In the midst of the two day Arbitron Client Conference, PD’s from around the country are probably sitting in on a panel discussion and learning about the latest in radio technology or marketing methods as we speak. Yesterday, as Clear Channel Media & Entertainment Senior Vice President of Urban Programming, Doc Wynter welcomed attendees and shared his thoughts on the current state of Urban radio, those in attendance seemed to be genuinely enthused about this year’s conference.
With topics ranging from PPM metrics that drive revenue, social media for urban broadcasters, to Skip Dillard of WBLS, Jason Kidd of WPGC, and Jay Stevens of Radio-One discussing the most important trends and challenges facing urban radio stations today, the day was filled with information and insight that seemed to resonate well the radio veterans and rookies gathered at the Westin Hotel in Annapolis, Maryland. If that wasn’t enough to get them going, at least the room full of PD’s got to preview Marsha Ambrosius’ new single, “Cold War.” And to her delight, the reviews on the new song, were pretty damn good coming out of that room. Speaking of the room, here are few words of wisdom that were shared yesterday.
Here a few “jewels’ from yesterday’s panels.
“New hires aren’t groomed in overnights anymore. Most radio hiring is in digital department.” – Skip Dillard (PD of WBLS)
” Consider how listeners want their music and content as well as what content and music they really want.” – Doc Wynter (Clear Channel)
” Experiment strategically. Measure changes book to book and year to year.” – Doc Wynter (Clear Channel)
” It’s an ADD society. You have to make sure at any given time you are playing the biggest possible song.” – Jason Kidd (PD of WPGC)
” EVERYONE in radio get involved in the sales process, directly or indirectly.” – Erica Faber (Executive VP of RAB)
“Demonstrate activity/involvement of your audience; it’s important to advertisers.” – Erica Faber (Executive VP of RAB)
“The four biggest media buying companies no longer have radio departments. They now call it the “audio department.”” -Erica Faber (Executive VP of RAB)
” When you open the mic you have to be concise. In social media you have more time to tell your story” – Jacquelyn Bullerman (Arbitron Digital Marketing Manager)
Day one was definitely one filled with a non-apologetic approach to looking at the current state of radio so we will see what day two has to offer.
