Brandwidth On Demand

EVERY radio brand could benefit from having its own STEPHANIE SIDELA!

As Executive Producer for the Award-Winning MERCEDES IN THE MORNING SHOW on Mix 94.1 in Las Vegas, Steph is not just any large market superstar.

Before moving to Vegas, she was at 96.5 WTIC in Hartford, handling the Craig and Company show with Gary Craig and Christine Lee. This was followed by a great stint with iHeart/San Diego.

Being in Vegas, she’s exceptionally skilled at finding and booking celebrity guests and keeping the show organized. She's also is a master at social media, Event Management, and in her ‘spare’ time, she’s a burgeoning choreographer!

As you'll hear, Stephanie brings her outstanding attitude, work ethic, energy, and attention to detail to radio—and provides pointers which ANY show in ANY sized market can learn from!

Key Takeaways You Won't Want to Miss:

(01:30) Steph shares how the MERCEDES IN THE MORNING SHOW works on Mix 94.1 in Las Vegas, and dissects her dual role as producer and ‘third mic’. (Spoiler alert: there’s a lot more, too!)

(03:15) Anybody who wants to become a producer, HIRE a producer, or make a case to management why you NEED one won’t want to miss these insights!

(04:04)  Stephanie shares one SECRET TO RADIO SECURITY, which some people just don’t seem to ‘get’.

(05:30) Steph offers some survival tips for shows that DON’T HAVE A PRODUCER!

(09:57) The job of the producer at a top-tiered radio show continues to evolve. Steph shares how she sees it changing in the future.

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When it comes to morning radio, few do it as well as Dwyer and Michaels, based at 97X, WXLP in the Quad Cities.

Now their show is heard on an ever-increasing "Family of Stations", as well as their popular Podcast, Web page (which gets over 15,000 unique visitors each month) and Social Media accounts.

• Twitter - @2Dorks
• Facebook - @2Dorks
• Instagram - @2Dorks
• YouTube - Dwyer and-Michaels

Key Takeaways YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS:

(01:24) The team shares exactly WHEN they knew that this team concept was going to work?

(02:22) As hosts of a multi-market morning show, Dwyer and Michaels reveal how they deal with having some many PD’s…and answer the question: do ALL of those PDs have your hotline number?

(03:09) Dwyer and Michaels offer tips on what a station affiliate can and should be doing to take full advantage of their show, in terms of getting fresh liners and promos, tying into your promotions, and other opportunities.

(04:32) This team shares the single best advice each they each have gotten for making radio a career.

(06:15) Now that the show has a network, they share the biggest misconception of those who would like to be syndicated, but aren’t ‘there’ yet,

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This time, we get the UNTOLD STORY of “Sex Drugs & Rock 'n Roll” from the vantage of one who witnessed the era from the 70s to the early 90’s.

When it comes to radio, Dwight Douglas is a name you should know! After working on the PBS TV show Mister Rogers Neighborhood, he joined the American Broadcasting Companies (ABC) as they were developing their FM properties.

Dwight then moved to Atlanta to join the largest radio consulting firm in the world, Burkhart-Abrams & Associates, where he later became president and worked with media companies around the world. During that 25-year period, he was instrumental in recruiting and coaching high-profile radio morning shows, including Howard Stern.

After that, he moved to New York becoming vice president of marketing for a worldwide software company, while also producing a comedy website.

Throughout his career, he has written numerous screenplays, magazine articles and is the author of several books. Since deciding to write full-time, he now lives in Venice on Florida’s Gold Coast. and has just released a semi-fictionalized account of how radio got where it is:

Get your copy of True Radio Confessions: Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n Roll here!

(04:07) First, Dwight explains how he arrived at the book’s title, and which network radio star helped him come to that conclusion.

(04:34) Woven into the story of some true-to-live radio characters from the “WKRP era”, we also learn some fascinating radio history that explains how we got where we are today.

(04:59) As a veteran of many radio wars, Dwight has worked with some of the most successful and long-lasting air talents and reveals some of the common traits they all shared – and what you can learn from them.

 (06:36) Compared to the “Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll” era, Dwight explores whether consolidation, research, and corporate radio removed the ‘crazy’ out of radio.

(08:01) In the book, one main character asks another, “Will FM Radio Kill AM Radio”, and the response is ‘ABSOLUTELY’. Today, Dwight ponders whether Streaming Audio, Podcasts, and uncurated home playlists will ever REALLY replace RADIO as we’ve known it?

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Bert Weiss was born in Dallas, Texas. Starting small, the host spent a decade as a sidekick on different radio shows like “Kidd Kraddock.” After spending a decade as a sidekick, Bert moved to Atlanta and met Brian Phillips, who helped him start a new radio station on a new signal, Q100, and "The BERT SHOW" was born!

 Ironically, morning radio found Bert Weiss, not vice versa. Initially, Bert wanted to be a sportscaster. During college at San Diego State, the New York native who had moved to California as a child began working at a country radio station as a research assistant. “There was no sports department, but just having station letterhead could get me access to a sporting event,” Bert left college to pursue his radio career, which took him to Dallas and Washington D.C. before coming to Atlanta to helm The Bert Show for Q100 in 2001. The lifestyle and entertainment show airs each weekday from 5:30 to 10 a.m. and features a cast of four sharing their real-life moments and struggles, in addition to national entertainment news and celebrity interviews—all while serving up a boatload of humor.

Bert also launched a podcast in 2014.

Since its inception, the Atlanta-based show has grown considerably. Thanks to a dynamic cast of personalities and devoted listeners, it has sky-rocketed to one of the most highly acclaimed radio shows in Atlanta and has recently expanded to encompass has recently expanded to encompass markets like Dallas, Salt Lake City, Charleston, Nashville and many others.

(03:15) After 20 years of winning with The BERT SHOW, he shares some of the top things that he attributes to such longtime success?

(04:47) Now that he’s in upwards of 30 other markets, Bert reveals some of the biggest challenges shifting focus from doing a show for one market to hosting a network program.

(06:09) Always experimenting with new tech, Bert gives us a sneak peek at how using Artificial Intelligence for Voice Work is becoming a reality, and where this technology lead us in the future!

(09:04) Bert shares the biggest misconceptions of those who THINK they’d like to be in a bigger market or even hosting a network show…but aren’t quite ‘there’ yet, and how to preparefor the next level.

(13:32) Bert reveals the ONE INGREDIENT that will determine whether ANY media team will make it or not.

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When it comes to winning radio stations, few compare to Chuck Knight. Those who know him consider him the Master of All Formats.

Chuck's a 9-time Marconi Award winner, was named one of Radio Inks Best programmers 7 times, and has an impressive roster of other awards.

He’s perhaps best known for his 11-year stretch at Philly AC “B101” WBEB, teaming with the legendary Jerry Lee. Earlier, He programmed CHR at Saga’s Q102, Des Moines, then was promoted to their Columbus cluster where he programmed AC at Sunny 95 and oversaw their  Classic Hits & Smooth Jazz brands.

After a run as iHeartRadio's Regional Senior VP of Programming for the Austin/San Antonio region, he is now programming another noted station, WINK in Florida’s teeming Fort Myers/Naples market.

(01:58) Chuck shares his recipe take TODAY to create a top-rated, award-winning radio brand?

(04:20) After working and WINNING with multiple formats in small, medium, large and major markets, Chuck shares some of the common traits at PD needs to coach a radio team to win in any format, at any level.

(05:49) To win as much, and as long as Chuck has, clearly he has high standards for on-air performers…whether in-house, live or voice-tracked. He reveals what he looks for FIRST when considering a new on-air candidate.

(13:33) Chuck offers suggestions for OMs or even cluster managers to consider first as they undertake the evolving challenge of juggling a short-staffed media cluster.

(15:42) Among your awards is one for Community-based Website of the Year. As our industry focuses more on Branded Media Content, and not just “radio”, Chuck points out the content he values most in making a local radio brand relevant in the online space.

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Jon Zellner serves as the President of Programming Operations for IHeartMedia’s National Programming Group. In this role, Jon oversees the division’s operations, covering 850 local radio station brands in 150 markets.

Jon’s been recognized by Billboard, Radio Ink, FMQB and other industry publications as Operations Manager and Program Director of the Year…and has served on the Board of Governors for the Children’s Miracle Network and the faculty for the Conclave, the HD Radio Leadership Team and the National Talent Radio System, among others.

In this wide-ranging interview, Jon shares behind-the-scenes insights on where he sees the industry going, and the best way for individuals to get there!

Key Points you won't want to miss:

(01:45) Jon answers a question most of us face: the secret to managing everything on his plate…(and, being a true radio person, does he ever “he ever turn it off”?)

(03:28) Jon shares some of the similarities and differences between working with traditional broadcast, and evolving media tech platforms like satellite, streaming, and on-demand.

(06:04) As media platforms morph in the minds of consumers, Jon clarifies how (and where) ‘local’ will be shaking out in the near term and how to make the most of it.

(08:06)Jon outlines the skills, mindsets, and experience top managers are REALLY looking for in filling today’s key positions.

(10:07) For someone just starting out in radio today, Jon shares things he knows NOW, that he wishes he knew back when he first started

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As a morning show, “Two Men and a Mom” says a LOT…but not EVERYTHING about Ralieigh’s MIX 101-5 morning show. We share their bio’s and other links in the Show Notes, but get right to the good stuff, Brandwidth on Demand proudly welcomes Kyle Smelser, Bryan Lord, and Sarah King…MIX 101-5’s Two Men and a Mom!

(03:19) The key to ANY great show is team chemistry. Hear how this team generated theirs and what they do to KEEP it growing every day.

(01:49) Kyle, Ryan, and Sarah explain what their 3-person morning show has in common with “Braveheart”

(06:10) You may be surprised at how this team overcomes “THOSE” moments, both on- and off-air!

(8:09) Brian shares the inspiration behind their daily “60 Second Summary” and the team shares other approaches to their online leadership.

(11:55) Kyle, Ryan and Sarah share things they’ve learned that they WISH they could tell themselves when first starting out.

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Lisa Dent has long been a significant and well-known presence in Chicago radio. She’s best known for her long run as morning host at WUSN 99.5-FM (US99), which garnered her a trophy case full of awards including Major Market Morning Show of the Year and induction into the prestigious Country Radio Hall of Fame. But as you’ll hear, her dream station was always “Chicago’s Very Own” WGN.

A native of Rockford, Lisa began her radio career in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin as a mere child back in 1981. Since then, she’s charmed radio audiences in markets including Minneapolis, San Diego, Seattle, and Houston.

In 2002, she returned to her ‘home market’ of Chicago, hosting her dynamic run at then-CBS country music station US99, and IHeartRadio’s Country effort, Big 95.5.

Her longevity, exceptional on-air work, and strong community involvement made Lisa Dent a household name in Chicago, putting her in the company of radio greats like Larry Lujack, Steve Dahl, Wally Phillips, Bob Sirott and John Records Landecker. Ironically, she works with Bob and John now every weekday at WGN.

(02:25) Lisa shares when she FIRST knew ‘radio’ was going to be her thing – and WHERE she wanted to do it!

(02:43) Working in all size markets, and for some of the best stations in the country, Lisa shares why she chose some stations over others, how things changed, and why she’s where she is now!

(04:19) Lisa reveals the steps that have made her such a powerhouse in Chicago—on and off the air.

(06:01) When a serious health issue hit Lisa, she re-evaluated a LOT, including how radio was treating women. Hear how it changed her career path going forward.

(10:07) Along the way, Lisa’s won just about every award a broadcaster can, including induction into the Country Radio Hall of Fame. In this interview, she outlines steps other talents might consider to perhaps win some awards of their own!

(13:15) In a reflective moment, Lisa offers things she knows NOW, that she WISHED she knew way back at her first stations like Fort Atkinson, WI and Rockford, IL.

WGN VIDEO: Meet LISA DENT

WGN AUDIO: Lisa's "Thank You Thursday"

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When it comes to radio innovation and turnarounds, there are few in the industry that can match JOHN SEBASTIAN. His name has become synonymous with turning around radio stations that are in dire competitive situations. He holds records for some of the best ratings turnarounds in history for every format that matters, and John has been acknowledged as an innovator, and at times a contrarian when it comes to radio programming.

John redefined Country, virtually created New Age and Jazz, and introduced several incarnations of rock and Top 40. His ratings impact has been felt in markets like Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, DC, Minneapolis, Seattle, and others.

Now he’s back in Phoenix…and this time it’s not just a radio station, but perhaps the entire industry that is searching for a reboot. Younger people are gravitating away from 'radio' as a technology. Most formats don't want listeners over the age of 54. Yet one of the biggest, wealthiest audience segments is Adults 45+, who have time, money, and still choose 'radio' as a device.

Listeners to this format and say "WOW". John explains how he came up with the "WOW FACTOR" and why it's leading to continuous #1 ratings in the target demo!

(02:04) John reveals what he felt was missing when listening to pre-pandemic radio right before 2020.

(09:52) John’s “WOW Factor” went on the air with the mission to play the best testing songs–drilling down on the 60s and 70s from every format covering the past 60 years. Clearly, the ratings speak for themselves, and John explains how the execution is playing out as the station evolves and where it can go next.

(10:51) John illustrates his unique approach to on-air delivery, and details exactly what WOW is doing differently to be hyper-local and relevant to target listeners.

(12:35) We hear reasons why “25-54” was never a great idea for radio, and why he’s upgraded the concept of WHO he wants to reach, and WHY.

Up your career game with the latest ONE MINUTE MARTINIZING

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Who in radio DOESN'T want to earn more income? One way for professional announcers is to use your voice.

Lesley Bailey is an award-winning Casting Director, Voiceover Coach, Demo Producer, and Consultant who comes as a highly recommended Voice-Over coach in the inner circles of the industry.

Now as head of VOICEOVER GURUS, Lesley helps voice actors bring out the magic while casting voice sessions for brands like AT&T, BMW, Dove, McDonald's, Verizon, Dunkin Donuts, and more.

In this episode, Leslie provides basics that may not be obvious to radio talent, while offering those little "tricks" of the trade that she has gathered after two decades of working with the best producers, directors, writers, agents, and talent in the business.

If you’re looking to enhance your portfolio of income streams or wanting to coach those who do, we’ve got ONE solution!

[02:09] For radio hosts, Voice-Over work is NOT the same as doing commercials at your station. Leslie shares the FIRST THING someone working in radio needs to know before trying to approach a major agency or brand. These tips may surprise you.

[03:56] When a casting person like Leslie is looking for ‘the right’ voice talent, she reveals just what she’s looking for and explains exactly how a RADIO PERSON should package themselves to make the right impression on decision-makers.

[05:31] We learn WHAT’S WORKING WITH DEMOS right now, as Leslie illustrates whether agencies want to hear complete spots, a quick-cuts montage, or something else.

[07:19] There are lots of places where voice-over talent is needed that we may never even think of, but one hot area right now seems to be audiobooks. We learn how a voice-talent can prepare for reading books as opposed to spots…and how to they break into that field.

[10:20] Leslie answers a key question: “Does a voice-over artist need an agent to get noticed?”

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