A Sense Of History

As we all get ready the 39th annual Twin Cities radio meeting, I am reminded of an anonymous response back in 1996 to a "RadioIQ" (our client e-zene) report of CBS Radio President Dan Mason’s talk at the Upper Midwest Communications Conclave which continues to echo all these years later.
 

“Jobs on the programming side of radio will continue to be eliminated,” Mason correctly predicted back then. “For every position eliminated in programming this year, there will be three added in sales.”

Now that programmatic buying and selling is emerging, eliminating reps while making media sales more transactional and less seller-driven, I am reminded of an anonymous comment I got after that post from 18 years ago:
  

"…any medium which requires more effort to sell than to create is headed for a future no better than slimy posters on the brick wall of public consciousness."

I greatly respect Mason’s smarts and proven track record over the years since that Conclave speech, but I have always wished I knew who “anonymous” was.

That person may have been the smartest of us all.

Their comment remains true, now than ever.

Shared Strengths

It's so empowering to receive a prestigious award, but let me tell you a secret that winners know.  It's really shared with other amazing and inspiring folks who helped immensely along the way.

Last Friday at The Conclave I took a few minutes to thank my parents, Dick and Jane Albright, who taught me "good, better, best, never let it rest, when your good is better, make your better best" and imbued the values that have driven me all my life. 

I mentioned Chuck Crouse, the night jock on my hometown radio station when I was a high school kid (he went on to much bigger things) who found time to teach me the basics. 

I recognized Rusty Walker, for making me better with his passion, smarts and energy during more than three decades of competition.

Then, I ran out of time, so over the next few days, I'd like to mention some others who were very important to me and a lesson I gleaned from my experience with them.

You Will Thank Me For This

1.  Go to Twitter.
2.  Search for this:





3.  Thanks to all of the prolific Tweeters, you'll feel like you were at today's Conclave Jacobs Radio School.

Let's Go To Summer School

It's an honor to be a part of The Conclave's kickoff event this year.  Many thanks to the Jacobs Media team for inviting me to be a part of it.  Here is what's in store:

1:20 – 1:40 Mobile 2.0 – Paul Jacobs runs jacAPPS, radio’s #1 mobile app developer.  In this presentation, he’ll show some new findings from Techsurvey9 and talk about 2013 state of the art for mobile apps, revenue generation, and how stations can get involved.

1:40 – 2:10 One-to-one with Jaye Albright – The Rockwell winner has a great story to tell and in a no-holds barred conversation, we’ll hear her amazing story, how she and Country have been great partners, what today’s radio stations need to do to stay more competitive, and a host of other issues from one of radio’s brightest minds.

2:10 – 2:30 Simply Social – Lori Lewis demystifies social media at the station level.  She’ll review some top-line Techsurvey9 findings, and then dive in with a simple, straightforward look at the basics, as well as an overview of new social media platforms that should be on radio’s collective radar screen.

2:30 – 2:50 Building from the Outside In – Building a great morning show is like building a house. You start by picking a neighborhood (your market), a plot of land (your format) and the outer structure (your listeners).  In this presentation, Jacobs Media’s newest consultant, Mike Stern, will give you suggestions about how to focus your efforts.

2:50 – 3:20 Target Social Media – Target’s social media specialist, Joe Curry, takes us into the backroom of how this amazing retail chain connects with its customers and grows its relationships.  
 
3:20 – 3:50 Inside the Mind of Dave Hamilton – An interview with one of the finest programmers in radio.  Dave will discuss his programming philosophies, his success with KQRS in Minneapolis radio for decades, managing and growing great talent, and his view on the state of the industry.
 
3:50-4:10 Radio & The Connected Car – The lion’s share of radio listening now takes place on four wheels.  A look at the landscape and a deep dive into what the automakers are thinking, doing, and planning.  You’ll see great video with the movers & shakers of Ford, Cadillac, Fiat, Chevy, Toyota, and others.  This is a hot topic that will get Summer School attendees thinking.

4:10-4:35 Let’s Go To The Mall – Erin Vande Steeg is the Mall of America’s PR head and social media pro.  This place is like its own city, and Erin will talk about the challenges of managing the social life and culture of the biggest shopping mall in America. 

4:35-4:55 10 Things I Know For Sure – Journal Broadcasting’s VP of Programming, Beverlee Brannigan, brings her wealth of experience to Conclave, focusing on stretching, trying new things, growing your brands, and your careers.   And the reality is that broadcast executives are only sure about maybe 20% of what they do.  Beverlee will present 10 things she’s totally sure about – great advice for broadcasters in all markets.

4:55-5:10 16 Habits of Highly Effective Programmers – In his three decades of experience in radio programming and brand building, Fred Jacobs takes a look at how today’s PD’s can sharpen their skills to meet the challenges of modern-day radio.

Need A Job? Network! (The Unemployment Rates Are 10%, $99, and $199)

In an unprecedented effort to assist those unemployed in the Country radio industry, the Country Radio Broadcasters Board of Directors has approved its first ever $99 Unemployment Rate for CRS 2010, held Feb. 24-26, 2010.

“Our deeply discounted Unemployment Rate serves two purposes,” says CRB President Becky Brenner. “First, it gives those without work a financial break so that they can still afford to attend CRS 2010, and second, it provides them with the tools and networking opportunities to help them in their job search.”

The Unemployment Rate provides attendees access to educational events only, including more than 20 seminars, panels and exhibits. Notable agenda item highlights included in the discounted rate are the CMA Research Presentation, Dave Ramsey’s Keynote Address, Bob Rosner’s Workplace 911 panel and the current-events Hot Topic panel. Tickets to the Music City Jam™, New Faces of Country Music Show® and daily luncheons must be purchased separately.

The Unemployment Rate is currently available through Jan. 31, 2010. Contact Kristen McCrary at 615-327-4487 or Kristen@CRB.org for registration materials. Proof of unemployment will be subject to verification by CRB, Inc.

The Regular Rate of $599 is now in effect through Jan. 31, 2010, for all others planning to attend CRS 2010.

The 35th Annual Conclave Learning Conference July 15-17, 2010!

Meanwhile, The Conclave is also offering a break for folks who plan ahead: earlybird tuition, just $199. Use the GANG OF 10 IN 2010 discount to save even more. Reserve a Doubletree Park Place Hotel room for just $99!

Radio's Future

The Conclave is one of radio and music's treasures, supported by a dedicated group of ardent volunteers who keep the flame alive by impressive dedication to the organization's mission.

“Through education, the Conclave’s mission is to improve the quality of broadcasting and related industries so they may better serve the public interest.”

Next Wednesday, Kipper McGee, takes 90 minutes to bring that mission to life.

* What three questions should every broadcaster be asking right now?
* What three answers should you always have ready for your boss?
* What is the most important law for broadcasters to be aware of? (Hint: it's not from the FCC!) * What is the biggest error broadcasters can commit today -- and why do so many do it daily?

The answers to these questions and more will be revealed in his FREE webinar "The Future of Radio presented by the Conclave and sponsored by Envision Radio, August 26th at 2pm Central. To register click here.

PS: watch for news of Michael O'Malley's Conclave webinar September 30 on Conducting Your Own Radio Station Programming Audit. A&O is proud to support The Conclave.

There Are Many Reasons I Read "The Main Street Tattler" Each Week

.. not the least of which is Tom Kay's sensibilities when it comes to cartoons in every issue!