The idea of consolidating the radio rep business by having multiple national reps operating under a single corporate umbrella dates back to 1980, when Ralph Guild created Interep. Of course, his career as a radio rep went back much further, to when he and Daren McGavren created McGavren Guild Radio in the 1950s. RBR/TVBR sought comment on Interep’s demise from Guild, who retired as CEO in early 2007.
“Interep revolutionized the radio ad-sales business. Our employees can take pride in their contribution to our great success over the past 50 years. But all the collective talent and energy at Interep cannot change the fact that we are in a new era for national radio sales.
Interep thrived when competition between two leading rep companies drove the greatest real growth in the industry’s history. Balanced competition made our people thrive. It is not at all clear that the industry will ever see the same measure of growth if one dominant company, regardless of ownership, operates without the bracing effect of a vigorous competitor.
It is my sincere hope that some form of market supervision provides opportunities for new companies to bring innovative solutions and creativity to an industry that runs on new ideas. The power of new ideas – and the inspiration and opportunity they provide to talented industry professionals – is Interep’s legacy,” Guild said in a statement to RBR/TVBR.
