Is Consolidation In Radio’s Forecast, And Could Indies Be Threatened?

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On September 23, the Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals tossed out media ownership rules that had been approved by the FCC in 2017.


Will that ruling impact the possibility of further radio deregulation? If so, how? What’s the take from the independent and small-market side of the dial, where such change has always been anticipated to potentially have the greatest effect?

A Forecast session moderated by RAB President/CEO Erica Farber tackles these questions.


Forecast 2020
November 20, 2019
Harvard Club
New York

While some think that any hand-wringing is premature, others are expressing concern that the chances for what many believe is much-needed relief have now been greatly diminished.

The time could not be better for hearing from those who have placed their bets on smaller markets. What’s their game plan, whatever the regulatory outcome? And what lessons can bigger companies learn from these deeply committed and experienced broadcasters who know how to turn challenges into opportunities at every turn? As the industry looks to a 2020 filled with economic uncertainty and thoughts of recession in the back of many minds, the independent and small-market operators’ ability to nimbly act on opportunities, experiment and innovate, and play a winning hand could provide a roadmap for the industry at large.


#FORECAST 2020

Register now by clicking here!

MODERATOR

Erica Farber is president and CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau, leading radio’s advocacy efforts by helping to drive business, grow advertising revenue, and communicate radio’s digital transition. Farber joined the organization in January 2012 as executive vice president, responsible for membership, services, and professional development. During a 15-year tenure at Radio & Records, Farber held positions including COO, president, publisher, and CEO. She has held nearly every position in radio sales & management, including rising through the ranks at the Interep companies to EVP/radio development director. During the early years of her career she held positions at KRTH-FM, KABC-TV, and KIIS-AM in Los Angeles; her radio management career grew quickly when she was appointed GSM and GM at WROR-FM/Boston in the same year. Her success led to an appointment as VP/GM of WXLO-FM (99X)/New York, in her 20s.
PANELISTS:
Jonathan Brewster is CEO of Cherry Creek Media, a Denver-based company operating radio 50 stations in 10 medium and small markets across the Western U.S. A 35-year radio veteran, Brewster is committed to building high- performance cultures that attract, train, and retain top sales, programming, and management talent. For the last two decades, he has concentrated on radio’s transition to a multi-platform enterprise. Before Cherry Creek Media, Brewster held sales and management positions in Boston; Tampa,; Stamford, Connecticut; and Augusta, Georgia. Most recently he served 11 years as SVP Southeastern Region for Qantum Communications, managing up to 35 stations. Brewster currently serves on the board of the Radio Advertising Bureau and the NAB’s Small and Medium Market Radio Committee.
Kristin Cantrell is owner and CEO of 7 Mountains Media. Born in Annapolis, Maryland, to a TV dance show host and his wife, she lived in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, and Georgia before landing in Kentucky. Frankfort, Ky., is the final stop on a whirlwind tour through a fulfilling radio career, spanning 32 years and roles from DJ to corporate trainer and everything in between. Cantrell is currently the owner and operator of five radio stations in Central Kentucky and 42 radio stations in Pennsylvania and New York, broadcasting over 20 uniquely handcrafted formats, with live and local programming and content.
Tomás Martinez is CEO and owner of Solmart Media, responsible for all management aspects of the company’s three rural Southwest Florida stations: WZSP-FM, WZZS-FM and WTMY-AM. Martinez has been involved in the radio industry for more than three decades. He earlier spent three years as GM and COO of Actualidad Media Group in Miami, managing four stations, and before that he was associated for 10 years with Prisa Radio as general manager of Radio Caracol Miami. While there he executed a power upgrade from 5,000 to 50,000 watts and secured the rights to the Miami Dolphins and the Soccer World Cup. He has also run the Miami and New York properties for the Radio Unica network.
Kevin Perry is president and CEO of Perry Publishing & Broadcasting Company. Perry Publishing & Broadcasting comprises a a statewide Oklahoma newspaper, The Black Chronicle, and 20 radio stations throughout the United States. He is a native of Oklahoma City, a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, and a proud second generation of the family broadcasting/media business. Perry has served on many corporate and civic boards, but his true passion and commitment is to the communities the media company serves.