CONVENTION HIGHTLIGHTS
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Giuliani Leads The Way At R&R Convention 2003 (continued)

“We were slow to recognize the problem,” Hogan said, “but now we’re very focused on talking about all of the great things radio does.” He added that community service efforts at stations are “so ingrained, we fail to publicize it.”

One independent promoter — Maurice Warfield, who called himself a “casualty” of consolidation in the music industry since layoffs at labels forced him to go solo — stood up at the session and challenged all five group heads to explain how records marketed by independent promoters can get on the air with the recent practice companies like Clear Channel and Cox have adopted of severing ties with indie promoters.
Hogan stood by his company’s policy of dealing directly with labels, but said that doesn’t mean the music Warfield promotes won’t get played on Clear Channel stations. Indeed, Hogan and Warfield were seen chatting after the session.

Meanwhile, Dickey said his company’s centralization of the promotions process actually makes it easier for indies. “You don’t need to talk to 268 radio stations,” Dickey said. “You just need to make one phone call. And then you have access to 268 radio stations. And if your product is worthy and solid and can add value to our programming lineup, then you will be heard and you will be played.”

NextMedia has a similar approach, with a VP/Programming who deals with indies. “It’s one-stop shopping,” Weller said. “We can work with independents, and I think we’re open. If we’re not, phone me.”

And Smulyan added, “Emmis has never had hard and fast rules. Our job is to find the best product we can find.”

Execs Stress Need To Go Digital

“As all media becomes digital,” Dickey said of the effect digital technology will have on the radio industry, “it will become a requisite for our industry to stay relevant.” Dickey said that while penetration of the technology will take five to 10 years, “once it happens it will be wonderful for our business,” to which Smulyan added, “In the digital world, we don’t want to be the only ones still using analog.”

Field agreed and pointed out that while HD Radio developer iBiquity’s technology will allow stations to pursue new revenue streams, what’s important is making sure radio stays relevant. “Every media must evolve into the new world,” Field said.

20 Years Of Z100

At June 20’s CHR/Pop panel, R&R paid tribute to 20 Years of WHTZ (Z100)/New York. During its 20 years, Z100 has only had three PDs; two of them, Scott Shannon and Tom Poleman, were on hand to reminisce.
Shannon noted that the basics were key to the station’s success and joked that while he started out as a disc jockey he decided to double as PD so he could tell himself what to do. Shannon also stressed that PDs should be teachers and coaches.

Poleman, who took over in 1996 when Z100 was down to a 12+ low of 2.6, said then-owner AMFM almost considered changing the name and call letters of Z100 as the station had moved in a near-Alternative direction and away from its CHR/Pop roots. Ultimately, Poleman said, they went back to Z100’s roots, and the station has successfully rebounded since.

Additional reporting by Anthony Acampora, Keith Berman, Brida Connolly, Frank Correia, Jeff Green, Joe Howard, Adam Jacobson, Kevin McCabe and Al Peterson.

® 2004 Radio & Records, Inc.