Innholdsfortegnelse for May 5, 2025 i Radio Ink Magazine

“This is absolutely the right time to get into radio because there is a lot of space for people to grow, and we’re excited about the next generation.” Country radio trailblazer Elaina Smith doesn’t have a lot of free time. She recently took the reins as co-host of Beasley Media Group and Key Networks’ Backstage Country, while continuing to serve as the voice of several awards shows, including the People’s Choice Country Awards and the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation’s Gracie Awards; moderating panels at industry events such as Nashville’s Country Radio Seminar; and mentoring new radio industry professionals. Fortunately, we were able to sit down with her to discuss her career, the significance of country radio in the United States and abroad, opportunities for women in radio, and…

“Features and benefits” were once the most loudly shouted secrets of customer acquisition in B2C advertising. I even wrote a chapter in my first book — The Wizard of Ads — on the use of “which means” as a wordbridge between: 1. naming a feature of your product and 2. naming the benefit it delivers to your customer. But that was 27 years ago. When “features and benefits” became predictable in B2C advertising, they quickly tumbled into the gutters of “ad-speak” and lost their effectiveness. Naming features and benefits is still the right thing to do in B2B and direct response ads. In those environments, your customers already know they are in the crosshairs of a sales pitch. So name a feature, followed by “which means,” and then tell them…

Inflation and changing consumer spending are reshaping how small businesses advertise, and small-market radio stations must adjust their sales strategies to stay relevant. While businesses scrutinize ad budgets, radio remains a trusted, cost-effective option. But according to the NAB and BIA Advisory Services, local ad spending is shifting, and understanding these trends can help stations maintain strong advertiser relationships. HOW TO SELL SMALL-MARKET RADIO IN 2025 1. Be a Marketing Consultant, Not Just a Salesperson Businesses need guidance, not just ad space. Use industry data to craft targeted campaigns. Show clients how radio can align with their shifting customer base and budget constraints. 2. Offer Digital & Radio Bundles Advertisers want a mix of traditional and digital marketing. Offer packages that include: • Radio spots • Streaming audio ads •…

If you are a hoops fan, you may know “EJ,” a.k.a. Ernie Johnson Jr., longtime studio host for TNT’s coverage of the NBA and more recently in-studio host for the NCAA’s March Madness tournament. That’s all I knew about the man until I witnessed a candid one-on-one interview with him. I was particularly impressed by one story that became a metaphor for his life. When he was a young Little Leaguer, during one game he and his teammates had to retrieve a groundrule double that bounced over the fields fence. Two players sent to get the ball decided to take a detour and noticed a small patch of blackberries. They sat and had a little snack. Reflecting on that time, he referred to that as his first “blackberry moment” —…

What are your hobbies? Traveling, makeup, writing, mentoring, cooking, dating my husband, bothering my dog. Who is/was your role model, and why? There are so many, but Kristin Chenoweth has always been a big one for me. In the world of entertainment, there are few people I’ve loved longer than Kristin. She is someone that brings so much joy and positivity to this world through entertainment, and her career longevity is incredible. She also just so happens to be tiny like me. Seeing someone like Kristin command her space so eloquently helped give me confidence that I could as well. I interviewed heron my podcast a few years back, and it was one of my favorite life moments. She was everything I hoped for and more. What are you reading…

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!…

Programming and sales have always had an interesting relationship — sometimes positive, sometimes combative. But now more than ever, we must join forces to supercharge radio’s revenue process. Imagine this: programming and sales as the ultimate buddy cop duo. Programming is the creative genius, crafting compelling content that keeps listeners hooked. Sales is the smooth-talking closer, turning that audience into revenue. Alone, they’re decent. Together, once they break out of their silos, they’re unstoppable. The best stations thrive when the teams lock arms, build creative campaigns, and celebrate wins together. Because when programming and sales become true collaborators, everybody wins — listeners, advertisers, and the station itself. 4 Rules for Successful Programmer/Sales Collaboration Understand That It’s Not Personal Programmers don’t hate salespeople. They hate bad ideas. When sales shows up…

Last year, Radio Ink celebrated the 25th anniversary of our Most Influential Women in Radio list and feature. This year, our 26th, finds us at a challenging and exciting time: several of the country’s top-billing radio groups now have women as CEOs, and women also hold other C-suite positions. A cursory glance at our other lists and awards, such as Best Managers, Best Program Directors, and the Radio Wayne and Medallas de Cortez Awards shows that women are advancing rapidly in other roles throughout the industry. Still, this is no time to rest on our laurels. The industry faces significant economic, regulatory, and cultural challenges that must be met head-on. The 75 women honored this year have all shown that they have the character, knowledge, and understanding to wield their…

People on the Move celebrates the accomplishments of radio industry professionals. If you or someone in your organization has news to share, email the details to lpetersen@streamlinepublishing.com for possible inclusion in an upcoming issue! Get daily radio industry updates at RadioInk.com’s People in the News!…

The Yankee Network boasts in this 1933 trade ad about its female-hosted and food-focused programming “in light of present conditions” — that is, the Great Depression. The impressive lineup of hosts “command loyal, responsive audiences of homemakers,” says the network, and the programming offers “the high degree of acceptance which moves goods day in and day out.” In this MIW issue, we salute these women and other pioneering personalities who spoke woman-to-woman every day in difficult times. GOT A GREAT RADIO PHOTO? Send it to lpetersen@streamlinepublishing.com, and you may see it on this page!…