Brandwidth On Demand

Dan Kelley is no stranger to successful radio. Since his radio start during high school in suburban Chicago, Dan has been a station Program Director, Operations Director, Station Manager, Chief Engineer and on-air talent for such companies as CBS Radio, Clear Channel and Citadel Communications. Since 2007, he’s had a statewide perspective for the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.  There he servies as Director of Technical Services/Digital Communications Director/Engineering.  In addition to his work at the MAB, Dan also operates a successful listener-supported classic rock/adult alternative online radio station which has been featured as an "Editor's Pick" station multiple times in Microsoft Windows Media Guide.  We link to it in the show notes.    

After being all over the country in glamour spots like Longview Texas, Dayton, Ohio and Terre Haute, Indiana, Nick Steele met co-host Kristen Flowers where else…at a radio station in Las Vegas!  Soon they decided to take their relationship to the next level. They became a morning show at 101.9 The Wolf in Sacremento! They now host mornings on KOIT in San Francisco.  Oh, and along the way they got married, too! When we’re not at the station, they’re usually chasing around their three cats, exploring the Bay Area or firing up the grill at home.  In this episode, Nick shares tips for keeping his home and work lives separate while indelibly connected.He also discusses his thoughts on continuing to thrive in the new ‘radio normal’, and how he’s expanding his skills to remain not only relevant but INDISPENSABLE as the media evolution continues. Takeaways NOT to Miss: (1:47) What does a true AC morning show need to do today, to win in a competitive marketplace? (3:26) The best advice for a real-life married coup

Drew Horowitz is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Hubbard Radio, overseeing operations in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis-St. Paul, St. Louis and Cincinnati. Prior to joining Hubbard, he was the Executive Vice President and COO of Bonneville International Corporation.  He joined WTMX Radio/Chicago as General Sales Manager in May 1992 and was promoted to Vice President and General Manager the next year. Earlier, he was Principal/COO of Lakeshore Communications, owners of small and medium-market radio stations. .  In 2007, he was honored as the number one manager in radio by Radio Ink magazine.  Then, in 2013, he was named “Broadcaster of the Year” by the Illinois Broadcasters Association, Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: (1:57)The 3 keys which determine whether a station “gets it”.  (2:57) The traits that separate winning candidates from also-rans.  (Hint: “No _________________” need apply!) (4:49) The SKILLS to develop today to remain relevant tomorrow. (5:49) Drew

Walter Sterling has been in radio since he was 15. He worked for a suburban New Jersey station for minimum wage as an on-air DJ. He was one of the first talk show hosts on the FM band at stations in New York City and, as alter ego Walter Sabo, programmed and consulted enormously successful stations throughout the country. He and his colleagues introduced the format known as Adult Contemporary to NBC’s O&O FM’s.  He is the youngest Executive Vice President in the history of NBC and held executive positions at ABC, before becoming a top media consultant.  Sadly, he did not own the stations he created. As a result, he continues to work on the air promoting strange ideas and opinions. Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: - Where radio stacks up versus other media today. - What’s the biggest advantage radio has over TV and other media? - What’s the ‘next chapter’ for radio? - What’s been one of the biggest annoyances to Walters consulting clients, that you might want to emulate? - The one characterist

Brandwidth MEANS the fusion of solid BRANDING with sharp, smart use of the various BANDwidth options available, and this guest if PERFECT to navigate today’s mediascape. When Beasley Media Group acquired Greater Media, they acquired some great stations, along with one of the brightest minds in media as their Vice President of Programming Buzz Knight. In addition to an impressive series of programming posts, including WZLX-FM, Boston; Saga Communications WNOR-FM, Norfolk, and WLVQ-FM, Columbus, Buzz was also a member of the on-air talent team at WNEW-FM in New York City.  In addition to his group VPP position at Beasley, Buzz also serves on a number of industry audience measurement advisory boards. Discover: The “R” word that can make or break your career. Buzz’s recipe for an outstanding radio operation. Secrets on how to make YOUR radio brand(s) stand out from all the media ‘noise’. Some pointers ─ which surprise you ─ on creating the strongest radio brand(s) possible (for your radio station or YOUR ca

Sheri Lynch is an award-winning broadcaster who fully expects to panic and be eaten first in the coming zombie apocalypse. A Philly native who was raised in a remote corner of northwestern Wyoming, you’d think she’d have a little more game when it comes to the undead. Especially since she’s carved out a unique career in the radio business, co-hosting the syndicated Bob & Sheri show, heard in 40-plus markets in the US, and around the world on the Armed Forces Radio Network. Sheri is also the author of two best-selling books and has a Master’s degree in social work. She puts that degree to use all day long, both in the studio and at home where she and husband Kevin lay claim to 8 or 9 kids, a small herd of dogs, and an entire battalion of cats. Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: The top 3 things a host must realize to build a loyal audience and the ONE THING to NEVER do! Why Sheri considers herself a "naturalized radio citizen", and if you're smart YOU WILL, too! The biggest FREE opportunity too m

Bill Troy is a longtime radio vet who also works extensively in the online marketing world. After successful stints programming and managing radio brands, he founded TroyResearch, the first online market research firm for the broadcast industry.  As they  created a worldwide footprint, next came global consumer brands like Sony, Disney, Nestle and Enterprise. Six years ago, Bill started a second company, Civilis Marketing, which helps companies build business relationships using today’s online marketing tools. This experience has led him to write a book that is challenging many ‘first generation” online marketers, including companies like Google. His new book Clicksand reveals insights he’s uncovered, and today, Bill’s crusade is to help brands, including radio stations and hosts avoid or escape the ClickSand trap, so they can compete and WIN in our evolving mediascape.   Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss The ONE ‘old school’ mindset that’s holding radio back TODAY. The FIRST thing Bill would check if pro

Jonathan Drake is proof positive that a career in radio and having a life CAN coexist! After working around the Midwest with stops in exotic locales like Joliet, Bloomington and the well-kept secret that is Des Moines, Iowa, Jonathan was transferred to the Champaign-Urbana market by Saga Communications, where he has settled in as Operations Manager of the Illini Radio Group. In addition to his management duties, Jonathan has accompanied Champaign-Urbana radio listeners from the workplace through traffic for well over a decade as afternoon drive host on Mix 94.5 Jonathan is not the only one married to the market! Spouse Laura heads the Chamber of Commerce  as the ‘better half”  of the power couple of “CHUR-bana”!

Ross Brittain has been a mainstay morning drive time on-air personality since music radio transitioned from AM to FM. He’s worked in major market stations nationwide including Atlanta, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Hartford and New York City. His vast experience ranges from stints at 77WABC to ‘CBS-FM in New York. His “Z Morning Zoo” and “Breakfast Club” shows have entertained audiences waking up for nearly four decades.  His talents not only include radio, but he has made numerous TV appearances on ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN & Fox. Previously, Ross did the evening news in Atlanta, hosted a talk show, a game show and even had a nightclub act entertaining people. He has also hosted several syndicated radio programs. Ross Brittain was the Philadelphia Morning Personality of the Year for two consecutive years and was twice named the Major Market Air Personality of the Year. He’s hosted several syndicated radio programs currently is the editor and publisher of the popular prep service, “http://rbreport.com/ (The Ross Brittai

You may not know the name Bruce Gilbert.  But the chances are you’ve heard his work, or someone following his lead! A longtime top programmer, Bruce is perhaps best known for becoming an early and prominent practitioner of the modern Sports/Talk format at “The Ticket” in Dallas.   Then after stints as CEO of DC based Red Zebra Broadcasting, and GM of ESPN Radio followed by FOX SPORTS RADIO.  Now he’s SVP/Sports for Cumulus where he oversees Westwood One and CBS Sports Radio, and advises the group’s 50+ all-sports stations. Show Notes at  www.brandwidthondemand.com

Keith Hill, The UnConsultant, has been successfully helping radio stations raise their ratings since 1992 when he teamed up with the iconic Moon Mullins in Nashville as a consultant specializing in the Country format. Perhaps most famously, Keith is recognized as the Worlds Leading Authority on Music Scheduling, proving advanced coaching for services including Musicmaster and others. Prior to a successful string of programming operations positions, Keith also was an air personality at the Legendary WFIL, Philadelphia as well as WXTU, Philadelphia and WYNY, New York. When asked what “UnConsultant” means, Keith replies, “I do it differently. I look at radio stations holistically, and all advice is custom. I never offer cookie cutter advice.” His client stations are consistent winners, frequently attaining the number one position in their market under his guidance.        

The career Jill Strada has epitomized success programming today’s hit music Radio. After stops in markets like Orlando, Miami, Boston, New York now she’s back in Miami and with COX, as Director of Branding and Programming for HITS 97.3 and 99 JAMZ.  Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: Common traits of winning stations, companies and individual talent. Why winning can sometimes be harder than losing ─ and trap to avoid How to keep radio relevant to younger-skewing audiences, especially as tech continues to create new options. The most important key to coaching talent at any ANY level. Complete show notes: www.brandwidthondemand.com

Martha Quinn is perhaps most famous for being one of the original veejays on MTV but like so many of us, she started in college radio including the ‘radio station with a college attached’ at WNYU, New York. However, NOT everyone gets lead roles TV commercials for clients like McDonald's, Country Time Lemonade Campbell's Soup and others. Rolling Stone magazine readers voted her "MTV's Best-Ever VJ," and by Allure Magazine, which referred to the 80s decade as "the Martha Quinn years."  She even lent her name, face and voice to The '80s Game with Martha Quinn, a PC trivia game!  She later joined Sirius Satellite Radio which merged with XM, the channel was rebranded as The 80s on 8, and she joins other original MTV VJs in hosting programs for The 80s on 8.  Since last summer, Bay Area listeners can get their 80’s fix on KOSF, which became the market's first all-'80s radio station last summer as I Heart the 80’s @ 103.7!  Martha continues to have a great run, seizing opportunities to ‘do it all’, from TV and fil

The new year brings a time for reflection, critical review and planning for the next chapter. This year, the “RADIO RESOLUTIONS” collection offers a cross-section of experiences, insights and inspiration from top air talent, programmers, and media thought leaders ─ designed to help you create the best 2018 possible. Included: Chio in the Morning – Mix 106.1, Philadelphia Cadillac Jack – Kicks 101.5, Atlanta Geo Cook ─ K104/Smooth 105.7, Dallas LaDona Harvey ─ KOGO, San Diego Fred Jacobs & Steve Goldstein ─ Sonic AI Slats in the Morning ─ WNCX, Cleveland Kelly Ford ─ NASH-FM Jason Cage ─ Mix 96.5, Houston\ John Records Landecker ─National Radio Hall of Famer Complete show notes: www.brandwidthondemand.com  

Mitch Michaels has been on the air in the Chicago market for several decades, and worked at just about every rock station in town! He is perhaps best known for helping start WXRT-FM, and for his work at WKQX-FM, “The Loop” WLUP-FM, WCKG-FM, and others.  He is currently ‘Doin’ the Cruise” from 3p-7p at 95.9 “The River” WERV-FM in suburban Chicago, and has recently released a book of the same name: “Doin’ the Cruise: Memories From A Lifetime in Radio and Rock & Roll. With his longstanding run in the same major market, Mitch digs into how his job has evolved and reveals the ONE THING he feels is most important today for ANY on-air talent to remain relevant tomorrow.  His insights might surprise you. Complete show notes: www.brandwidthondemand.com  

Ever have a radio station change their name for you? That's exactly what 94.5 KTI country did after revealing that Milwaukee country radio mainstay Karen Dalessandro was switching dial positions.  Her new station is so happy to have her that they have renamed the station “94-5 KAREN COUNTRY” in a series of ads, including TV and outdoor. Clearly, Karen is a modern-day renaissance pro.  She’s done voice-over and on-camera work for advertising agencies, worked in theater and comedy improv, and was even a TV entertainment reporter for Milwaukee’s FOX-TV affiliate. As longtime morning host at Milwaukee’s leading country radio station, she is now hosting afternoons on rival “KTI Country” and serving as WKTI Music Director. In sharing her journey she offers some tips for deciding whether you're ready to lead a large market morning show, and importantly, what it takes to KEEP a show on top for almost two decades.    Having been in the enviable position of "hiring her next boss", Karen describes what are some of

For many who work in rock radio, Cleveland is like Mecca! It's home to thehttps://www.rockhall.com/ ( Rock & Roll Hall of Fame), and legendary rock radio stations, like WMMS where Slats worked earlier in his career.    After serving at a number of great places like Nashville, Florida and other warmer climates, it was not the weather, but his love of Classic Rock and knowledge of the market that made him a natural choice for a return to Cleveland and WNCX.    Slats discusses how the job of morning radio host is changing and shares solid tips for handling that evolution.   He also offers some candid insights on what traits help him determine a good program director or manager.   Slats has been nominated for any number of industry awards and was named Billboard Magazine rock personality of the year and both rock personality of the year And air personality & music director of the year by FMQB.    Now his business card says “Just the Morning Guy” for 98.5 WNCX – Cleveland’s Classic Rock. and we're proud to wel

LADONA HARVEY is known in industry circles as the outspoken co-Host of San Diego's Morning News on market leader KOGO, Her background includes DJ stints in a variety of formats, excelling in markets like Flagstaff, Phoenix and a number of radio stations in Southern California. LaDona then moved into information, investing a decade as news anchor before making the transition to Talk show host and now, morning co-host on a market-leading News/Talk Station. She shares some important ways in which she’s seeing how the role of on-air host is evolving, tips for earning a slot at a bigger station or market, and insights on how to move beyond ‘surviving’ the ‘thriving’ in the new media normal. Show Notes and Bonus Content: www.brandwidthondemand.com  

Cadillac Jack will be marking his 25th year with Atlanta’s KICKS 101.5 in March.  He joined the station as evening host of “Crying, Loving or Leaving” when he was just 20 years-old.  After years as afternoon host on KICKS, Cadillac Jack was cast as the anchor of morning drive in 2005. He’s co-hosted with a number of talented performers, including Dallas McCade who moved to middays with a promotion to KICKS Music Director, and now “Cadillac Jack with Ali Mac” are at the morning helm. Caddy (as he is called in casual circles), has dabbled in television – appearing as TV news report “Ted Philips” on ABC’s “Hope and Faith” and also won an Emmy Award for hosting ABC’s “The Road to the CMA Music Festival.” In this episode, he shares the ONE piece of advice that has been most helpful to him along the way.  He also offers some invaluable advice for people wishing to follow his lead into the major markets, including tips to being noticed by the right people! For those coaching winning talent, he also shares some ‘do

Our second season is starting as a year of ‘firsts”.  Our first confab coverage (Morning Show Boot Camp), and this time, our first ‘dual guest’ episode. Fred Jacobs is well known as one of radio’s leading visionaries. His JACOBS MEDIA created the Classic Rock format and with the initiation of the annual benchmark Jacobs Tech Surve, he’s been acclaimed as a pioneer in the connected car movement,  and overseen the growth of their JACApps division. Steven Goldstein is recognized as a thought leader in audio programming, marketing and management. His track record of success spans virtually every major radio format for some of the nation's top broadcasting companies. He was a co-founding partner in Saga Communications, serving as Executive Vice President and Group PD from  986 until 2015, when he founded AMPLIFI MEDIA.   Now these two have teamed up again for what could be a real game changer in bringing radio back into the home…with a new venture called Sonic AI.  Their goal: teach YOU the ‘skills’ to make sur