Innholdsfortegnelse for March 3, 2025 i Radio Ink Magazine

Looking for new sponsorship opportunities? Here are three concepts that not only serve your listeners and communities by providing valuable information, but also have the potential to generate long-term sponsorships for your station. MEET THE MAYOR Bring your mayor in regularly to update the community on local issues and to take phone calls from concerned citizens. If your signal reaches many towns, even better: just rename the show Meet the Mayors, and create a rotating schedule or feature multiple mayors in one show. Your shows can focus on specific topics, such as parking, new businesses entering the area, zoning, utilities, etc., or they can be a free-for-all, covering the latest news and events and responding to call-ins from local residents. CONCERT CALENDARS I live near Atlantic City, New Jersey, an…

There’s a radio talent I’m a huge fan of. He’s mellow, has an encyclopedic knowledge of the format, is erudite, and possesses a snarky sense of humor. I told someone that listening to his show was kind of like watching The Simpsons in that you’ll never catch everything. In fact, he once made a throwaway reference to Small Wonder (with Vicky the Robot), and I almost drove into a tree. I told him about it, and he laughed and said I was probably one of eight people who got it. One day, I was discussing radio with a non-industry friend. This guy’s name came up, and without hesitation, my friend said, “He’s such a whore.” You could have knocked me over with a feather — a whore? She said, “He’ll…

M. Fletcher Brown is the OM/PD for Big River Broadcasting’s WXFL-FM and WQLT-FM in Florence, Alabama. Recently, his stations’ sales team underwent some major reshuffling, offering an opportunity to rethink his role within the company and how sales and programming can be integrated. With new people comes new energy and a chance to create a new dynamic, but you must be willing to see the possibilities. You have to believe that something new can be something good. I’ve always had a very simple view of the relationship between programming and sales: programming delivers the people, sales then sells to clients. I have done my part as a programmer for almost 30 years, but I’ve almost never stepped across that line to the other side. Sales is not my strongest area. The…

SUBJECT: Can Steve Huff attend my foster son’s birthday party? My foster sons are obsessed with the Steve Huff commercials and billboards. I have five boys. The two middle schoolers quote the Steve Huff ads daily. They make everyone in the car stop talking and turn the volume up, then quote the commercials as they are playing on the radio. I have to slow down as we pass the billboards so all five boys can yell, “Steve Huff!!!!” There is a commercial that says that a Steve Huff technician would be a stranger when he arrives and a friend when he leaves. I’m telling you now, if Steve Huff comes to our house, he will be a friend when he arrives and a hero when he leaves. I wish I…

Time is money, and AI is the key to unlocking both. Efficiently identifying high-potential advertisers makes the difference between meeting and exceeding sales goals. Fortunately, powerful AI-driven tools are free, allowing media sales professionals to streamline lead generation and focus on building relationships. Here are five free AI tools that can help you find the best potential advertisers: 1. Google Alerts for Market Trends and Advertiser Activity Setting up Google Alerts (www.google.com/alerts) for industry keywords, competitor names, or specific brands allows real-time monitoring. Alerts help identify companies launching new products, expanding to new locations, or increasing their online presence — strong indicators that they may need advertising support. 2. ChatGPT for Lead Research and Outreach Free AI tools like ChatGPT (chat.openai.com) help sellers generate lead lists, write personalized outreach emails,…

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Over three decades ago, Karen Slade left her corporate sales job to run KJLH-FM, a station owned by musician Stevie Wonder that serves the Los Angeles area. During her tenure, she doubled the station’s signal to ensure better coverage, launched an annual women’s health event, and oversaw the development of KJLH’s digital assets. Slade’s commitment to public service has earned her numerous awards and recognitions, including being named Radio Wayne Market/General Manager (Markets 1-20) of the Year in 2024. We connected with Karen at a pivotal time: she is preparing for her retirement while also leading the station’s efforts to serve its community as it responds to and recovers from California’s devastating wildfires. Our conversation reflects her incredible commitment to media, community, and the ongoing need for innovation and inclusion…

Bad ratings don’t necessarily indicate a failing station. While it’s natural to question your product when numbers decline, several other factors often influence rating fluctuations. Before you tear your station apart, take a deep breath and remember that ratings are just one part of your station’s story. A single bad book doesn’t necessarily mean you need to overhaul your programming. Here is what I look at when confronted with radio challenges: Key Metrics to Analyze Cume: Your foundation for success. Cumulative audience serves as the cornerstone of consistent ratings performance. Without a robust cume, stabilizing time spent listening becomes nearly impossible. For PPM markets, daily cume stands as your most critical metric for maintaining solid numbers. Daypart Performance: The Critical Midday Window The 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. window represents…

In the most recent Jacobs Media AQ6 Air Personality Survey, I was disappointed to see the low percentage of air talent receiving regular coaching. Almost half — 44% — said they hadn’t had any coaching in a year. Twenty-five percent receive coaching a couple of times each year, 7% monthly, 10% every two weeks, and 10% weekly. Again, almost half of those surveyed had gotten little direction in an entire year! I do realize that most program directors now have multiple jobs, but I would like to know where air talent sits on their priority lists. Judging from the numbers, it’s not very high. The days of “set it and forget it” are over. Talent should be your number one priority, so now is the time to make the time!…

Get updates on radio community events at RadioInk.com! Has your station recently sponsored a community event or fundraiser? E-mail lpetersen@streamlinepublishing.com for possible inclusion in this feature!…

Thirteen years ago, Radio Ink inaugurated our African American Future Leaders list, honoring the contributions of visionary professionals to radio. Nominated by their colleagues and chosen by our editorial board, this list recognizes excellence in every facet of the radio business: sales, marketing, on-air, programming, management, and executive leadership. We asked this year’s group of honorees to provide their perspectives on three issues that are of concern for the industry: 1. What sparked your interest in radio? Why did you decide to make it your career? 2. What must the industry do to encourage and increase the number of young people choosing radio careers? 3. Do you use digital and technology tools and platforms (such as AI or social media) in your radio work? If you are, how are they…