Casino. Sign up will start at 7pm and 25 people will be selected to perform starting at 7:30pm. Each night 2 contestants will move onto the finals on November 22 where they could win a trip to Las Vegas including round trip coach airfare for two from Spirit Airlines. 3-day/2 night deluxe accommodations at Luxor Las Vegas. Dinner for two at Luxor Steakhouse (value at $100). WYCD-FM/Detroit MI

Martina McBride Win a pair of front row seats to see Martina McBride. 99.5 WYCD Detroit's Best Country is giving you the chance to sit up close and personal at the Martina McBride Joy of Christmas Show. The concert will take place on Sunday, December 12th at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. This show uses a massive 90-foot wide by 30-foot high video wall, special effects and lights to create a unique setting for every song in the show. From Christmas Shopping in New York to 1940's England, from Bethlehem to Santa's workshop, the production is stunning. Register now on our web site for your chance to win a pair of tickets to sit in the front row. WYCD-FM/Detroit MI

Team of the Week Nominate your school for the 99.5 WYCD Team of the Week with Observer & Eccentric Newspapers. Visit our web site to nominate your team. Please include you contact information and details about your team. Each week a different team will be featured on our web site and will be awarded with gift certificates for Papa Romano's Pizza that includes Pizza and Pop. WYCD-FM/Detroit MI

Reba Watch & Win Contest Watch Reba on the WB every Friday night this month, then check our web site Monday morning for a question about that episode. Each week, one person will win a qualifying prize from WYCD and qualify to win a pair of round trip airline tickets from Spirit Airlines to fly to Providence/Boston Area anytime within the next year. WYCD-FM/Detroit MI

The Next Nashville Star USA Network and Q104 are joining in a nationwide talent search to find the next great country music star. One grand prize winner will claim the title of Nashville Star during USA Network's Nashville Star television series, which will be hosted this year by Grammy, CMA and ACM award winner LeAnn Rimes. Q104's local casting call will be at 10am on Friday, November 19, at The Beaumont Club. The Kansas City winner will advance to regional competitions, in which finalists will be chosen to compete in the series. The grand prize winner will be announced after the broadcast of the final show in the series. To participate, you must be a solo artist at least 18 years of age by January 1, 2005. Bands or duos are not eligible. During Q104's local casting call, you will be required to sing up to 60 seconds of a song from Nashville Star's approved cover song list a capella. If you are called back, you will be required to sing two songs from the approved list and one original song. During the callback, you may perform with accompaniment from one instrument, but you may not perform to recorded accompaniment. Good Luck from Q104. KBEQ-FM/Kansas City MO

Mortgage Paid For One Year Win your mortgage paid for one year. If you are the grand prize winner selected during Young Country Q104's Morning Drive on Wednesday, December 15, OCM Mortgage will pay up to $700 per month for your mortgage. Three ways to enter: Pick up one of the brand new Q104 Bumper Stickers at any Q104 event (or at the Q104 Studios), and use the entry form printed on the back. KBEQ-FM/Kansas City MO

Win a Spa Treatment Q104 and the WE Cable Network are giving you the chance to get away from the kids... for a few hours, anyway. Just register on our web site for your chance to win a spa treatment from Q104 and WE, now featuring the hilarious new show "Take My Kids, Please." KBEQ-FM/Kansas City MO

At Work Team Join the "KNCI At Work Team." By registering to become a KNCI Listener Club member you're automatically registered to become an "At Work Team" member. It's free. No fees, no dues and no co-pay. Just set the radio at work everyday to 105.1 and listen to Sacramento's #1 Country to help you through the workday. "KNCI At Work Team" members are eligible for great "KNCI Listener Club" benefits like, free CDs. Free DVDs, free concert tickets or free KNCI Wear, discount coupons and more. New "At Work Team" benefits will be added all the time. Join the "KNCI At Work Team" now. Just fill out the KNCI Listener Club form on our web site then listen everyday at work to New Country 105.1 KNCI. KNCI-FM/Sacramento CA

Free Lunch During the month KNCI "At Work Team" members could win our outstanding daily CD prizes at 10:20am or 3:20pm - All "KNCI At Work Team" members are eligibl to win free lunch for 10 from Subway for their workplace from KNCI's Pat & Tom Show. Each lunch delivery will include the Subway sandwiches and KNCI goodies. Listen Tuesday and Thursday mornings in the 9 o'clock hour to win. KNCI-FM/Sacramento CA Super Soap Weekend Listen to the morning show for your chance to win tickets to the ABC Super Soap Weekend at Disney-MGM Studios, November 13-14. You'll be qualified for the grand prize: a meet-and-greet with "All My Children" legend Susan Lucci, along with tickets for you and three friends to see dozens of your other favorite soap stars during the big ABC Super Soap Weekend at Disney-MGM Studios. WQYK-FM/Tampa FL

Listener Of The Day Each weekday, Skip Mahaffey will randomly pick a member of the WQYK Club to be our "Listener of the Day," and their name will be posted on our web site. If you see your name, you must send an e-mail message to us by midnight on the day your name is posted. We'll notify you on how, when and where to pick up your prize. If we don't receive an e-mail message from you by midnight on the day your name is drawn, you'll be added back to the list of WQYK Club members and you could be selected again at any time. WQYK-FM/Tampa FL

Tailgating WQYK and Prilosec OTC want to make the most of your tailgating this football season. Every week we're giving away a home tailgating kit to get that includes comfy seats to hold you and a drink, a great portable Coleman grill and cooler, top of the line steaks and cookbook that shows you how its really done. To enter simply fill out the contest form on our web site. And don't forget to also enter Prilosec OTC's Ultimate Home Tailgating sweepstakes with the NFL Today on cbssportsline.com. WQYK-FM/Tampa FL

Make The Switch Make The Switch to The New 104.7 The Wolf playing New Country and The Legends and you can win cash.. Fax or e-mail us every single phone number you got. If we call you and you can deliver the special 'Wolf' phrase you win cash. Send your home, work, and cell numbers. And you can tell by the cars we drive that we don't sell personal information. Listen for The Wolf phrase that will pay and keep it near the phone, maybe on the fridge, next to your desk, or post-it note-it on your cell. Visit our web site for the winning phrase. WEXT-FM/Milwaukee WI

Wolf Breakfast Tour Have treats delivered to you at work by a member of The Wolf Pack, from the originator of the donut, Dunkin' Donuts. No venue too big or too small, To schedule your tour date, send us your name, business name and address. WEXT-FM/Milwaukee WI Workday Lunch For Two Listen to Jenifer Marr during the noon hour to win the Workday Lunch For Two from JJ's Dog House. WEXT-FM/Milwaukee WI

Cash Cow The Million Dollar Cash Cow is back with your chance to win big bucks. Monday thru Friday, when you hear the 'Moo' to call, be the 100th nationwide caller... then guess any five numbers. Guess correctly, and become an instant millionaire. Guess incorrectly, and you'll still win $1,000. Listen every hour 9am-7pm weekdays for your chance to win on 98.7 WMZQ. WMZQ-FM/Washington DC

Redneck Woman Pageant Are you the Redneck Woman? Enter now for your chance to be one of 5 women to come to the Kicks morning show with Bandy & Bailey on Friday, October 22. If selected, you'll compete against 4 other hopefuls in 3 categories: evening wear, swimsuit and interview. The competition will be October 22. We'll take pictures and put them on the web for listeners to vote to choose a winner. That's right. Be sure to come check out our web site to vote for your favorite contestant. Here's how to enter: e-mail Bandy & Bailey with a paragraph telling why you are a "Redneck Woman." Attach a photo (no larger than 1MB please). You must be 18 or older to enter. The Winner will receive box seats for the Brooks & Dunn, Montgomery Gentry, Gretchen Wilson show at HiFi Buys Amphitheatre for herself and 5 of her friends - courtesy of HiFi Buys Amphitheatre. WKHX-FM/Atlanta GA

The Roadhouse Roving Reporter Visit any of the 9 Atlanta-area Roadhouse Grill restaurants to enter to be the official Kicks Roadhouse Grill "Roadhouse Roving Reporter" for the Keith Urban concert Saturday, October 23 at The Fabulous Fox. One lucky winner will receive dinner for two at Roadhouse Grill and a pair of tickets to Keith Urban. Then you'll get to report back about the concert to Bandy & Bailey -- on air. Hurry. You have until October 20 to enter -- the winner will be announced that week during Cadillac Jack's show. WKHX-FM/Atlanta GA

$2 Million Phrase That Pays Be listening weekdays from 7am to 7pm for when to be caller #9 and repeat back The Phrase That Pays to win $1,000 and a shot at 2 million dollars with your Texas Driver's License or ID. Here is the phrase that pays - "The New 93Q plays fewer commercials than KILT every day Guaranteed." There are many chances to win each day. KKBQ-FM/Houston TX

Tim Hunter

.. always fun to check out for HUNTER's HUMOR (Tim Hunter)

From: http://www.wackyweek.com/

In the aftermath of that big Pistons/Pacers fight last week, 9 players have been suspended. Today, New York Mets fans asked, "So, how can we make that happen?"

Dan Rather has announced he's giving up the CBS Evening News and joining the cast of "60 Minutes" to pump some young blood into that show.

They estimate 37.2 million people will be traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend... of course, not including NBA players!

Sharon Stone has become an ordained minister and performed her very first wedding ceremony last weekend. No, that wouldn't distract from the bride, not at all...

American Idol Ruben Studdard has been hospitalized for exhaustion. He's resting comfortably in rooms 223 and 224.

Looks like the cost of a stamp is going up again. The post office is going to put in for an increase next year that would bump a first class stamp up to 41 cents. Hey, the cost of storage is going up.

A 72-year-old great-grandmother from Oklahoma is preparing to head to Iraq, as a volunteer with the Department of Defense. She's being put in charge of making American soldiers feel guilty for not coming by for a visit.

Singer Robbie Williams has confessed that he slept with four of the five Spice Girls, but he won't identify which ones. Hey, maybe it was dark: "Now serving #3!"

Hustler magazine is going to publish photos of Paris Hilton making out with another woman at a nightclub. Apparently, the guy with the video camera had the night off...

"Alexander," the Oliver Stone movie with the one-word title, is getting a lot of bad one-word reviews. In the movie, Stone shows the legendary leader as going both ways: east and west AND north and south.

President Bush says he has plans to bolster the CIA as soon as he looks up what "bolster" means.

Martha Stewart enjoyed a typical prison Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey with a file in it, dressing with a file in it, sweet potatoes with a file in it...

So, here's this week's timely edition of "City Cinema Theaters." Same setup every week: "Hey, let's see what's playing at the movie theater this weekend..." Hit cart and you're off! Click here to listen (right click to download).

Hole in the Headline, Sound Bytes, Home Obstacle

HOLE IN THE HEADLINE

Give the contestant a tabloid headline, they have to fill in the missing word(s):

"Man Pays $37,400 To Live _____ At Disney!" (Forever)
"U.S. Spy Satellite Takes Photos Of _____ Worldwide!" (Hot Naked Women)
"Touching Swimsuit Model's _____ Cures Every Sick Person In Town!" (Breasts)
"Dentist Keeps Patients Coming Back By Spraying _____ On Their Teeth!" (Sugar)
"Schoolchildren Get Lecture On _____!" (Viagra)
"Ex-Con Uses Jail's Money To Pay _____!" (Dating Service)
"Honest 7-Year-Old Returns _____!" (Diamond Ring)
"Restaurant Puts In _____ To Run Off Lingerers!" (Parking Meters)
"New _____ Protects Gals From Pinching Pervs!" (Butt Sentry)
"Fur Flies In Gay Pet Groomer Bust-Up!"
"Man Breeds World's Smallest Dog The Size Of A _____!" (Silver Dollar)
"Blind Pooch Has _____!" (Seeing Eye Dog)

BEST SOUND BITE OF THE YEAR
Throughout the year we got some great drops from every player on the show and we save all the really stupid comments. Now we're going to have the listeners pick the best one for the year.
AT HOME OBSTACLE We played the "At Home Obstacle" for concert tickets. Listeners start by going outside and standing next to their car. Then we lead them through a series of things they have to do. The object is to do them in as little time as possible. I had them beep the car horn (have them make sure the door isn't locked), run to the house and ring the doorbell, go into the kitchen and run the water followed by the disposal, go into the bathroom, flush the toilet and crow like a rooster. Very funny especially when you got a real overweight redneck huffing and puffing into the phone. Our winner did it in 12 seconds.

Phone Topics

Do you have a piece of clothing that you consider lucky? Tell us about it.

Are you superstitious? Do you have any superstitions or superstitious rituals that you just can't shake? Who's more superstitions, men or women?

What places have you never had any interest at all in going to?

Criminals you've known? Have you ever known a true criminal? What did they do? Did they get caught? Why didn't you turn them in.

What's something you're in denial about?

The best thing you've ever done to help another person that wasn't a friend or related to you?
What famous people have you seen in town recently?

I hate that it exists and I want it destroyed, but somebody caught me doing _____ on tape.

What's the oldest thing in your fridge/medicine cabinet or pantry?

Kids birthday parties, are they out of control? Does anyone celebrate a kid's birthday anymore with just the family... maybe letting the kid pick the dinner they want or which restaurant for their special day? Or having three or four close friends over to your house for some games, then ice cream and cake? It seems like more and more people are doing the Chuckie-Cheese thing spending hundreds on big parties.

Our state doesn't have a law against cell phone use while driving, and it's become a pet peeve of mine. I maintain that very few calls are so important that they have to be made or answered while you're driving.

No matter how big your station, you only have one listener

YOU KNOW I HATE 'THE EDITORIAL WE' AND ENCOURAGE USE OF SINGULAR PRONOUNS SO THAT YOUR LISTENER KNOWS YOU ARE TALKING ONE TO ONE.

Now, I have some research to back that up! So, watch out.. I'm truly dangerous NOW, equipped with some stats, from: www.BROADCASTDIALOGUE.com

"The Broadcast Research Council meeting’s focus at this month’s Toronto gathering was radio – specifically, how radio ads affect consumers.

"The Radio Ad Effectiveness Lab’s aim was to learn more about how to make radio advertising more effective. One piece of the “how? question of doing better radio spots is to speak to the individual, and not to a mass audience. And they need to be compatible with their surroundings; effective radio ads must be just as targeted as the programming wherein they’re placed."

For a look at the full report, click:
http://radioadlab.org/library/rael_personal_relevance.pdf.

Hot Stuff

Great stations like the crew at 93.7 JRfm, Vancouver do big things that make their market take notice. (www.jrfm.com) How? PD Gord Eno for Pattison Group in Van gets his terrifically-creative crew together once a week for a Hot Stuff brainstorm. First, they list as many local buzz topics that might be important to their target listener. Like these from a recent www.mcvaymedia.com daily prep sheet:

FEATURE MOVIE: (Moviefone)

Move over, Lara Croft! In 'National Treasure' (PG, 100 min.) Nicolas Cage stars as Benjamin Franklin Gates, an all-American "treasure protector" sworn to keeping a valuable secret out of the hands of greedy archaeologists. The deadly scavenger hunt leads Gates to the Declaration of Independence, which features an invisible map with the key to the ancient prize.

WHAT’S HOT THIS WEEK:

The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (PG, 90 min.)It was only a matter of time before Nickelodeon's popular animated character grew too big for the small screen.

Bad Education (NR, 105 min.)A film director is seduced by a handsome stranger from his past (Gabriel Garcia Bernal), awakening memories of a dark childhood secret in Pedro Almodóvar's most personal film to date.

Kinsey (R, 118 min.)Liam Neeson plays controversial sex researcher Alfred Kinsey, a private man who interviewed thousands about their most personal subject.

NEW ON DVD:

ElfWill Ferrell stars as a boy who grows up at the North Pole believing he's an elf. Once he gets too big, he has to return to the real world.

TV . . .

Desperate Housewives scoring its best ratings yet following last week's Monday Night Football scandal and leading ABC to a ratings win Sunday night. CBS finished second in ratings and NBC placed third. (Eonline)

Robin Quivers inking deal with Sony Pictures Television to host a daytime talk show next season. (Eonline)

Fox ordering eight more episodes of Nanny 911. (Eonline)

Dr. Phil McGraw reupping his contract for his syndicated Dr. Phil show for three more years, per The Hollywood Reporter. (Eonline)

Is "A Current Affair" coming back to life in syndication? Sources said that Twentieth Television could be reviving the newsmagazine, which aired in syndication from 1986-96 and featured Maury Povich as its first host. "Our strategy is to look at the titles in our library, see what performed well and possibly develop new shows based on those titles, reviewing them on a case-by-case basis," a Twentieth spokesperson said. The spokesperson confirmed that "Affair" is one of the shows Twentieth is reviewing but emphasized that no decision has been made. (Hollywood Reporter)

TNT has snatched up the off-network rights to CBS' second-year series "Cold Case" for $1.4 million per episode, sources said. The deal with Warner Bros. Domestic Cable Distribution means that TNT will be able to begin airing the series as a strip starting in fall 2007, sources said. WBDCD declined comment, while reps for TNT could not be reached by press time. Sources said that A&E originally had an exclusive period in which to bid on off-net rights to "Cold Case" without competitive bidding as part of a copyright dispute settlement with Warners over the cable network's similarly titled series "Cold Case Files." Following the expiration of that period several months ago, WBDCD reportedly began shopping "Cold Case" around to other networks. It's unclear whether TNT's deal includes a repurposing component. However, WBDCD's deal with TNT for CBS' "Without a Trace" does have a once-a-week repurposing component, and it's possible the "Cold Case" deal would follow the same model. (Hollywood Reporter)

THEN.. they ask: who cares about this? Our target? What BIG things are we gonna do to make it OURS, given that probably every other station in town will do something about it too? How are going to set it up, execute it to get max on air fun and off air PR from it and then get out of it (anticipation, realization, memory) in a way that resonates with our brand image and the core values of our listener?

Culture Vulture alert

If you want to know what's coming 'next' with the trend starters of our culture, young people, then join me in subscribing to the e-letter from Youth Intelligence by clicking on http://www.trendcentral.com/newsletter/.

Samples:

The past year has seen an increase in political discussion and activism and even those that aren’t old enough to vote yet are now expressing a high interest in politics. An online surveyamong 400 14-18 year olds conducted by Youth Intelligence and OTX found that:

Politics are on the lips and minds of teens: • 89% have discussed the election with friends in the past 3 months. • 85% would vote in the election if they could.• 74% have followed the election coverage in the media. • 61% are interested in keeping up with politics.• 45% say that it is important for them to share their political viewswith others.

Despite what's going on in the world, teens continue to feel empowered and optimistic about their future:• 80% feel that their voice counts.• 83% feel that they can make a difference.• 76% feel optimistic that “things will be okay”.• 62% believe that we can beat terrorism.

Teens want their news to be entertaining...and they want more of it. • 73% of young people would be interested in a news program geared specifically for their generation.• Jon Stewart is considered the favorite new presenter by almost 1/3 (28%) of young people due, in no doubt, to his humor and relatability.They may consider The Daily Show the closest thing they have to “news for them”.

Oprah for president!• When asked who they would most like to see as president (given a list):• Oprah Winfrey 24%• Hilary Clinton 22%• Arnold Schwarzenegger 22%• Jay-Z 10%• Jon Stewart 10%• Drew Barrymore 7%• Michael Moore 5%

Family Bonds: Desperate Housewives is getting all the attention, but another new winner this season is this HBO documentary series about an eccentric, New York-based bounty-hunting family. This is a side of reality TV you definitely won’t see on a major network. www.hbo.com/familybonds

Youth Intelligence has just completed its first Latino Intelligence Report, a comprehensive study of 14-24-year-old Hispanics in the US, covering identity, language, media, shopping, entertainment, style and beyond. The Latino Intelligence Report will be available this week, and was co-directed with Christy Haubegger, a noted authority on Hispanic trends and founder of Latina magazine.

Here are a few findings from the report:

Language: Today, most young Hispanics don't define their Latino Identity by the language they speak. Instead, they define being Hispanic more in terms of maintaining their community's traditions and cultures through family, music, and food.

Pioneers: Young Hispanics often see themselves as pioneers. Many young Latinos are the first in their families to finish high school or ollege, making them feel "different" at home and puts them in somewhat onely position in that their parents are not able to offer guidance onmany of the issues they're dealing with. As the first in their families nd community to succeed, they feel they are acutely marking a path for uture generations of Latinos.

Setting trends for the Mainstream Public: Young Latinos take great pride n the fact that they are setting trends for general population onsumers. As African-American culture becomes mainstream, the general opulation is looking to Hispanic culture for the next generation oftrends. Shows such as Pimp My Ride speak to the acceptance of Hispanics’ ongstanding interest in car-culture, and reggaeton is making its mark n the music world with artists such as Tego Calderon. Watch for more rends to emerge from this space.

Party Crews: Almost a high school version of the Greek system, many Latino teens are into forming “party crews”. These crews work together to create elaborate flyers, promotion, and music for regular parties. Like fraternities and sororities, there are brother and sister crews who support each others parties (where they charge admission to make money). These crews speak to the fact that community is so important to young Latinos.

Celebrities: Dave Chappelle and Angelina Jolie were consistent celebrity favorites among young Latinos. In general, young Hispanics say that they admire celebrities that exhibit core vales they can relate to on a cultural level. Both Dave Chappelle and Angelina Jolie fit this ideal, and are well-liked because there is a perception that they speak their minds and are not concerned with what others think.

Movies: Hispanics are disproportionate moviegoers and see approximately 33% more movies per year than their non-Hispanic counterparts. Their tastes in movies, however, are fairly consistent with the general population, with action/adventure and comedy movies both ranking highly among young Latinos. Qualitatively, horror films were spoken of passionately and “car movies” were of notable interest.

POTENTIAL GUEST from Don Anthony's The Morning Mouth

Alex Carroll, author of “Beat The Cops” has a new book. It’s called “Speeding Excuses That Work.” In it he shares excuses & tricks to keep cops from writing tickets to begin with. Before your listeners take to the road this holiday season, here’s a guest you won’t want them to miss. Reach him at 877-733-3888 or by email at speedingexcuses@yahoo.com. You can also visit his website at www.CleanDrivingRecord.com.

CMA Awards causes sales celebration in Nashville

Steve Holstein at Interprep.com reports the big winner at The 38th Annual CMA Awards was the Country Music industry coming away from the November 9 event with a 166 percent jump in album sales of the Top 75 Country albums.

... The 2004 CMA Awards, which aired for the first time on a Tuesday night, posted an 11.5 rating with an 18 share. CBS estimates that 18.46 million people watched the entire broadcast and more than 37 million viewers watched all or part of the gala event.

... And the viewers liked what they saw enough to go out and invest in the music. In the week immediately following the broadcast, the Billboard Top 75 Country albums chart reflected a 166 percent increase (factoring in new releases from Shania Twain and Toby Keith). More than 30 other acts, who either performed or presented trophies on the CMA Awards, also enjoyed sales spikes according to Nielsen SoundScan.

... Artist - Album - Increase
Shania Twain - Greatest Hits - Debut
Toby Keith - Volume 2: Greatest Hits - Debut
LeAnn Rimes - What A Wonderful World - 87%
Billy Currington - Billy Currington - 76%
Gretchen Wilson - Here For The Party - 74%
Keith Urban - Be Here - 61%
Kenny Chesney - When The Sun Goes Down - 60%
Rascal Flatts - Feels Like Today - 59%
Martina McBride - Martina - 56%
Terri Clark - Greatest Hits - 55%
Big & Rich - Horse of a Different Color - 53%
Reba McEntire - Room To Breathe - 44%
Alan Jackson - Greatest Hits Vol. 2 - 42%
Jimmy Buffett - License To Chill - 40%
Josh Turner - Long Black Train - 40%
Sara Evans - Restless - 39%
Brad Paisley - Mud on the Tires - 38%
Brooks & Dunn - Red Dirt Road - 35%
Keith Urban - Golden Road - 35%
Tim McGraw - Live Like You Were Dying - 31%
Alan Jackson - Greatest Hits Vol. 2 - 28%
Dierks Bentley - Dierks Bentley - 20%
Alan Jackson - What I Do - 18%
Big & Rich - Super Galactic Fan Pak - 17%
LeAnn Rimes - Greatest Hits - 17%
Brooks & Dunn - Greatest Hits Collection II - 16%
Toby Keith - Shock N Ya'll - 16%
Montgomery Gentry- You Do Your Thing - 15%
Julie Roberts - Julie Roberts - 14%
Willie Nelson - Essential Willie Nelson - 13%
Lonestar - Greatest Hits - 11%
Randy Travis - Very Best of Randy Travis - 10%

With first week sales of 530,000 copies, SHANIA TWAIN's Greatest Hits CD tops the Billboard Country Albums chart and comes in at #2 on the Top 200 all formats chart, behind the new release from rapper Eminem, which sold just over 700,000 copies.

... Shania's first-week sales are the best for any country greatest hits and the second best debut for a hits package in all styles of music, following The Beatles's #1's collection.With first week sales of 435,000 copies, TOBY KEITH's Greatest Hits 2 CD comes in at #2 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and scores the 3rd highest debut for a country greatest hits and fifth highest debut overall for any artist for a greatest hits package.

Games

From the gang at Ron Chase's Radio-Online.com:

MYSTERY MOUTH
We always record the best sitcoms or reality show every night and make a dub of the best lines from the shows. Keep 'em short :05 to :10 seconds. The next day we play it and ask listeners to identify the "Mystery Mouth" for fun and prizes.

ANSWERING MACHINES
We did a show on answering machines of (city). Listeners with interesting ones called in (of course, we took their numbers off the air) and called them back. We also called local celebrities and listened to their answering machines/voice mail systems.

DIALER DECODER
You give them a number and they have to figure out what it spells by looking at their key pad. Example: 839-3378 spells TEX FEST (which is a big party our station is throwing). You can you anywords. We like to keep them at 7 letters or 10 and then it sounds like a long distance number.

LYRIC OR LIE
We give some crazy lyric lines from some songs and some bogus lines and they tell us if it's really a lyric from a song or a lie. Example: "Our champagne and cavier is an RC Cola and a moon pie." It's a real line/lyric from a song.

THE CALL WAITING GAME
Put a listener on the air without giving their name or city location. For thirty seconds they give out clues about themselves to try and get someone to call. They must have call waiting so you can hear the incoming call. Somebody gives them a buzz, they win prizes.

Washington Post lets the cat out of the bag..

A GOOD REMINDER THAT EVERY BIT NEEDS TO BE LOCAL AND CONTAIN YOUR UNIQUE, INDIVIDUAL CHARACTER AND VALUES (even if you use a prep service)...

From: http://www.washingtonpost.com/

That's Show Bits: Gags Come PrepackagedBy Marc Fisher
Washington Post Staff WriterSunday, October 24, 2004; Page N06

Long before your radio alarm clock clicks on in the morning, long before your favorite morning show goes on the air, legions of gag writers, sound engineers and programming consultants are up, scanning the Web for cute and funny wire stories to funnel to DJs and talk show hosts so they can fill their daily programs.

For small fees, radio hosts can tap into services that provide topical jokes, lists of celebrity birthdays, audio clips from the previous night's Leno and Letterman monologues, and all the other goofy stuff that fills the space between songs, news headlines and commercials.
Dozens of show-prep services compete to get into the e-mailboxes of DJs and producers. For $30 a month, one site offers four pages a day of fresh gags.

Another service, Positive Prep, charges $20 a month for a daily e-mail that includes quick rewrites of news wire features about, for example, a shop that sells Halloween costumes for dogs, a list of the 10 fattest cities in America and tidbits such as "Today is National Chocolate-Covered Cherry Day."

The Internet being what it is, some prep sites are free places to trade material with other DJs. Music DJs are partial to sites such as songfacts.com, which traffics in lyrics, histories and production stories about thousands of pop tunes. Talk hosts search for ideas from one another's work, as collected on sites run by the consultants who program most radio stations. When KLIF in Dallas offered its listeners a chance to audition to be a talk show host, the idea spread quickly across the country courtesy of show-prep sites such as Holland Cooke's "Best Bit of the Month."
But the more traditional way to prepare a radio show lives on, especially on the few remaining local talk shows. WMAL's Chris Core, who will celebrate 30 years at the station in February, reads The Washington Post, Washington Times and USA Today each morning; then goes online to check the Drudge Report, CNN and Fox; flips on the tube to see what's dominating the cable news channels; and, as the day progresses, refines his list of six or seven topics down to what he, his producer and the station's program director think are the two most powerful and provocative issues of the day.

"The bias will always be toward a local story, because I follow six hours of national syndication," says Core, whose 6-to-9 p.m. show follows Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. "Once we pick the topics, I do my best to become the 10-minute expert. What I have to do is be just a little bit more knowledgeable than the audience."

Have you adopted the 8th habit?

Steven Covey's new book is subtitled "From Effectiveness to Greatness."
It's much more abstract than the very pragmatic original "7 Habits," but Covey believes that simply being effective is no longer enough.

Of course, you need to...
1. Be proactive
2. Begin with the end in mind
3. Put first things first
4. Think win-win
5. Seek first to understand, and then to be understood
6. Synergize (seeking out people who are different from you in order to learn from them and benefit from their strengths, and together make beautiful music together)
7. Sharpen your saw (engage in personal renewal

(the original 7) .. but Covey submits that the key to greatness, engagement and fulfillment is finding and exercizing your VOICE.

.. which lives at the intersection of

1. Your natural gifts and strengths(talent)
2. The things which naturally energize, motivate and inspire you (passion)
3. The things the world is willing to pay you for (needs)
4. Your still, small inner voice that tells you what is right (conscience)

He quotes Gandhi to make his point clear: "..the difference between what we are doing and what we are capable of doing would solve most of the world's problems."

Finally, once you find your voice, Covey feels it's a part of being more effective to help your audience do so as well. This, he says, is LEADERSHIP.

Is your morning show effective? Does it have a voice? What are you doing to share that passion and be a leader in improving the world around you? Does listening to you on the radio make your listener feel better about him/herself and find meaning in their life?

Yes, a tall order. But, as I read Covey's book I understood an important aspect of what makes Paul Harvey, Howard Stern, Rush Limbaugh, Michael Moore, Dr's Ruth and Laura, et al, as successful as they are.

Read it with your team and talk about it together. I think it will make you better too.

Bad NEWS? Or, a bad QUESTION?

Mercury Research's Mark Ramsey's blog is worth reading on a regular basis. Here's quick sample, in reaction to a recent report on radio's declining image for news:

Is News really all about "Credibility"?

From Radio & Records Management Journal:
Time For Image Rehab? A study conducted just before the election raises questions about the image of radio as a source of credible news. An online poll of 500 consumers conducted last week by InsightExpress shows newspapers and local TV are considered the most credible media (30% each), followed by cable news (24%), online news sites (21%) and broadcast network news (20%). News and Talk radio tied for seventh position at 13% apiece.

My take: Who cares?

Who ever said the one and only relevant measure of the "quality" of news was "credibility"? Who ever said "credibility" makes for popularity? This is an assumption of monumental proportions. It is also in the category of stuff-nobody-will-ever-tell-you-is-wrong. That is, everybody will always tell you "credibility" matters most - then the technically unfair and imbalanced Fox News Channel will win the ratings war on convention night.

The questions you ask will determine the answers you get. And dumb questions yield dumb answers.

LINK: http://mercury.blogs.com/radio/

LISTEN TO THE CMA AWARD-WINNING ENTRIES FOR 2004...

Can YOU top this? http://www.cmaawards.com/2004/broadcast/award_winners.asp

Well, then.. get started on YOUR entry for the ACM's, CMW's, CCMA's, CMA's and Marconi's for next year.. !!!

People often ask why so many A&O clients win these awards. Well, here's why... #1 because our clients ARE good. And, #2, because they enter.

Country Music Association Awards

BIG congrats to our clients who won radio awards this year. Station of the year: KMPS, Seattle. GM Dave McDonald and MD Tony Thomas were on TV and it was classy that they mentioned PD Becky Brenner, who is recovering from foot surgery and so was unable to travel. WBBS (B104.7), Syracuse's dynamic morning pair, Ron Bee and Becky Palmer, simply looked great as they accepted their Personalities of the Year accolades. We were also proud to be cheering for WIXY/Champaign (and Interprep.com scribe) Steve Holstein, Andy Roberts, Melissa Anfield as well as Cumulus OM Tim Roberts and PD Dave Steele of Jaye's hometown radio station, WQXK, Salem-Youngstown.

38TH ANNUAL COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION AWARDS
WINNERS

Album Of The Year: KENNY CHESNEY, When The Sun Goes Down
Female Vocalist of the Year: MARTINA MCBRIDE
Male Vocalist of the Year: KEITH URBAN
Entertainer of the Year: KENNY CHESNEY
Vocal Event of the Year: BRAD PAISLEY/ALISON KRAUSS, Whiskey Lullaby
Song of the Year (Award To Songwriter(s): TIM MCGRAW's Live Like You Were Dying
Vocal Group of the Year: RASCAL FLATTS
Vocal Duo of the Year: BROOKS & DUNN
Single of the Year (Award to Artist): TIM MCGRAW's Live Like You Were Dying
Music Video of the Year: BRAD PAISLEY/ALISON KRAUSS' Whiskey Lullaby
Horizon Award: GRETCHEN WILSON

GRETCHEN WILSON sang When I Think About Cheatin' into a 1949 Neumann Telefunken M49 microphone... one of only two known to remain in existence.

A tearful GRETCHEN WILSON accepted her Horizon Award saying she came to the CMAs last year and sat back in the back dreaming of one day standing onstage -- but never dreamed it would happen so fast. She closed by saying she felt guilty taking home such a wonderful present on her daughter Gracie's 4th birthday.

WILLIE NELSON and FAITH HILL helped induct KRIS KRISTOFFERSON into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Faith's performance of the Kristofferson penned Help Me Make It Through The Night was one of the highlights of the night.

ALAN JACKSON's performance with PATTY LOVELESS on Monday Morning Church showed what country music is truly about. The lyrics and a great crooning voice.

MARTINA MCBRIDE took home Female Vocalist of the Year for the second straight year. It's her third win in the category since she began winning awards from the CMA in 1994.

Although they weren't VINCE GILL, BROOKS & DUNN did an admirable job of hosting, mainly because they didn't try to fill Vince's shoes, but rather went out and were themselves.

A visibly stunned KEITH URBAN accepted his win for Male Vocalist of the Year. It was his first time nominated in the category.

Will the Horizon Award be a blessing or a curse for GRETCHEN WILSON? History tells us it will be one extreme or the other. Last year's winner, JOE NICHOLS, and 2002 winners RASCAL FLATTS are examples of those who've gone on to build on the success, while 1997 winner LEANN RIMES saw her career hit the skids for a bit, as did SUZY BOGGUSS after winning the award in 1992.

Did you notice Nashville Star contestant Martie Slayton singing backup with GEORGE STRAIT on I Hate Everything? Martie was one of the contestants in season two of the USA Network's series. She also appeared with George as part of his For The Last Time -- Live From The Astrodome concert.

LINDA DAVIS, who helped REBA MCENTIRE on the 1992 duet Does He Love You, helped her again, singing backup for Reba during her performance.

Who's at fault for KENNY CHESNEY running out of time during his Entertainer of the Year acceptance speech? At an exclusive post-CMA Awards party, some were faulting the CMA and CBS for being stingy with the time -- after all Kenny had only won his first CMA earlier in the show. Others were heard saying that while he did wait 12 years for The Big Award, it was a bit arrogant to expect to have more time than any one else is allotted.

THAT question sounds like a great PHONE TOPIC to me..

For more, check out the CMA website: http://www.cmaawards.com/2004/

AP: Radio station promotion upsets political parties

Information from: The Wichita Eagle, http://www.wichitaeagle.com

WICHITA, Kan. - The Sedgwick County Republican and Democratic parties finally agree on something.

The two parties, and several of their candidates, are upset with two radio stations that offered to pay $1 for each campaign yard sign that listeners turned in. The offer of more than $5,000 in cash and prizes led people to pull signs from private property, party leaders and candidates said.
"It was a clever idea, but it needed a little more thought," state Sen. Les Donovan said.

The promotions were designed to clean up the political signs left on public property around Wichita the day after the election, said Barry McKay, program director for KFBZ-FM, one of the stations involved.

"You look at where you drive to school or work, and they're all over," he said.
It was an idea he had seen work in Seattle; Richmond, Va.; and Houston. But it didn't work in Wichita, McKay said.

"People here in Wichita are pretty adamant about their signs," he said.
More than 120 people called Sedgwick County's political parties complaining about missing signs. It's unclear how many of them were directly tied to the promotion.

A lawyer for the county's Republican Party is reviewing what it can do legally in response to the promotion and to prevent it from happening again, said Kelly Arnold, executive director.
Some residents were upset because they paid $2 to $3 for presidential campaign signs and hoped the signs would become collectibles.

Also, local candidates, who spend thousands of dollars on yard signs, often reuse them.
Jackie Wise, vice president and general manager for Entercom Wichita, which owns KFBZ-FM and KDSG-FM, said the company will sort signs for candidates and residents who want them back. The company already has arranged to deliver signs to at least two candidates.

"We wanted to help the city; we wanted to clean up the signs," Wise said.

By 5 p.m. Thursday, the company had collected more than 6,000 signs, she said.
Democratic state Rep. Geraldine Flaharty said she has reused many of her signs since 1996. About 15 of her signs, which were propped against a garage at her home, were taken Wednesday afternoon, she said.

"Somebody thought they had a good idea to clean up roadside litter," she said. "But my signs weren't on the roadside."

The problem started about 6 a.m. Wednesday when KDGS announced that it would give $1 for each sign listeners brought to the studio, said McKay. The station was very clear that listeners should not go on private property, McKay said.

In less than two hours it had paid $2,049 for signs.

"I guess we had a few people that didn't follow directions," McKay said.

KDGS began the same promotion later in the morning and asked listeners to bring in signs for money at 4 p.m. Thursday.

"For the most part, it's a great, fun event," McKay said. "It was 99 percent a great thing."

MUST read new book: Ageless Marketing

Sorting consumers into age groups seems to make sense because it presumably makes clearer where marketing dollars and effort will yield the best results. This has usually meant much bigger investments in younger markets because many marketers believe that the marketplace value of people 35 and older falls with rising age. After 50, they fade from most marketers’ radar screens altogether. But segmenting consumers by age now makes less sense. Unprecedented changes in marketplace demography make age-based marketing increasingly counterproductive. Slow population growth or actual shrinkage in five-year age groups from 10-14-year-olds to 40-44-year-olds is eroding the traditionally biggest source of growth in consumer demand. The 25-44-age cohort, who spends most per capita on vehicles, housing and housing related products, is shrinking by 4.3 million people in this decade. These conditions are forcing many companies to look beyond their traditional target age groups for growth, but they raise the long-standing marketing dilemma of courting older consumers without turning younger consumers off.

Ageless marketing gets around that problem by invoking values that resonate across generational divides and by tuning marketing, including product design, promotions and customer relations, to psychological stages of life. One Exemplar in Ageless Marketing In the late 1980s, New Balance sneaker maker CEO Jim Davis observed that his company’s younger markets were shrinking – the result of over two decades of births below levels needed to replace the population. But Davis also saw that older populations were just entering a period of explosive growth. So Davis set his sights on people 40 and older that in 1989 became the New Customer Majority, following the principles of ageless marketing.

A new customer majority has emerged. For the first time ever, most adults are 40 or older. This New Customer Majority has radically changed the rules of marketplace engagement because its members see life through a different lens than younger consumers who once determined the rules.

The New Customer Majority is huge! In 2000, it was 45% larger than the 18-39 age group (123 to 85 million), by 2010 it will be 61% larger: 138 to 86 million money-spending consumers. Growth challenge:Expect no sales growth in this decade among 25-44-year olds because they're shrinking by 4.3 million people.

The marketing sweet spot is aging boomers. They will swell the 45-64-year age group by 16 million in this decade. The New Customer Majority, the richest market by far. By 2010, adults 45 and older will outspend younger adults by $1 trillion ($2.6 to $1.6 trillion).

Prime strategy for this decade: Compensate for shrinking young adult markets by using ageless marketing to get more sales from every adult age group – marketing based on values that appeal across generational divides.

Read more and order the book: http://www.agelessmarketing.com/

Nashville IQ

Neil Haislop was a writer for Bob Kingsley's "American Country Countdown" for many years, but elected to stay in LA when ABC moved its operations to Dallas. Since that time, he served for several years as Blair Garner's "Answer Man" and now does morning show interactive Nashville gossip segments by phone and also offers a daily Nashville News email.

If you'd like a free sample, email neil@countryforever.com or call him at 323 857-0760.

Courtesy of Haislop, here's a country concert calendar:

COUNTRY ON TOUR

TOBY KEITH ON TOUR
November 4 - Casper, Wy - Casper Events Ctr.(cancelled)
November 5 - Denver, Co. - Pepsi Center
November 6 - Salt Lake City, Ut. Delta Center
November 12 - Portland, Or - Rose Garden

RASCAL FLATTS HERE'S TO YOU TOUR
*November 4 Knoxville, TN Thompson-Boling Arena
*November 5 Greenville, SC Bi-Lo Center
*November 6 Winston-Salem, NC Memorial Coliseum
November 11 Green Bay, WI Resch Center
November 12 Sioux City, IA Tyson Events Center
November 13 Madison, WI Alliant Energy Center
November 18 Omaha, NE Qwest Center
November 19 Rosemont, IL Allstate Arena
November 20 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center
December 2 Orlando, FL TD Waterhouse Centre
December 3 Tallahassee, FL Tallahassee-Leon Co. Civic Ctr.
December 4 Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
December 5 Ft. Myers, FL TECO Arena
December 9 Tulsa, OK Tulsa Convention Center Arena
December 10 Oklahoma City, OK Ford Center
December 11 Wichita, KS Kansas Coliseum
*Gary Allan on these dates, not Chris Cagle

CMT ON TOUR: KEITH URBAN BE HERE ’04
TOUR DATESWITH KATRINA ELAM
Thursday, Nov. 3 Champaign, IL Assembly Hall
Thursday, Nov. 4 Milwaukee, WI Milwaukee Theatre
Friday, Nov. 5 Detroit, MI State Theatre
Saturday, Nov. 6 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena
Thursday, Nov. 11 Lacrosse, WI Lacrosse Center
Friday, Nov. 12 Saginaw, MI Wendler Arena
Saturday, Nov. 13 Cleveland, OH State Theatre
EXTENDED DATES
11/18* Columbia MO Hearne Center
11/19* Sioux Falls SD Sioux Falls Arena
11/20* Waterloo IA McElroy Auditorium
11/21* Topeka KS Expo Hall
11/26* Macon GA Macon Centreplex
11/27* Fayetteville NC Crown Center, Cumberland County Theater
11/28* Clemson SC LittleJohn Coliseum
12/02* St. Charles MO Family Arena
12/03* Rosemont IL Rosemont Theater
12/04* Minneapolis MN Northrup Auditorium
12/06* Denver CO The Fillmore Auditorium
12/07* Salt Lake City UT E Center
12/09* Phoenix AZ Dodge Theatre
12/10* Tucson AZ Tucson Convention Center
12/11* Las Vegas NV House of Blues
12/14* Los Angeles CA The Wiltern
12/16* San Jose CA The Theatre at HP Pavilion

DIERKS BENTLEY/CROSS CANADIAN RAGWEED HIGH TIMES & HANGOVERS CO-TOUR
NOV 1 04 Carbondale IL Copper Dragon DB/CCR
NOV 3 04 Lincoln NE Blackjacks Unde DB/CCR
NOV 4 04 Sioux City IA Lewis Bowl & Sportsbar
NOV 5 04 Columbia MO The Blue Note DB/CCR
NOV 6 04 Clear Lake IA Surf Ballroom DB/CCR
NOV 11 04 Falls Church VA State Theatre DB/CCR
NOV 12 04 Boston MA Paradise Club DB/CCR
NOV 13 04 Towson MD The Recher Thea DB/CCR
NOV 14 04 Pittsburgh PA Rock Club DB/CCR
NOV 17 04 Greensboro NC Arizona Petes DB/CCR
NOV 18 04 Durham NC Page Auditorium DB/CCR
NOV 19 04 Tallahassee FL Floyds Music St DB/CCR
NOV 20 04 Tuscaloosa AL Jupiter Bar and DB/CCR
NOV 22 04 Cleveland OH House of Blues DB/CCR
DEC 1 04 Tulsa OK Cain's Ballroom
DEC 2 04 Wichita KS The Cotillion B DB/CCR
DEC 3 04 Colorado Springs Pikes Peak Center DB/CCR/GARY ALLAN
DEC 4 04 TBD TBD TBD DB/CCR
DEC 5 04 TBD TBD TBD DB/CCR
DEC 6 04 Tucson AZ Coconuts DBD/CCR
DEC 7 04 Las Vegas NV House of Blues CCR/GARY ALLAN
DEC 8 04 Los Angeles CA BLOCK
DEC 9 04 Los Angeles CA TBD DB/CCR

MARTINA MCBRIDE Joy of Christmas Tour
November 2004
26 - Fargo, ND - Fargodome
27 - Sioux Falls, SD - Sioux Falls Arena
28 - Rockford, IL - Rockford MetroCentre
December 2004
3 - Nashville, TN - Gaylord Entertainment Center
4 - Jackson, MS - Mississippi Coliseum
5 - Valley Center, KS - Kansas Coliseum
10 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena
11 - Madison, WI - Alliant Energy Center Memorial Coliseum
12 - East Lansing, MI - Breslin Center
17 - Lowell, MA - Paul E. Tsongas Arena
18 - Rochester, NY - Blue Cross Arena
20 - Reading, PA - Sovereign Center
21 - Albany, NY - Pepsi Arena

LeANN RIMES ON TOUR
12/18/04 - Mandalay Bay - Las Vegas, NV

TRAVIS TRITT HONKY TONK HISTORY TOUR 2004
11/13 – Lake Delton, WI – Crystal Grand Music Theatre
12/1 – Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckerd Hall
12/4 – Jacksonville, FL – Metropolitan Park

CLINT BLACK 2004 TOUR
11/12 - Corpus Christi, TX - AmericanBank Center

CRAIG MORGAN 2004 TOUR U.S.A.
11/5 - Ypsilanti, MI - EMU Convocation Center
11/6 - Battle Creek, MI - Kellogg Arena
11/20 – St. Charles, MO – The Family Arena
12/1 - Bakersfield, CA - Buck Owen's Crystal Palace
12/5 - Fremont, CA - Saddlerack
3/5/05 - Orlando, FL - Bayside Stadium - Sea World Florida
6/23/05 - Oshkosh, WI - Country USA

Movie reviews

Here's another prep source I find myself checking out almost daily: http://www.flickville.com.

Two recent reviews by By Teddy Durgin (tedfilm@comcast.net):

"Ray Hits the Highnotes!"

The easiest and most obvious sentence I am going to write in any review this year is this next one. “Ray” (new in theaters Friday, Oct. 29) features an absolutely astonishing lead performance by Jamie Foxx. Mark my words. Bet the house in Vegas. Sign up for your office Oscar pool now. You’re already gonna have one correct pick. Jamie Foxx will win the Academy Award for Best Actor for this film.

The former “In Living Color” star has shined to a lesser extent in such recent movies as “Any Given Sunday,” “Ali,” and “Collateral.” This is the first movie that he has really carried, though, and amazingly he does so by completely disappearing into what I think is a very tough role.

Ray Charles was an American icon, a true musical genius of the 20th Century. But director Taylor Hackford wanted to show both the good side and the bad side of the legend. So not only did Foxx have to completely convince us he was Ray Charles--one of the most distinct and instantly recognizable performers of all time with his signature bobbing and weaving at the piano, often with a giant smile on his face--he had do so without the aid of his very expressive eyes, as the role would require him to be behind the dark glasses of the blind singer for nearly the entire running time. At the same time, Foxx would have to play Ray Charles from all sides. Not just the musical prodigy, but also the drug addict and the philandering husband. And we still had to care about him, because “Ray” is a L-O-N-G movie, folks.

“Ray” is rated PG-13 for sexuality, language, and frequent scenes of drug abuse.

BONUS DVD REVIEW: Hey, speaking of Oscars, I have totally slept on touting the recent DVD release of the two-disc set of “The Shawshank Redemption.” This is one of my all-time favorite movies, an amazing and eternally inspiring film where hope wins out over hopelessness. This wasn’t just the feel-good hit of its year, 1994. It was one of the great feel-good movies of the 20th Century. A modern-day classic, a perfect film.Finally, the good folks at Warner Bros. and Castle Rock Entertainment have seen fit to give this motion picture the deluxe treatment it has so long deserved. First off, I can’t imagine a better audio commentary than the one writer-director Frank Darabont turns in here. Chock full of great anecdotes, interesting factoids, and keen insights into the nature of cinema, acting, writing, and directing, this is a perfect fan’s companion to the film.

"The Incredibles: A Superhero-Family Film Not Quite for the Whole Family"

I might as well be on the payroll of Pixar Animation Studios, because I have deeply loved everything they have churned out since the ground-breaking "Toy Story" in 1995. Not only has Pixar delivered on the visuals and the surface thrills each time out, the company's artists and filmmakers take the time to flesh out their stories with interesting characters, clever plotting, and witty dialogue. It's time for them to start planning the next step in the company. Pixar IS the new Disney! I want Pixar World in Florida and Pixarland in California. I want to ride the "Finding Nemo" water ride, shop in the "Toy Story" gift shop, and cover my eyes as I ride through the "Monsters Inc." factory.

The designers should be able to get a ton of amusement-park ideas from the company's latest effort, "The Incredibles" (new in theaters Friday, Nov. 5). Unfortunately, therein lies a bit of the problem with the new film. "The Incredibles" is easily the weakest of Pixar's animated efforts thus far, largely because this is the first of the company's products to actively look like a video game. In no way is "The Incredibles" a bad movie. I highly enjoyed it! But I had come to expect greatness from these guys, and instead what I merely got was a movie that is very good.

Pixar movies work because the guys and gals writing and animating them are regular people, just like you and me. They've carpooled to work, punched time cards, raised families on budgets. When the mix of ordinary and extraordinary collide in flicks like "Monsters Inc." and "The Incredibles," the result seems like something pulled out of your own subconscious. You can watch a Pixar movie, and the execution is so simple and flawless that it looks easy. But, in reality, these are the hardest movies to pull off!

Unfortunately, some of my interest started to wane as the second half of "The Incredibles" kicked in, and Mr. Incredible was suddenly pressed back into service (on the sly, of course) to save the world from a megalomaniac who calls himself Syndrome (the great Jason Lee). The plot is ripped right out of every other superhero flick and James Bond adventure ever made and is the least interesting part of the whole movie. Even more of a letdown is that when the whole "Incredible" family gets involved, the end result is highly reminiscent of the recent "Spy Kids" trilogy in which professional heroes Mom and Dad team up with their teenage daughter and pre-teen son to thwart an assortment of evildoers. There's also a vaguely "Simpsons" dynamic at work here, too, that adds to the familiarity.

And here is a really strong warning. "The Incredibles" is most definitely NOT a film for very young or impressionable kids. Some of the children in the theater I saw it in were having a fairly tough time handling the sequences involving frequent explosions, crashes, and characters evading certain death. This is Pixar's first PG-rated film, and the rating should certainly be heeded. A LOT of bullets fly in this flick, and there are several instances where it is clear that characters have been killed (none graphic, though). At one point, Mr. Incredible is even duped into thinking that his entire family has perished.

Final verdict: "The Incredibles" is more a film to enjoy in the moment than to cherish forever in a family DVD collection like "Nemo" or "Toy Story."

"The Incredibles" is rated PG for cartoon action violence and intense sequences involving peril. Those bringing little, little kids to see this should also note that the film has a running time of 115 minutes, pretty long for a film of this type.