Artist, Producer Stories Come Together For Radio Centennial Series

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A new series from a major artists’ rights group, the company behind HD Radio technology and one of the nation’s top radio broadcasting companies, produced in partnership by Benztown, will put the spotlight on 100 years of “hit makers” in celebration of the first century of audio broadcasts.


Introducing “100 Years of Hit Makers,” a series from Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), Beasley Media Group, and Xperi’s HD Radio tied to a year-long campaign to celebrate the 100th anniversary of what is considered by many to be “the first commercial radio broadcast in the U.S.” from a continuously licensed radio station, KDKA-AM 1020 in Pittsburgh.

Broadcasts from radio stations in Los Angeles, Detroit and San Jose-San Francisco predate the KDKA debut on Election Night 1920.

The series takes acclaimed songwriters from the country, rock, and R&B/hip-hop genres and offers a behind the scenes glimpse into the writing of their hit songs. Among the writers included in the series are John Oates, Ed Roland of Collective Soul, producer Jesse Frasure (Thomas Rhett, Old Dominion), and songwriter Daniel Tashian (Josh Turner).

Also in the mix: up-and-coming writers from the three genres. “These acclaimed music creators will take audiences behind the scenes and into the writing rooms with stories of how their hit songs were created,” the groups behind “100 Years of Hitmakers” say.

The special will air on 33 Beasley Media Group radio stations, as well as on demand at the microsite www.bbgi.com/hitmakers.

“Radio has never been more important as a source of information, breaking news, and entertainment, than it is today,” said Joe D’Angelo, Xperi’s Sr. VP of Radio, who sat with RBR+TVBR for an InFOCUS Podcast set for distribution on Sept. 22. “Xperi’s HD Radio is proud to continue its mission of amplifying consumers’ enjoyment of radio as it moves into its next 100 years. We are delighted to join BMI and Beasley Media Group to celebrate this radio milestone with some of the most exciting songwriters and hitmakers making music today.”

Mason Hunter, Asst. VP of Creative at BMI Nashville, adds, “Songwriting and the radio have been deeply intertwined throughout the last century. Songs find new life on the radio and we’re honored to help elevate the significant connection between the art of songwriting and radio in this series.”

Why this offering as a celebration of radio’s centennial?

“Many of us in radio, including myself, pursued a career in broadcasting because of our passion for music,” Beasley Media Group Chief Content Officer Justin Chase explained. “As we celebrate the centennial of radio, it is an honor to be part of such a great tribute to the hit makers who have helped shape the course of the entertainment business throughout the last 100 years.”

Benztown provided all on-air post-production for the campaign.