The Kellar Radio Talent Institute at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, marks its fourth year with several milestones. The Institute has received partial sponsorship from the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters (NCAB) for the 2010 program, held July 12 -21. The NCAB is one of the top associations for broadcasters in the nation in terms of legislative victories, education, services, benefits and legal assistance.
This year also marks the first year that the Institute is accepting students from other colleges and universities. In prior years only Appalachian State students were admitted. In addition, the Institute will have its largest number of guest professional faculty, totaling 32.
The Kellar Radio Talent Institute was created in 2007 by industry veteran and founder of Vallie•Richards•Donovan Consulting, Dan Vallie. The Institute’s mission is to attract, train and coach talented students who have a passion for the broadcast industry as well as possible ownership. The program has received rave reviews from industry professionals and program graduates.
“Now as we are about to hold our fourth Radio Institute, it’s as apparent as it was the first year that there are many talented, intelligent and well-rounded young adults that aspire to be in radio,” said Vallie. “They come with enthusiasm, questions, ideas and a developing passion for the business. I’m thrilled the NCAB is sponsoring the Institute this year. These students/young broadcasters will benefit greatly. It’s just one more indication of how the successful professionals in our industry have an altruistic heart regarding helping young people get into the business, as well as their grasp of the vision of this talent farm system and seeing this as an investment in the future of our industry.”
Graduates of the Institute are now working for CBS Charlotte at Kiss; B93.7 Greenville, SC, for Entercom; Capitol in Wilmington, NC; Clear Channel WBBQ in Augusta, GA; WKZL Greensboro/Winston- Salem; CNN Atlanta; one has started his own syndicated sports show in Charlotte; and others are working in television on air and in production.
Seventeen students have been accepted into this year’s Institute held on the campus of Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. Some of the guest faculty include Don Anthony, Founder/President, Talentmasters, Publisher, The Morning Mouth Magazine, Creator and Host of Morning Show Boot Camp and Talk Show Boot Camp, Atlanta, GA; Jim Barroll, News Director, WBT, Greater Media, Charlotte, NC; Dwight Douglas, Vice President/ Marketing, RCS, Media Monitors, and Mediabase, White Plains, NY; DZL, Air Talent, 106.5 WEND FM, Charlotte, NC; Ardie Gregory, Vice President and General Manager, WRAL-FM, Capitol Broadcasting, Raleigh, NC; Dave Goren, Executive Director, National Sportscasters & Sportswriters Association, Salisbury, NC; Dick Harlow, Vice President and Market Manager, WRDU,WDCG, WKSL, WRVA, Clear Channel Radio, Raleigh, NC; Lisa Mckay, Program Director/On-Air Talent, WQDR-94.7 FM, Curtis Media, Raleigh, NC; Chase Murphy, Program Director/On Air Talent, B93.7 and Magic 98.9/WFBC FM and WSPA FM, Entercom Radio, Greenville, SC; and Gary Weiss, Regional Vice President, Raleigh/Charlotte/Richmond, K 97.5/Foxy 107-104/The Light 103.9, Radio One, Inc., Raleigh-Durham, NC.
In addition to their sessions on the Appalachian campus, the students will travel to Charlotte, NC, to Charlotte Motor Speedway, Bank of America Stadium and Time Warner Arena. Sessions will be taught by Doug Rice, president and general manager of Performance Racing Network; Mick Mixon, play-by-play announcer for the Carolina Panthers; Scott Lauer, play-by-play announcer for the Charlotte Bobcats; and Michael Thompson, director of corporate communications for the Charlotte Bobcats.
Also highlighting the Institute is a live broadcast by The Murphy in the Morning Show from WKZL Greensboro/Winston-Salem on Friday, July 16, from 6 to 9 a.m.
