Brandwidth On Demand

Let there be no doubt, Scott Innes is a radio guy through and through. After working at stations in various markets, his hallmark became an uncanny knack to do character voices. Then, Hollywood called. Scott became the official voice of Hanna-Barbera’s famous cartoon character, Scooby-Doo, and eventually other characters. He’s also given voice to over 1,000 talking Scooby-Doo items such as toys and video games and has appeared on countless TV shows like The Tonight Show, Fox and Friends, and others. On the radio, Scott’s s been voted “favorite On-Air Personality” for three years running Parents Magazine, and he won Air Personality of the Year by the CRB in Nashville and was voted the Academy of Country Music’s Air Personality of the Year! Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: (2:01) Scott shares how his love for radio and all things audio lead to mastering cartoon voices.  (3:52) Now it can be told: the ploy that earned Scott a spot on the Hanna-Barbera roster, and ultimately filling in the footsteps o

Chris Baker started coming to Omaha as a comic in the early 90's working at The Funny Bone Comedy Club. The great audiences and experiences quickly made Omaha his favorite stop on tour. After Talk Radio stints in Miami, Kansas City, Houston, and Minneapolis his dream opportunity opened up at Omaha’s regional powerhouse KFAB. During his afternoon drive show, Chris likes to mix the serious with the absurd or as he “… a mix of the salt and the sugar" sometimes known as "Road Range Relief" Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: (2:00) Lessons learned in the transition from full-time comedy to radio.  (3:15) Things to look for to make SURE you’ve found the right radio ‘home’, and how to keep it that way!  (5:35) Chris shares important advice for any radio person who’d like to take their ‘show’ on stage.  (7:44) “Get-R-Done” with another prominent Nebraskan who also practices both comedy and radio.  (11:41) Ways to define, polish and make the most of the ONLY thing an on-air performer can ever REALLY contr

Miami radio’s Paul Castronovo IS Florida.  He co-hosted “the Paul and Young Ron Show” in South Florida for almost 3 decades on stations including WSHE, 94.9 Zeta and most recently Big 105.9. Then one day, Young Ron decided to retire and the radio empire became The Paul Castronovo show. Still the same lunacy, but with a new crew backing him up. While Paul was born in Brooklyn he’s a U of Flordia grad, a rabid Gator fan, and you will most likely find him fishing on weekends. He's also president of Castronovo Vineyards, as well as a husband and a dad. He’s a family guy, an Italian guy, and he likes the camaraderie that combination brings to radio. Here to tell us all about it..and more!   Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:  (1:28)  A Brandwidth on Demand FIRST ─ a top market morning host who was originally FORCED into radio! (3:42)  One surefire “TELL” that a new station employee is probably NOT going to last.  (4:27)  Tips for the care and feeding of your next GM or PD, and survival tips for dealin

Many consider the DeDe McGuire the hardest working woman in radio…and with good cause! A trailblazer and industry leader who has been entertaining radio audiences for years, DeDe is famous for her entertaining, empowering, and enlightening approach. After co-hosting the nationally syndicated “Doug Banks Show”, DeDe is one of only a few women in America to host her own major market morning show, based at K104/Dallas, and syndicated by Compass Media.  If you check her bio in the show notes, you’ll wonder how she gets it all done ─ but she does!  Top Takeaways You Won't Want to Miss (1:30) DeDe shares how an open career mind it led her from TV news to Country Radio major market mornings by age 22 and network radio soon after!.  (3:59) DeDe shares secrets learned from some of her most influential role models, and lessons any winning show can use.  (5:15) How to tell whether someone in radio is willing to make it a CAREER, or just have a J-O-B. (6:28)  Dede discloses the two things that make any story more

If the idea of changing positions or even stations makes you hyperventilate, we’ve got PROOF that it can be done…done well, and lead to better things.  Michelle McKormick began her radio career at Grand Rapids rock station WGRD holding a variety of positions there, including music director and morning co-host. Then she moved to JERSEY 101.5 the legendary FM Talker...before returning to Grand Rapids and what is now https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WMAX-FM (WMAX). In 2002 she made her way to Detroit to work at WKRK before returning to Grand Rapids for a stint at WOOD-AM, and now stars at WLAV-FM, weekdays on the Tony Gates Show with Michelle McKormick!   Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: (1:12) Michelle discusses the biggest area of change impacting personality radio shows the past year ─ and tips for tackling it.  (2:30)  The  MOST important pointer for JOINING a former competitor’s morning show, and how to make sure everything comes together.  (3:30) Beyond executing a great show, Michelle outlines

Ryan Jenkins knows Millennials. He’s been speaking professionally as a Millennial and Generation Z keynote speaker for hundreds of clients such as Coca-Cola, John Deere, Salesforce.com, Johnson & Johnson and many others. His top-ranked generational insights have been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Inc., and SUCCESS Magazine. His internationally recognized blog, podcast, and Inc.com column inspire and equip thousands of people every week. We link to all of these resources and his best-selling book, The Millennial Manual: the Complete How-to Guide To Manage, Develop and Engage Millennials in the show notes. Ryan is certainly qualified to speak as “THEE” expert on Millennials, not only because he studies them…he IS one!   Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:  (2:27)  Why American radio is serving more generations than ever, and how to serve these various audiences better.  (4:36)  Based on his research of generations, especially millennials, if radio DIDN’T exist, how would Ryan design an audio se

Anyone in radio more than a few quarter-hours in radio has likely heard the name TERRY PATRICK!  After a 13-year career as a successful Air Personality and Program Director at well-known stations in Southern Florida, Atlanta, and Cleveland, Terry was recruited by the famous Research Group, rising to the position of Senior Vice President and Partner.  As a consultant and coach to the coaches, Terry has offered insights to most of America’s most noteworthy broadcasters…including: The Disney Family, Entercom, IHeartRadio, Viacom, Cox Broadcasting and CBS.  He’s helped to propel nearly 60 different radio stations to Number One in the coveted 25-54 demo. This includes the iconic WBEB in Philadelphia …12-time Marconi award winner for "Radio Station of the Year.  (1:33) Terry reveals his “can't-miss’ recipe for a WINNING station. (3:41) One QUICK, AFFORDABLE tip that could help stations UP THEIR GAME tomorrow. (4:38) The MOST IMPORTANT element to really bonding with our audience, that radio simply CANNOT DO ─ a

This time, Brandwidth On Demand heads for the border…the NORTHERN border, as we hear from Canadian broadcast pro Matt Cundill.  Professionally, Matt started while still in college in Nova Scotia.  His station stops include CHOM 97.7 in Montreal, The Bear in Edmonton, then was hired by one of the biggest companies in Canada, Corus Entertainment, where he wore a number of hats including his ‘real job’, Programming Power 97 in Winnepeg.  Since 2014, Matt has operated a successful consulting firm, coaching stations, talent and their online efforts.    5 Things You Won’t Want to Miss!  (1:35) Get Matt’s biggest takeaways from The Conclave and Podcast Movement this summer.  (2:51) What are the biggest DIFFERENCES and SIMILARITIES between radio operations in Canada and the US?  (3:21). Why Canadian listeners tend to be more loyal to their radio stations and local personalities.  (5:32) How does Canadian radio compare to US stations when it comes to mastering “Brandwidth” assets: (Email, social media, streamin

Andrew Lee is the APD and morning co-host of KTLK, Minneapolis, branded as the Twin Cities News-Talk 1130.  After leading WSKY in the Gainesville market to dominance as one of Florida’s first talk FM stations, Andrew was next tapped to program then-Journal Broadcasting’s KQTH “The Truth”/Tuscon ─ and turn it into another successful FM talker. Next stop, the Twin Cities where Andrew is now reunited with his popular Arizona morning host Jon Justice for the Justice & Drew morning show.  In his ‘spare time’, and Andrew also co-hosts 'The Minnesota Beercast' with Andrew Schmitt.   Key takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss:  (1:30)  The unusual career turns that led an audio engineer and sound designer into radio hosting, Programming and now, large market mornings!  (2:50)  Ways to tell whether your station REALLY embraces creativity, or is just paying lip service. (4:45)  Andrew’s discoveries and lessons learned about ANY on-air talent finding their authentic ‘take’ on any given topic.  (5:52) Drew shares key cons

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 "