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The annual RADIO SHOW sponsored by the
National Association of Broadcasters was held last week
(10-6th-8th) in San Diego. I know because I WAS THERE!!! For
those of you who have not attended an NAB convention it is
full of friendships, business, and surprises!!! And there
are always hotel lobby whispers of supposedly secret
dealings of some sort. Listed below is some of the action.
The number one topic of conversation was Stern to Sirius!!!
What does it mean to terrestrial radio? That was the
question of day one.
Also, in the world of financing radio stations the hedge
fund people were there for the first time along with
traditional lenders. The hedge pitch was to prospective
buyers suggesting they could do major financing….with a much
better deal than the traditional guys. Their projections
caught a lot of broadcasters attention…including mine!!!
This was also a major discussion point on day one.
Some of the lobby whispers included at least two medium size
groups buying additional properties…to be announced soon. I
know who they are but my lips are sealed!!! I was told by
the buyers in confidence.
There were many panels with experts to describe current
radio events and what the future looks like. Every possible
subject was tackled. Examples are appropriate spot loads,
electronic inventory, indecency, hiring and training
employees, etc. I was on a panel called “Consultant free for
all”. The moderator was Mike McVay of McVay Media. My job
was to describe what a general managers role is today….after
consolidation…as compared to before consolidation. I listed
three areas that the new general managers needed to
address….how to deal with less promotion money, “local,
local, local” and how ordinary citizens can give concrete
advice as to how to improve audience recruitment and
movement of an advertisers product.
In the exhibit area I noticed that The Media Audit display
was as large as that of Arbitron. I spent some time with
Robert Jordan who co-founded The Media Audit over thirty
years ago. I will be having lunch with him in Houston (their
headquarters) on October 28th, to gain more information so I
can write a column about the company. For a preview check
their site for details.
I was pleased to spend quite a bit of time with Gary Burns,
formerly a consultant for Burkhart/Abrams. He is a station
owner in Lynchburg, and recently sold his North Carolina
properties. He approaches ownership in a very specific
way…keeping expenses steady, and growing the top line
rapidly. He is a smart guy. All broadcasters can learn from
him.
I was frequently behind closed doors and in open café’s with
brokers and bankers. The whispers were hardly audible. I
heard some interesting conversations (confidential) from
some bright new people.
To list all the friends I saw would take too to much print.
It was great seeing them again.
Next years Radio Show will be in Philadelphia in the fall.
You should make plans to attend. It is worth the cost and
effort!!!!
e-mail Kent
kent@kentburkhart.com
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