Brandwidth On Demand

SKIP MAHAFFEY is nationally known as one of America’s top Country Radio Air Personalities. His CMA and Billboard Award-Winning “Skip Show” has been a listener magnet for decades, winning in markets from Tulsa to Phoenix, St. Louis to San Diego, Los Angeles, Tampa, and Dallas. Since 2016, Skip has been the morning co-host of K-LOVE, America’s largest Christian Music radio network teaming with Amy Baumann for the Skip and Amy Show, now heard on nearly six hundred stations, up from the 250 when Skip last joined us on episode 34! This time, Skip reflects on how they’ve grown (while others have shrunk) – and what’s next!

• Twitter: @KLOVEradio
• FACEBOOK: @KLOVEradio

[01:38] With radio revenues continuing to decline, Skip shares some insights into the differences between performing in commercial radio versus a listener-supported model in 2022.

[02:57] Skip and his team have recently relocated the show from Indianapolis to Nashville. He explains the move…and one hidden benefit that may surprise you.

[04:30] As an award-winning morning show, Skip reveals what talent managers should know about the ‘care and feeding’ of a strong morning team. 

[05:52] Skip’s radio brand has really developed into a multi-platform play with its strong online presence. He explains how database marketing has become an integral part of the growth strategy and what changes he sees coming next.

 [08:23] His morning show is on almost 600 stations now, but after individual market success in markets ranging from Tulsa to LA, Skip offers some great advice for someone in the early stages of their career who is eager to learn, grow and advance.

One Minute Martinizing by David Martin

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Brian Wright is a radio veteran who has successfully served many companies as Program Director, Operations Manager, and VP of programming. He now heads his own firm, the Wright Media Group, where he has focused on building alliances with scores of stations in the US & Canada. He has found that talent coaching remains of premium importance, but points out that taking certain actions NOW can be the key to radio's ratings and revenue growth as our media landscape evolves. Brian shares examples of how stations that have implemented this focus, are now leaders in their markets, and how you can, too!

Key Takeaways You Won't Want to Miss:

[01:38] Brian takes us inside of one of the most interactive interactive radio stations in the nation, and shares things they are doing VERY right that your station could do tomorrow!

[03:52] Whenever Brian FIRST checks out a new station, certain things things prove that they ‘get it’ versus those who REALLY need help. See how your effort stacks up!

[06:44] As one who’s been involved in talent development of on-air performers and those who manage them, Brian shares some of the traits or characteristics that demonstrate a person has potential ─ and what are some warning sign ‘tells’ that they might NOT.

[09:05] Turning to ONLINE skills, we hear how Brian notes how old-school radio job descriptions are evolving and points out things that broadcasters be fluent in doing ─ especially those who started BEFORE online was a thing?

[13:05] Realizing that while there are still far fewer jobs in traditional broadcast, things ARE starting to open up as we put the pandemic behind us. Brian shares the advice he would offer to ANY person applying for a new position.

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Learn more: ONE MINUTE MARTINIZING - GOALS by David Martin

Harry Lyles is an accomplished multi-format programmer and is widely recognized as the foremost expert in all forms of Hip Hop, R&B, Rhythmic, Rhythmic AC and Gospel.

As president of Lyles Media, Harry has been the programming partner for some of the most prominent broadcasting and media companies in the business. He’s well known for positioning companies for expansion and rapid development while helping broadcasters understand a better ratings story to help generate more revenue.

Harry’s standout programming career is marked by cutting-edge strategies, stellar brand-building skills, and achieving and sustaining market share by building inspired station teams. When programming connects with your local audience,  ratings and revenue will follow.

In this episode, Harry shares insights to help radio people UP THEIR GAME for 2022, by focusing on some of the basics sorely overlooked in our era of consolidation,

Key Takeaways You Won't Want to Miss

(01:58) Harry discusses the very first signs he looks for to see whether a radio station is likely to succeed or not, and what to do about it.

(04:02) Breaking some complex concepts into bite-sized doses, Harry offers some pointers from his Radio Ratings Problem Solving Method, and how “A Self Reflection” can be a good, easy and free starting point for anyone.

(08:59) Harry reminds us of what Radio's first job should be, and provides some pointers on how to make sure your station is doing it. (Spoiler: Many are not!)

(11:04) As a radio veteran who works with many stations in a wide variety of markets, Harry is consistently baffled by one key thing most broadcasters don't do. He shares how it can happen, and reminds us of a secret that will correct this and grow your career!

Read Dave Martin's ONE-MINUTE MARTIZING on "INTENTION" HERE

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Sean Ross is an undisputed industry expert on the music and format landscape—market strategy, the evolution of formats, and the evolution of radio programming in a world of audio choices.

He’s programmed at the station level and worked in A&R for the recording industry. A longtime journalist coving the radio industry for Billboard, Radio & Records and others he now publishes the influential Ross on Radio column while serving as the Vice President of Music and Programming for Edison Research.

In this episode, Sean recaps what radio went thru, with special emphasis on the double-whammy of more listener choice (due to emerging tech), and the realities of Covid. Most importantly, he offers some solid points to ponder as you work your way through 2022.

Key Points you won't want to miss:

[01:25] Sean recaps some of the biggest radio trends from 2021.

[03:42] No matter your format(s), every station has had issues in maintaining an audience the past year. Sean looks at the causes, and what to do about it.

[07:14] Sean has been quoted as saying "With Great CALL LETTERS Comes Great Responsibility". He points out some stations that are living up to this, and how they are doing it.

[09:26] As we head into the third year of Covid, Sean reviews how stations handled Holiday programming and shares some surprises he found which may impact us next December.

[10:18] As a born musicologist, Sean shares where he anticipates music to be heading in the next 12 months, and explores things local radio can be doing that services like Apple, SXM and Spotify simply cannot do.

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This time, One Minute Martinizing explores HABITS for the New Year

If you're not familiar with the name 'Annaliese', stay tuned!

Annaliese Lemieux-Kaplan has just recently joined co-host Cash at top-rated country station, 97.3 The Eagle, in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach/Newport News market (#45).

Previously, she served as morning co-host and Music Director at WQMZ Z95 in Charlottesville VA, and Afternoons at WXZO/The New Hot 96.7 in Burlington VT.

In addition to radio, Annaliese has run her highly influential lifestyle blog Southern Belle in Training since 2012. 

[01:36] Most of us have a slightly different introduction to radio. However, Annaliese shares one of the most unusual introductions to her first radio career that we've gotten in 5 seasons!

[02:38] Annaliese has some great tips on handling multiple roles in some VERY different markets, and shares the FIRST THINGS she wants to know about the market, the audience, and the station?

[03:45] Having just teamed up with her current partner, Cash, Annaliese offers some things YOU should look for (including some red flags to consider) before signing on with a new show.

[05:23] Realizing that listeners have more and more options to get audio content including MUSIC, Analiese shares some recommendations that ANY station can do.

[07:08] Analiese tells us about her blog,  Southern Belle in Training, and how that fits into her personal online strategy as an air talent from Vermont, now on the air in Norfolk -- all the while generating extra income

Radio can be challenging enough in any town, but hosting a top morning show when your market is in the shadow of a Top 15 market adds a whole new level of competition.

That's where KELLY & WOOD come in...to WIN! Based at Leighton Broadcasting's WILD COUNTRY 99. Kelly Jordan has been in mornings for a while, but Matt Wood is a recent addition, from his 'other job' as Sports Director for the cluster.

In this episode, they offer some great tips on putting a winning morning show together, while wearing multiple hats in today's consolidated radio...and all the while keeping their eye on the prize of WINNING in their market, despite the bigger market signals that can penetrate their hometown.

Key points you won't want to miss:

• [02:53] St. Cloud can be a unique market – serving its own area, yet living in the shadow of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. And consolidated radio means everybody is wearing more hats (or headphones) these days. Kelly & Wood share a typical day and share tips for making it all work.
• [04:42] As a fairly new morning team, they share some invaluable tips on creating a new morning show on the fly -- and making it work!
• [08:17] Living in a medium market while also working on multiple stations, Kelly & Wood offer helpful tips on whether to adjust their ‘on-air’ persona or just showcase different sides of their personalities.
• [07:09] We get some great tips for anyone trying to break into the business or advance their careers today?
• [14:01] Kelly & Matt each share lessons learned, and how it's evolved WHAT they do differently today, and HOW they now do it!

THEY’RE MARRIED, WORK TOGETHER AND HAVEN’T KILLED EACH OTHER!

When Gene and Julie Gates got married in the middle of Grand Central Terminal, the New York Times covered the story. When Oprah Winfrey heard about them, she booked them on TV. Gene & Julie hosted an award-winning American radio show in markets like Raleigh, Atlanta, San Francisco, LA, and for 8 years, took over for the legendary RON CHAPMAN at KVIL, Dallas. The NAB awarded them radio’s “Oscar”, the Marconi Radio Award.

Like so many quality, veteran shows, the budget monster struck, and they were out of a show. Faced with family and life considerations as well as making a living, they took the brave and dramatic step to create a highly successful LIFE AFTER RADIO.

Key points you won't want to miss:

[02:04] Gene and Julie explain their decision to step away from radio -- at least for a while.

[04:21] You may be surprised at how many radio skills are really transferrable 'in the real world'. Gene and Julie explain how this has really worked to their advantage!

[06:52] Gene and Julie also share some great options for RADIO PEOPLE who may have a hidden talent or skill that can become a profitable SIDE HACK.

[08:10] Now out of radio, Gene and Julie share their view of radio from a listener standpoint...and their observations may surprise you.

[11:58] Gene and Julie discuss whether they'd consider returning to radio now, and what RED FLAGS they'd be looking for.

Check out ONE MINUTE MARTINIZING here!

If you’re serious about radio, audio and media as part of your career, chances are you’re familiar with Radio Halll of Famer FRED JACOBS. After a spectacular career in programming, he founded Jacobs Media in the '80s. With the arrival of digital media in the ’90s, Jacobs pivoted toward new media, starting with nationwide Techsurveys that helped identify changing audience tastes.

In this episode, Fred reveals ONE saving grace for traditional media. The game plan is simple. The solution is 100% logical.

The question...will anybody DO IT?