The 2013 Radio Show Wraps Up Today

Ends Today

The 2013 RADIO SHOW in ORLANDO (NET NEWS 9/19) wraps up TODAY, following a big day featuring THE MARCONI AWARDS (NET NEWS 9/19) last night and the release of a "Connected Car" survey (NET NEWS 9/19).

Programming Track Focuses On Multi-Platform World

The convention has launched a "Programming Masters Series" track, and the debut panel on FRIDAY morning looked at "The Next Gen Programmer" with two graduates of panelist DAN VALLIE's KELLER RADIO TALENT INSTITUTE, CURTIS MEDIA News WPTF-A/RALEIGH reporter/anchor/producer BRANDON DICKSON and WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY senior and aspiring radio sales executive TYLER LOCKHART, joining moderator JEFF MCCARTHY of MIDWEST COMMUNICATIONS to discuss the development of talent in college radio.  DICKSON and LOCKHART talked about what they learned at the institute and, in DICKSON's case, since graduation; VALLIE related how students at the institute learn the business and network with professionals to get their break in the business.

A panel of programmers discussing programming "in a multi-platform world" included RADIO ONE/HOUSTON's TERRI THOMAS, HUBBARD News WTOP/WASHINGTON's LAURIE CANTILLO and MID-WEST FAMILY BROADCASTING Active Rock WJJO/MADISON's RANDY HAWKE, plus moderator EVAN HARRISON of CLEAR CHANNEL.  The panelists showed how they use social media with examples from their own FACEBOOK pages and things they've shared in social media, and described the work culture at their stations.  

GREATER MEDIA's BUZZ KNIGHT hosted a panel on being a "successful multi-platform talent" with CLEAR CHANNEL Classic Rock WBGG-F (BIG 105.9)/MIAMI and regionally syndicated "PAUL AND YOUNG RON" co-host PAUL CASTRONOVO, consultant STEVE REYNOLDS, and ESPN Senior Coordinating Producer of On-Air Talent Development GERRY MATALON.  MATALON, who offered that "people are afraid to say what they really think" and counseled programmers to be blunt, tell talent what they're doing wrong and right, and document everything, said that to find good talent, "you just want to find smart," but added that "smart is really hard to find"; he noted that champions "aren't coddled," but coached. 

Asked how he handles someone like volatile basketball coach-turned-commentator BOBBY KNIGHT, MATALON said, "appropriately," adding that "you can't treat everyone the same, but you can treat them fairly."  And he noted that the same comment can get a talent treated differently on different platforms, as in the use of the phrase "chink in the armor" during JEREMY LIN's run with the NEW YORK KNICKS that drew a reprimand for a radio host, suspension for a TV anchor, and firing for an online editor.  CASTRONOVO admitted that he was anti-Internet at first until he began to get beaten by crosstown Top 40s, and now embraces the Net, including recording special segments after the broadcast show ends for posting online.

Managing Controversy

Another panel at the conference, moderated by JOURNAL BROADCAST GROUP's BEVERLEE BRANNIGAN, looked at how management can deal with controversy.  GREATER MEDIA's HEIDI RAPHAEL advised, "don't panic and don't run from it," and assign a point person to handle all media requests as well as a team, including a lawyer, to handle the problem.  She noted that leaks, including untrue ones, are exacerbated by social media, suggested that the station sign up for GOOGLE alerts to catch references when they occur, and stressed that the management listen back to what was actually said on the air and draft a written statement for the press to get ahead of the crisis. 

JOURNAL VP/News-Talk Programming TOM LANGMYER also noted the effect of social media and added that political correctness has affected what is considered acceptable in humor over the years; some of the controversial content, he observed, has moved online or to satellite.  He added that the fact that the industry leaders rarely speak about content has fed into fear by talent over saying anything that could get them in trouble.  COX MEDIA GROUP's ROB BABIN said that when a client complains, management should not overreact, but he said that he will take over from the salesperson and offer empathy, but not necessarily apologize.

LANGMYER pointed at the importance of taking complaint calls.  He noted the importance of knowing what happened, telling the caller "sorry if what you heard was offensive to you," and finding out what the caller intends to do; he said that taking the call and letting people talk to a real person helps defuse the situation.  Keeping it brief and showing you care make a difference, he said.

Commissioner Pai Speaks (On Tape), Ginny Morris Honored

Appearing on video at the annual RADIO SHOW luncheon, FCC Commissioner AJIT PAI lauded the concept of localism and reiterated his hopes for AM revitalization.  PAI's remarks included a nod to broadcasters' service in emergencies (including Superstorm Sandy) and adding, "I see an industry poised for growth" in radio, but voicing his concern that AM is in need of help.  He said that his office has received tremendous response on the issue and expressed his thanks to Acting Chairwoman MIGNON CLYBURN for circulating a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking with revised AM rules.  "If anyone thinks AM is a backwater," he said, "think again."  PAI added that AM "is worth fighting for" because of its role in format and ownership diversity and localism.

HUBBARD BROADCASTING's GINNY MORRIS was honored with the NATIONAL RADIO AWARD at the luncheon.  A video presentation narrated by HUBBARD Sports KSTP-A (1500 ESPN)/ST. PAUL host JOE SOUCHERAY with appearances by dignitaries including Sen AMY KLOBUCHAR (D-MN) and MINNESOTA TWINS President DAVE ST. PETER.  

Recapping Thursday

YESTERDAY'S highlights as covered by ALL ACCESS:

* 2013 Marconi Awards Winners Announced
* Ryvicker Gives Radio Stocks An A
* CEOs Look At State Of Industry At Leadership Breakfast
* Athletes-Turned-Hosts Talk To Jim Rome
* Radical Changes In Local Ad Markets
* Survey Finds 140 Million Connected Cars Projected To Be On The Road Globally By 2017

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