Brandwidth On Demand

Holland Cooke has advised radio and TV stations in the USA, Canada, and New Zealand. Previously, he survived a variety of on-air and management positions, including 7 storied years as Operations Manager of http://www.wtop.com/ (WTOP/Washington), during which time the station scored its highest ratings to-date in the all-news format.  When he’s not busy writing columns and reports for leading trade publications, his tireless work includes programming and marketing strategies for radio stations, career counseling for radio talent and podcasters, and Internet development for entrepreneurs, companies, and radio personalities. Show notes: www.brandwidthondemand.com

A brief summary of this episode

Vince Benedetto is the president and CEO of the Bold Gold Media Group, which owns nine full-power stations and six FM translators.in Pennsylvania’s Catskill Mountains, Pocono Lake Region, and Wilkes Barre-Scranton. Before radio, Vince was appointed to the Air Force Academy, and earned his “Jump Wings” for completing Air Force jump school. He did five freefalls and was commissioned as an officer. Realizing the importance of media dominance beyone radio, Vince is noted as a leader in understanding the power, beyond brand-building, of online platforms help station brands carve out a larger share of digital ad revenue. He has also spearheaded the The Bold Gold Broadcast and Media Foundation ─ a not-for-profit, organization with a mission of supporting the education and training of tomorrow’s broadcast and media leaders. Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: (1:40) The operating slogan that makes BOLD GOLD MEDIA one of the best examples of BRANDWIDTH in action and how this approach is helping move BOLD GOLD

WMYX Morning star Elizabeth Kay is living proof that a hometown girl can do well! Growing up as one of four girls in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood, her Dad raised her to love sports. She's a Packer shareholder and tries to make as many Packer games as possible. Her love of sports doesn't end there; she lives an active lifestyle, frequents the gym and enjoys any outdoor activities.  After graduating from UW-Milwaukee, and a four-year stint doing mornings in Green Bay radio, Elizabeth returned home to co-host mornings on 99.1 The Mix (WMYX). Now, whether Milwaukeeans are commuting, shuffling the kids off to school or hitting the snooze button for the 17th time, Elizabeth & Radar are the perfect way to share a smile and get your day off to a great start, and today, Elizabeth shares some of her insights with us.  Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:  (2:28)  How attending a COUNTRY concert lead to a career in Hot AC! (3:33)  What allows some shows to WIN, while others struggle? (5:07)  The radio ‘se

You won’t find a more fast-paced, high-energy sports talk show than J .T. “The Brick”. A former stockbroker, JT got his start in sports radio after becoming a frequent caller to The Jim Rome Show. After winning the inaugural "Smack-Off" in 1995, he was offered a job hosting a late-night Sunday show at KMAX-Los Angeles. From there, JT moved his show to KFMB, San Diego where he only spent a few weeks before being offered a show on the now-defunct Las Vegas-based Sports Fan Radio Network. During this time, he also hosted an afternoon show on San Francisco-based radio station KNBR. In June 2001, her landed at the upstart FOX Sports Radio network, hosting a variety of shows.  With his outspoken, big, booming voice, J.T. hosts one of radio’s most interactive shows as he fields calls from listeners across the country. Joined each evening by co-host Tomm Looney (the voice of The Best Damn Sports Show Period) their outspoken dialogue is second to none as they bring a new attitude to nighttime sports talk radio on the

Memorial Day weekend brought news of the passing of another kind of veteran.  A veteran of the radio wars. Celebrated voice talent and imaging conceptualist NICK MICHAELS passed away unexpectedly due to a massive heart attack. Nick was a passionate media thought leader and innovator, who saw where much of the radio industry has headed, without ever losing his ever-evolving vision for what the audio experience could be. This retrospective offers both his previous comments and insights on the state of radio -- and what it CAN be.   Also included: some of Nick’s finest audio examples of that philosophy in practice. There are many very good posts and tributes to Nick’s work which can be found on the internet.   Perhaps one of the most salient was a blog post by fellow Brandwidth On Demand guest Fred Jacobs.  Please see Fred’s reflections in the show notes.   https://www.brandwidthondemand.com (www.brandwidthondemand.com)

This time, Brandwidth On Demand goes INTERNATIONAL, with European coaches Nails Mahoney & Tracey Lee.  Each have 30 years experience as Radio Presenters/Content Creators in Ireland, the UK, Malta, Canada and Asia. Nails has hostied all day parts in major markets such as Dublin, Toronto and Vancouver.  His audio has also aired regularly on the BBC. Tracey is an award-winning Producer and Presenter hosting top-rated National radio shows including Today FM in Ireland as well as XFM in Malta. She is a multi-award winning Producer for her work with Ireland’s South East Radio and is a regular lecturer in BCFE College in Dublin.  Since 2007 over 2,000 broadcasters and radio professionals worldwide have used the services of On Air Coach through Live Workshops, Mentoring & Air-Checking and Radio Station engagements. Many have gone on to become award winners, market leaders and high earners, adding value to their career and to their Radio Stations. Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: (1:40) The differences and simil

Jeff Davis is one of the heritage voices of WLS with a career there spanning over 40 years. After moving to LA, to focus on his successful career as a national voiceover talent, he also served as the afternoon personality on Star 98.7 in Los Angeles, still maintaining work with WLS AM as the station's voice. Jeff crafts the imaging for Radio and Television stations in all size markets. He also is a well-known narrator and voice for commercials. Jeff also hosted the live radio version of the Grammy Awards, national radio shows, including "On The Radio" and the "American Dance Traxx", both distributed by Westwood One."  Currently, he writes, produces and performs a daily radio feature called ‘Just a Thought’. As an actor, he has appeared in six feature films. and done voice work for network television on CBS and VH-1, among others. As a DJ, Jeff heard a song by a Chicago band on a jukebox. He asked the WLS music director if he could play it after discovering they were a Chicago band. He was allowed to play it

When it comes to radio today, few define ‘local’ success more than Jim O’Hara!  He’s currently the SVP/Programming of I-Heart’s cluster in Davenport IA, and the award-winning PD and midday host for Country legend WLLR.  But that’s just scratching the surface.   After 5 years programming the market’s ORIGINAL Top 40 and AOR combo, KSTT and 97X, he moved to crosstown WOC-AM, and KIIK104.5, where he served in numerous capacities for various owners, including General Manager, prior to I-Heart’s taking over and creating the seven-station Quad Cities Radio Group.   Among his many awards, Jim has been named Billboard PD of the Year, one of Radio Ink’s Best 100 Programmers, and his WLLR was named Station of the Year by the Country Music Association.  In his ‘spare time’, he also does voiceover work, and in this episode you’ll hear why!    Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: (2:43) What’s the one thing that has kept Jim challenged excited while making one market ‘home” for decades? (4:28) Some of the com

A radio career can mean some ups and downs, some twists and turns.  Nobody knows that better than the radio veteran known as DreX, who is back in Chicago as morning host at the iconic B96.  Previously DreX hosted mornings at I-Heart’s Top 40 KISS-FM 103.5 in Chicago before heading to San Francisco’s KGO. He’s also guested on numerous other radio shows including the Opie and Anthony show on Sirius/XM. Now he’s back in Chicago, the market whose legendary talent lured him into radio originally…and, along with co-host Nina Hajian, Gabe Ramirez and the B96 morning team, proving that when it comes to morning radio “DreX Marks the Spot.” Key Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss! (2:22) What is the REAL key to DreX’s success in Chicago? (3:00) DreX’s take on what separates GREAT PDs and Managers from the ‘wannabes’. (4:59) Tips for successfully getting to know and ‘get’ a brand new market? (6:30) DreX’s recommendations for winning with an entire new team of cast members? (11:35) The one secret that can determine w

You have, no doubt, seen the name Perry Michael Simon many times.  He writes a LOT! As Vice-President and Editor of News-Talk-Sports and Podcasting for AllAccess.com, Perry writes comprehensive daily media news coverage and other pieces that appeared at various sites, including BBCAmerica.com. He also covers major conventions like the Consumer Electronics Show, radio Boot Camps, Conclave the recent NAB and many others. After serving as PD for such notable radio stations as Jersey 101.5 and KLSX, Los Angeles.  Perry has also been a leader in podcasting, having as Director of Programming for Nerdist Podcast Network and editor of their website. Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss: The ONLY real barrier preventing you (or anyone else) from creating your own radio brand?    Perry's view on the KEY TO RADIO'S SUCCESSFUL FUTURE. Is the "other" #METOO movement stifling radio? (Perry's observations may surprise you!) The TWO DISTINCT BRANCHES sprouting from today's radio, and steps you should take NOW to remain "

Dan Kelley is no stranger to successful radio. Since his radio start during high school in suburban Chicago, Dan has been a station Program Director, Operations Director, Station Manager, Chief Engineer and on-air talent for such companies as CBS Radio, Clear Channel and Citadel Communications. Since 2007, he’s had a statewide perspective for the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.  There he servies as Director of Technical Services/Digital Communications Director/Engineering.  In addition to his work at the MAB, Dan also operates a successful listener-supported classic rock/adult alternative online radio station which has been featured as an "Editor's Pick" station multiple times in Microsoft Windows Media Guide.  We link to it in the show notes.    

After being all over the country in glamour spots like Longview Texas, Dayton, Ohio and Terre Haute, Indiana, Nick Steele met co-host Kristen Flowers where else…at a radio station in Las Vegas!  Soon they decided to take their relationship to the next level. They became a morning show at 101.9 The Wolf in Sacremento! They now host mornings on KOIT in San Francisco.  Oh, and along the way they got married, too! When we’re not at the station, they’re usually chasing around their three cats, exploring the Bay Area or firing up the grill at home.  In this episode, Nick shares tips for keeping his home and work lives separate while indelibly connected.He also discusses his thoughts on continuing to thrive in the new ‘radio normal’, and how he’s expanding his skills to remain not only relevant but INDISPENSABLE as the media evolution continues. Takeaways NOT to Miss: (1:47) What does a true AC morning show need to do today, to win in a competitive marketplace? (3:26) The best advice for a real-life married coup

Drew Horowitz is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Hubbard Radio, overseeing operations in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis-St. Paul, St. Louis and Cincinnati. Prior to joining Hubbard, he was the Executive Vice President and COO of Bonneville International Corporation.  He joined WTMX Radio/Chicago as General Sales Manager in May 1992 and was promoted to Vice President and General Manager the next year. Earlier, he was Principal/COO of Lakeshore Communications, owners of small and medium-market radio stations. .  In 2007, he was honored as the number one manager in radio by Radio Ink magazine.  Then, in 2013, he was named “Broadcaster of the Year” by the Illinois Broadcasters Association, Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: (1:57)The 3 keys which determine whether a station “gets it”.  (2:57) The traits that separate winning candidates from also-rans.  (Hint: “No _________________” need apply!) (4:49) The SKILLS to develop today to remain relevant tomorrow. (5:49) Drew

Walter Sterling has been in radio since he was 15. He worked for a suburban New Jersey station for minimum wage as an on-air DJ. He was one of the first talk show hosts on the FM band at stations in New York City and, as alter ego Walter Sabo, programmed and consulted enormously successful stations throughout the country. He and his colleagues introduced the format known as Adult Contemporary to NBC’s O&O FM’s.  He is the youngest Executive Vice President in the history of NBC and held executive positions at ABC, before becoming a top media consultant.  Sadly, he did not own the stations he created. As a result, he continues to work on the air promoting strange ideas and opinions. Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: - Where radio stacks up versus other media today. - What’s the biggest advantage radio has over TV and other media? - What’s the ‘next chapter’ for radio? - What’s been one of the biggest annoyances to Walters consulting clients, that you might want to emulate? - The one characterist

Brandwidth MEANS the fusion of solid BRANDING with sharp, smart use of the various BANDwidth options available, and this guest if PERFECT to navigate today’s mediascape. When Beasley Media Group acquired Greater Media, they acquired some great stations, along with one of the brightest minds in media as their Vice President of Programming Buzz Knight. In addition to an impressive series of programming posts, including WZLX-FM, Boston; Saga Communications WNOR-FM, Norfolk, and WLVQ-FM, Columbus, Buzz was also a member of the on-air talent team at WNEW-FM in New York City.  In addition to his group VPP position at Beasley, Buzz also serves on a number of industry audience measurement advisory boards. Discover: The “R” word that can make or break your career. Buzz’s recipe for an outstanding radio operation. Secrets on how to make YOUR radio brand(s) stand out from all the media ‘noise’. Some pointers ─ which surprise you ─ on creating the strongest radio brand(s) possible (for your radio station or YOUR ca

Sheri Lynch is an award-winning broadcaster who fully expects to panic and be eaten first in the coming zombie apocalypse. A Philly native who was raised in a remote corner of northwestern Wyoming, you’d think she’d have a little more game when it comes to the undead. Especially since she’s carved out a unique career in the radio business, co-hosting the syndicated Bob & Sheri show, heard in 40-plus markets in the US, and around the world on the Armed Forces Radio Network. Sheri is also the author of two best-selling books and has a Master’s degree in social work. She puts that degree to use all day long, both in the studio and at home where she and husband Kevin lay claim to 8 or 9 kids, a small herd of dogs, and an entire battalion of cats. Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: The top 3 things a host must realize to build a loyal audience and the ONE THING to NEVER do! Why Sheri considers herself a "naturalized radio citizen", and if you're smart YOU WILL, too! The biggest FREE opportunity too m

Bill Troy is a longtime radio vet who also works extensively in the online marketing world. After successful stints programming and managing radio brands, he founded TroyResearch, the first online market research firm for the broadcast industry.  As they  created a worldwide footprint, next came global consumer brands like Sony, Disney, Nestle and Enterprise. Six years ago, Bill started a second company, Civilis Marketing, which helps companies build business relationships using today’s online marketing tools. This experience has led him to write a book that is challenging many ‘first generation” online marketers, including companies like Google. His new book Clicksand reveals insights he’s uncovered, and today, Bill’s crusade is to help brands, including radio stations and hosts avoid or escape the ClickSand trap, so they can compete and WIN in our evolving mediascape.   Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss The ONE ‘old school’ mindset that’s holding radio back TODAY. The FIRST thing Bill would check if pro

Jonathan Drake is proof positive that a career in radio and having a life CAN coexist! After working around the Midwest with stops in exotic locales like Joliet, Bloomington and the well-kept secret that is Des Moines, Iowa, Jonathan was transferred to the Champaign-Urbana market by Saga Communications, where he has settled in as Operations Manager of the Illini Radio Group. In addition to his management duties, Jonathan has accompanied Champaign-Urbana radio listeners from the workplace through traffic for well over a decade as afternoon drive host on Mix 94.5 Jonathan is not the only one married to the market! Spouse Laura heads the Chamber of Commerce  as the ‘better half”  of the power couple of “CHUR-bana”!

Ross Brittain has been a mainstay morning drive time on-air personality since music radio transitioned from AM to FM. He’s worked in major market stations nationwide including Atlanta, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Hartford and New York City. His vast experience ranges from stints at 77WABC to ‘CBS-FM in New York. His “Z Morning Zoo” and “Breakfast Club” shows have entertained audiences waking up for nearly four decades.  His talents not only include radio, but he has made numerous TV appearances on ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN & Fox. Previously, Ross did the evening news in Atlanta, hosted a talk show, a game show and even had a nightclub act entertaining people. He has also hosted several syndicated radio programs. Ross Brittain was the Philadelphia Morning Personality of the Year for two consecutive years and was twice named the Major Market Air Personality of the Year. He’s hosted several syndicated radio programs currently is the editor and publisher of the popular prep service, “http://rbreport.com/ (The Ross Brittai