Brandwidth On Demand

Loyd Ford has programmed successful radio brands in small, medium, large, and major markets across the U.S. and worked for a wide variety of broadcasters for several decades. His firm, ​Rainmaker Pathway Consulting Works offers strategic branding and programming solutions, in a hybrid approach that encourages ratings and revenue success with innovative strategies, ideas, and execution. You may have seen his writings in Radio Ink and other publications, including his blog. He is also frequently found on Clubhouse, where among other things, he hosts the weekly "Encouragers" series with former Brandwidth guest Skip Dillard from HOT97FM and WBLS in New York.

He considers himself an all-pro smack-talker, but after 25 years as morning host at FM99, WNOR, Norfolk, RICK RUMBLE is so much more! He does voiceovers for radio, tv, the internet -- maybe even the DVD that comes with your lawn tractor...you name it.

Rick’s credits include ESPN, McDonald's, Ford...and he still finds time to write comedy for a service that supplies 600+radio stations, both domestic and international. Plus, he hosts the annual "Battle of the Bits" at the annual Morning Show Boot Camp! 

He’s that rare combination of immense talent, unmatched work ethic, and exceptional character that makes him one of the best in the business.

Rob Barnett is a headhunter, management executive, author, podcaster, and entrepreneur. As founder of Rob Barnett Media, he has discovered, hired, and led hundreds of talented creators and executives in senior management roles at MTV, VH1, and Audible/Amazon. After a distinguished programming career, Rob was named President of Programming at CBS Radio before starting his firm.

A digital pioneer, he founded My Damn Channel, one of the first original online studios and networks. Representing diverse careers, companies, and opportunities, Rob's multi-platform content and no-nonsense approach inspire people to define and sell their best professional brand.

For radio people at any career stage, Rob's new book Next Job, BEST Job will save you months of wasted time surfing random job postings and uploading resumes into oblivion. His new process gives you the end-to-end tools to find the work you want. In this episode Rob shares highlights with us!

One Minute Martinizing explores Finding the RIGHT Job.

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As we discovered in our VERY FIRST EPISODE, there’s a reason that BJ Shea has become one of America's iconic morning hosts. At KISW, Seattle with partner Steve MIGS, they did the impossible: replacing Howard Stern and INCREASING THE RATINGS.  Since then, the station has enjoyed dominance at or near the top of the ratings, and easily outperforming in its target demo book after book.

We thought it would be interesting to bring BJ back, along with partner Steve Migs, to explore what has changed in the four years since his first appearance, and how their show has evolved since then ─ especially after COVID-19 hit…and Seattle was confronted with some of the greatest social unrest ever.

Complete show notes: https://bit.ly/BWODQ3

Dave Van Dyke was raised in radio, showcasing talents on-air…in programming, sales, marketing and research. For over two decades in some of radio's top leadership postings such as VP at KCBS/Los Angeles along with senior management positions at Westinghouse, Viacom, Infinity and ABC Radio Networks.

As you'll hear, this guy knows his stuff, and is now is company Bridge Ratings is focused on every facet of radio and Internet audience engagement.  Dave is widely regarded for his ability to forecast and gauge media trends, as they happen in real-time. Bridge Ratings conducts various studies which are available to the public which help determine the impact of our constantly evolving media landscape, and the impact on listener's time with radio.

Above all, in this episode, Dave shares some steps broadcasters can take to increase the reach, impact, and revenues of a media brand by embracing the impact of all branded media platforms.

This episode made possible by MusicMaster and Personality Magnet Show Prep. Visiting these links helps keep this podcast free to you!

Skip Dillard is one of America’s top radio execs. He’s worked in Detroit, DC, and San Francisco and recently wrapped up his 12th year as Operations Manager for Emmis/New York, where the legendary WBLS 107.5 is currently ranked Top 3. In addition to radio, Skip served as Top 40 and Urban managing editor for Billboard’s Airplay Monitor and has received impressive honors including frequent appearances on Radio Ink’s "Top PD's in America". He also received the Proclamation of service to New York State and New York City Hall and chairs the "Broadcast Subcommittee" of the FCC’s Advisory Committee for Diversity and Digital Empowerment. This past January 2021, Skip began his next challenge, transferring out of programming to take on a new role as the newly appointed VP of National and Community Partnerships for Hot 97 and WBLS.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Skip shares the key traits that determine the superstars of tomorrow. He also reveals some of the investments superstar talent and programmers should be making in themselves and their own career success. Skip also outlines some of the ways that HOT 97 and WBLS connect with their listeners, and shares some major takeaways for ANY radio station in ANY format.

It’s something to which many women of young children can relate: balancing work and home life. In fact, today’s guest says she does nothing but work and mom…work and mom. Hard to argue, since Leigh McNabb had her first baby about the time she became OPERATIONS MANAGER for the 10-Brand Des Moines Radio Group. THEN, she had TWINS… within the same calendar year!  Leigh has over two decades of commercial radio experience where she hosted a #1 rated morning show and programming a #1 rated radio station with stints in markets like Champaign Rockford and Kansas City before moving home to Des Moines, where she’s again making her mark.

HIGHLIGHTS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS:

(2:09)  As a veteran broadcaster, OM, PD and host, Leigh offers some advice for people starting out in the industry today to help them succeed in tomorrow’s media world.

(3:57) Leigh describes being a first-time multi-mom as she was arriving in a new market. We learn what Leigh looks at first when entering a new market, and shares some of the INITIAL THINGS she looks at to evaluate the current situation and staff!

(6:31) With the pandemic nearing the rear-view mirror, Leigh notes how this experience may change what she’ll be looking for in future applicants

(9:18) With Leigh’s impressive track record, clearly she’s worked with some exceptional people and some ‘not-so-good’ bosses, too. She reveals what they did and HOW they did it, all to make her a better radio pro.

(13:07) Leigh shares critical tips for an employee who wants to make themselves INDISPENSABLE now, and be ready to move up through the ranks at a good company.

Steve Goldstein is a recognized leader in audio programming, marketing, and management. As the Founder/CEO of Amplifi Media; an audio innovation firm that offers services such as counseling, production, and marketing of podcasts, Steve serves as an advisor to many companies such as ABC News, NBC Television, Skyview Networks, and Dave Ramsey Media. Steve is a recognized leader in audio programming, marketing, and management, who regularly speaks at major conferences including RAIN Summits, Podcast Movement. The Worldwide Radio Summit, and the recent Talk Show Boot Camp (where we ‘borrowed’ the title of this episode).

Steve gives regular advice on how to improve monetizing audio content on Blogstein, Amplifi Media's Blog.

Highlights you won’t want to miss:

(2:10) Steve delves into the reasons (or excuses) why MORE broadcasters haven’t embraced podcasting as a way to expand listener access and ad dollars.

(3:09) One broadcaster recently reached a milestone with over a BILLION downloads. We hear who it was, what makes their brand special, and how the podcast brings in a different audience than the radio show. Most importantly, Steve outlines what local radio learn from this success 

(4:45) Noting that FACEBOOK has been reluctant to post audio, but being forced to consider it, especially with the arrival of the ‘real time’ interactive CLUBHOUSE app, Steve shares how do he anticipates legacy platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter may respond.

(7:01) We’ve heard a lot about the 2 million podcast titles currently available. But Steve recently noted that the number of ACTIVE podcasts is a bit smaller. Steve shares what he’s seeing in current numbers and what trends he sees emerging for radio pods.

 (9:41) For the stations that have not yet gotten the memo on the power of podcasting for ratings and revenue, Steve offers some thoughts on how they can start.

 One Minute Martinizing: If you’ve got a minute, we’ve got a minute for you HERE

As a recovering broadcast trendsetter. today’s guest has s extensive media experience consulting on-air, print and online media companies. After stints at VH-1 and NBC, JEFF ROWE worked at various online firms, including AOL where he was Executive producer and helped create TMZ-dot-com. He was also involved in several HD-TV projects. He works with NPR and Member stations on creating best practices for programming, on-air promotion, and the local presentation of Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and newscasts. Now, after founding various internet startups, he’s focused on Hollywood, producing “ROCK CAMP: THE MOVIE”. Today he tells us about life AFTER radio…the on-air performer formerly known as “Dallas Cole” ─ JEFF ROWE!

See ROCK CAMP: The MOVIE: https://www.rockcampthemovie.com/

After ten years of too much fun on the air, consultant Randy Lane brings the perspective of a Program Director at Star 98.7/KYSR Los Angeles where he created the first successful major Modern AC, Q101/WKQX Chicago, and WRQX/Washington D.C. He has also been a General Manager and has collected numerous industry awards including Billboard’s “Consultant of the Year” for Adult Contemporary and Top 40.

The Randy Lane Company has the mission of, “creating brand depth for radio stations by developing personalities that generate ratings and revenue.”  In this episode, Randy shares his thoughts on what emerging skills a winning host or PD will need to master, and what to prioritize to really be prepared to dominate in the future of audio.

His post-pandemic predictions may surprise you!