Deep Background
I got my first job as a radio DJ in ’64, just before my junior year in high school. In ’67, I was hired for my first Program Director position at age 18. I served as PD, air talent and station manager in twelve diverse markets prior to starting my consulting business in 1981, serving CHR, A/C and Country stations. With growing successes at my Country clients, I soon shifted to focus exclusively on the Country format.
In the mid-80s, I pioneered the Hot Country format when I began advising my clients to make two significant formatting moves: 1) Increase the tempo. 2) Play more Currents. What seemed radical at the time, immediately produced ratings success.
A report about my formatting tactics, “Repositioning Country Radio” was published in ‘91. More than two hundred managers and program directors purchased the report and it served as a basic game plan for the Hot Country movement that swept across radio in the late 80s and early 90s.
I designed the first (and only) music scheduling software for the Macintosh computer which was released in 1987. Technologically advanced for its time, it was a commercial dud for lack of expensive Macs in radio stations. The Mac design was copied and re-written as Music 1™, the first scheduler for Windows was released in 1994. The Mac-based scheduler was then retired. The innovative M1 scheduler is now installed in broadcast and webcast stations around the world.
“The Programming Operations Manual” which I authored and self-published is a step by step “how to” about music radio programming and formatting. The book has been purchased by 4000 broadcasters in the U. S. and around the world.
I’ve often written about the technical, strategic and philosophical aspects of radio programming. My articles have appeared in all major trade publications. I’m experienced in all standard radio research methodologies; focus group, one-on-one interviews, questionnaires, call-out, etc.
From jingles to TV production, billboard and bumper sticker design, telemarketing to direct mail, I’ve been involved in every aspect of radio programming and marketing.