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Cut Out These Words To Speak Clearly

Radio+Television Business Report - Fri, 03/22/2024 - 12:00
When you speak, are you clear, concise, and confident? In this column, public speaking professional Rosemary Ravinal explores the impact of “these seemingly innocuous words and how their casual use might unintentionally dilute the power of your words and the way you are perceived.”

 

By Rosemary Ravinal

Like it or not, we judge other people by the way they speak. Is the person clear, concise, and confident? Or are they long-winded, disorganized, and caught in a verbal maze of unnecessary words?

One telltale sign of the latter is the bad habit of using words that clutter and confuse instead of magnifying the meaning of your message. Words such as actuallyreally, and like often find their way into your speech, acting as linguistic accessories that can weaken your communication.

English has an arsenal of features of speech that don’t directly contribute to meaning.  You may know them as those pesky filler words, e.g. um, ah, you know.  Add the words actuallyreally, and like to the list. Linguists call them discourse markers which signal to the listener the organization, structure, or direction of a conversation. They help to convey the speaker’s attitude and indicate relationships between ideas.

There are good discourse markers such as those that enumerate (rank and order) ideas: firstfinally, and in conclusion. There are useful causation (why) markers that amplify statements:  becausesinceas a result, and therefore. And there are those that obscure your intended meaning.

Let’s explore the impact of these seemingly innocuous words and how their casual use might unintentionally dilute the power of your words and the way you are perceived.

There are approximately 170,000 unique English-language words in current use, yet the average person uses between 20,000 to 40,000 of them. Being aware of your language choices is the first step towards more effective communication. By consciously selecting words that align with your intended tone and message, you can communicate with greater clarity and authority.

Here’s why you should use the trio of weak words sparingly:

The illusion of precision.

The words actually, really, and like are often used to add emphasis or provide clarification. While they may seem harmless, their overuse can create the illusion of uncertainty. Consider the sentence, “I actually enjoyed the movie.” The use of actually suggests an unexpected element but also implies that the speaker’s enjoyment was somehow surprising. This can undermine the straightforward expression of opinions and dilute the strength of the statement. Say “I enjoyed the movie” to express your sentiment more confidently.

Or the use of the adverb actually can gloss over a lack of knowledge or accuracy. Question: “How many units have you sold in the last year? Answer: “We actually sold one million units.” The response may prompt the listener to doubt the validity of the number. The word actually isn’t important to the answer. Why not say:  “We sold one million units?”

The casual overuse of like.

Like has become a ubiquitous filler word in contemporary speech, especially among Gen Z and younger generations. Educators and parents fret that the overuse of like among teenagers makes them sound uneducated and will affect their success in the future. It’s tempting to use like when expressing uncertainty, approximation, or even a pause in conversation. But the frequent and unnecessary habit of the word can make communication sound informal and lack merit. It’s essential to be mindful of its usage to ensure your words carry the weight they deserve.

Perceived lack of thought.

When used excessively, really may dilute the meaning of a statement. It often serves as an intensifier, but if everything is described as really something, it can become unclear, and exaggerated, and make your speech sound less polished. “Our financial performance last quarter was really great.” Why not say, “Our financial performance last quarter was exceptional.” If someone consistently uses really (put very in the same category) without offering substantial content or depth to their statements, it might give the impression that they haven’t put much thought into what they’re saying or are unsure about their information.

To strengthen communication, choose words that add value to our sentences, and work towards more precise and confident expression. Analyze your own speaking and observe if you use these words often. If you do, then create a mental alarm or ask friends and colleagues to keep you in check so you don’t inadvertently lose credibility and authority when you speak.

 

This column originally appeared at RosemaryRavinal.com.

Rosemary Ravinal

Contact Rosemary Ravinal for details on public speaking training programs or one-on-one coaching services in any of the following areas, in both English and Spanish:

 

  • Public Speaking
  • Media Readiness
  • Presentation Skills

info@rosemaryravinal.com

Categories: Industry News

New York Festivals TV & Film Awards Announces 2024 Shortlist

Radio+Television Business Report - Fri, 03/22/2024 - 01:29

 The New York Festivals®(NYF) 2024 TV & Film Awards announced this year’s New York Festival’s Storytellers Gala Shortlist.

The 2024 TV & Film Awards received entries across 14 category groups from entries submitted from 5 continents.

Impressive and engaging content created by storytellers and filmmakers from around the world was judged online by NYF’s TV & Film Awards Grand Jury panel. The TV & Film Awards Shortlist entries includes content in primetime entertainment, documentaries, investigative journalism, sports coverage, promos, streaming media, and brand image films.

For 2024, compelling Nonfiction and Documentary work led the way achieving Shortlist status. View the 2024 TV & Film Awards Shortlist.

Nonfiction and Documentaries created by prominent storytellers and networks from around the globe advanced: Uncovering Hitler’s Failed Putsch of 1923 (Loopfilm GmbH), Spike Milligan: The Unseen Archive  (Yeti Television), Life Among Lions El Rey De La Sabana (Story Producciones)Wes Bound: The Genius of Wes Montgomery  (Jukeboxer Productions), Virgilio (House of Chef), B1G Trip: Iowa Women’s Basketball in Europe (Big Ten Network), Anne-Sophie Mutter VIVACE (SWR), The Kardashians: Billion Dollar Dynasty (All3Media International), Yankees-Dodgers: An Uncivil War (ESPN), Paula Murphy: Undaunted (Fox Sports Network), 52 Documentary (Voice of America), ISSEY MIYAKE: The Human Inside the Clothes (NHK), Painting Through Pain | Cyberbullying halted K-pop icon, Solbi’s Career (Voice of America), London’s Super Tunnel (Windfall Productions), The Atom Araullo Specials: Child’s Game (GMA Network, Inc.), Gold Mafia – The Laundry Service (Al Jazeera), Lift The Ice (Beach House Pictures  Pte Ltd.), Australia’s Wild Odyssey (Wild Pacific Media), Paula Murphy: Undaunted (Fox Sports Network), The Exiles (Mediacorp Pte Ltd), The Food Crisis (Red Sky Film & Television  Ltd), Putin vs the West: At War (Brook Lapping – Zinc Media Group), Earthrise – The Case for the Climate (Al Jazeera English) and 101 East: Mining The Pacific Ocean (Al Jazeera Network).

Entertainment captivated viewers in multiple genres. Shortlisted content includes Drama, Mystery, Comedy, Crime Drama, Culinary, Children’s, Mini-Series, Telenovela, and Variety. Entries advancing include Three Little Birds (Banijay), Annika (Series 2) (All3Media International), A Capitol Fourth 2023 (Capital Concerts), The Swarm (German Television ZDF), Mitateru-phose: Let’s Change Perspectives! (NHK), CODEX 632 (SPi, S.A.), Be My Guest and Pioneer Woman (Pacific Television), After The Party (Lingo Pictures), Papás por encargo S02 (The Walt Disney Company LATAM), Dr. Cha (SLL), Gordon Ramsay’s Future Food Stars (All3Media International), Revenant (SBS), and Toy Story Funday Football (ESPN).

Promo entries from top-tier global companies advanced including Showtime, Movistar+, TV Globo, France Télévisions, Rai Radiotelevisione italiana, The Walt Disney Company, Europe & Africa, and beIN Sports Asia Pte Limited.

View the 2024 TV & Film Awards Shortlist.

Corporate Image shined a spotlight on prominent brands. Companies shortlisted include The Edge Picture Company (a Zinc Media Group company), DRPG, Kaleidoscope Productions, Aramco, BBC Studios Distribution Limited, CTi22 Films, Swiss Life AG, and Media Zoo Ltd.).

For 2024 New York Festivals will award the annual WaterBear Award, a prestigious award that honors the highest scoring documentary across the Climate Change & Sustainability, Environment & Ecology, and Nature & Wildlife categories. WaterBear Network’s CEO Ellen Windemuth, TV & Film Awards Advisory Board and Executive Producer of My Octopus Teacher will select the winner of this exclusive award.

New York Festivals will announce the TV & Film Awards competition’s winning entries at the 2024 Storytellers Gala virtual event on April 16h at 6PM EDT. The virtual event will include featured global audio and video highlights, award winners’ acceptance speeches from around the world, and up-close and personal spotlights featuring some of radio and television’s most respected storytellers.

Award-winning entries for 2024 will be showcased in the TV & Film Awards winners gall

Categories: Industry News

Radio Broadcasting Services; Various Locations

Federal Register: FCC (Broadcasting) - Fri, 03/22/2024 - 00:00
This document amends the Table of FM Allotments, of the Federal Communications Commission's (Commission) rules, by reinstating certain channels as a vacant FM allotment in various communities. The FM allotments were previously removed from the FM Table because a construction permit and/or license was granted. These FM allotments are now considered vacant because of the cancellation of the associated FM authorizations or the dismissal of long-form auction FM applications. A staff engineering analysis confirms that all of the vacant FM allotments complies with the Commission's regulations. The window period for filing applications for these vacant FM allotments will not be opened at this time. Instead, the issue of opening these allotments for filing will be addressed by the Commission in subsequent order.

Pleadings

FCC Media Bureau News Items - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 21:00
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Actions

FCC Media Bureau News Items - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 21:00
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Mission Broadcasting, Inc. Licensee of Station WPIX, New York, NY; Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture

FCC Media Bureau News Items - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 21:00
FCC issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture finding that Mission Broadcasting, Inc., and Nexstar Media Group, Inc., apparently violated the Commission's TV ownership rules with regards to station WPIX, New York, NY.

Applications

FCC Media Bureau News Items - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 21:00
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FCC Chair, Top GOP Commissioner Chime In On Nexstar Fine

Radio+Television Business Report - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 19:15

The top Republican vote-maker at the FCC says he will take an open mind as the FCC reviews the record in response to a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture alleging Nexstar Media Group and Mission Broadcasting ran afoul of the National Ownership Cap and engaged in a de facto transfer of control putting Nexstar in control of WPIX-11 in New York.

In particular, he’s concerned about facts that apparently emerged after the relevant FCC approvals tied to WPIX seen in 2019 and 2020.

At the same time, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel offered a statement that was brief but blunt as to what the Commission is claiming.

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Categories: Industry News

FCC Presents Nexstar With Huge Fines, Divestiture Options

Radio+Television Business Report - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 18:59

While Nexstar Media Group vehemently disagrees, the FCC has determined that the company founded and led by Chairman/CEO Perry Sook and the independently owned company it provides services to — Mission Broadcasting — “have committed apparent willful and repeated violations of the Act and the Rules, and are apparently liable for their respective violations in two areas.”

As such, the FCC has given the nation’s No. 1 licensee of broadcast TV stations two divestiture options under which Mission and Nexstar can remedy the matter.

Oh, there are also proposed forfeitures for each company “tailored to their apparent violations.” Nexstar is being asked to pay upward of $1.2 million in fines.

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Categories: Industry News

‘FOX 6 Milwaukee’ Ups O’Neil To Top Sales Role

Radio+Television Business Report - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 18:59

Mike Neale, VP/General Sales Manager for FOX Television Stations’ owned-and-operated property serving Wisconsin’s largest market, is retiring in June.

Who is succeeding him at WITI-6 in Milwaukee is now known.

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Categories: Industry News

Nexstar To ‘Vigorously’ Dispute FCC Ownership Violation Claim

Radio+Television Business Report - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 17:58

The FCC late Thursday handed Nexstar Media Group a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture for what the Commission believes is the company’s de facto control of Mission Broadcasting-owned WPIX-11 in New York. 

Nexstar Chairman/CEO Perry Sook immediately responded by noting that the company is “extremely disappointed” in the Commission’s action and that the company intends to dispute it “vigorously.”

More details soon and in the Weekend Edition of the RBR+TVBR Afternoon Headlines E-mail

Categories: Industry News

A Golden Celebration in Gotham At NBC New York

Radio+Television Business Report - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 16:24

He’s been reporting for NBC since 1974 and is a fixture in the New York Tri-State Area’s local TV news scene. Now, Chuck Scarborough is being honored for his 50 years on the air at WNBC-TV.

All week long, special tributes to Scarborough will be seen.

Scarborough’s time in New York began on March 25, 1974, when he anchored WNBC’s local news from Studio 6B in 30 Rockefeller Center – the current home of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

Before that, Scarborough, a U.S. Air Force veteran, served as an anchor reporter at WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg, Miss.; WAGA-TV in Atlanta; and WNAC-TV in Boston. He began his career in the role of OM and news anchor for WLOX-TV in Biloxi, Miss.

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Scarborough began his television career as an anchor and operations manager at WLOX-TV in Biloxi, Mississippi. He was anchor/reporter for WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg, Mississippi; WAGA-TV in Atlanta and WNAC-TV in Boston.

“Chuck Scarborough is a giant in American journalism and the face of television news for generations of viewers, including me,” said Eric Lerner, President and General Manager of WNBC-TV. “He is also the longest serving television anchor in the largest, most prestigious television market in America – making his 50-year anniversary even more remarkable. This is a milestone that may never be broken and a wonderful testament to Chuck’s life-long passion for storytelling, his commitment to journalistic excellence and the deep admiration he holds among all of us.”

Amy Morris, who serves as SVP/News for WNBC-TV and sibling WNJU-47, added, “In a city defined by change, Chuck has been a constant force for truth and exceptional journalism. A half century after he walked into 30 Rock, he continues to lead by example, collaborating with the team and challenging everyone to make every newscast even better.”

At the microsite nbcnewyork.com/chuck one can find exclusive, archived video content from 1974 through the present of Scarborough’s reporting highlights. This includes video footage of Scarborough reporting aboard the now-retired Concorde jet, closing a 1980s newscast while “Taxi Dancing” at the Ziegfield Ballroom and covering the region’s biggest stories from 30 Rock and in the field.

Meanwhile, on Monday (3/25) at 10am Scarborough will join representatives from the Empire State Building and WNBC to “flip the switch” and light the Empire State Building in honor of his 50th anniversary. The special ceremony will be emceed by Scarborough’s 6pm co-anchor, Natalie Pasquarella. The ceremony will be streamed live on the station’s “NBC New York News” streaming channel.

On Thursday (3/28) at 7pm WNBC will air a 30-minute special tribute to Scarborough on the station’s over-the-air and digital platforms. Hosted by WNBC News Anchor David Ushery, “Chuck Scarborough’s 50th Anniversary” will look back at memorable moments from Scarborough’s 50-year career at WNBC. The broadcast special will also include interviews with Scarborough’s colleagues from the past and present.

At 11pm, Scarborough spent many years alongside Sue Simmons, the now-retired news anchor who joined WNBC in 1980 and exited in June 2012, when her contract was not renewed. It was the longest run for an anchor team in New York TV history.

Categories: Industry News

Soledad O’Brien To Receive Insight Award from NAB

Radio+Television Business Report - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 16:05

She’s the host of the Hearst Media Production Group-syndicated “Matter of Fact” public affairs series and is known for her skills as a podcaster for iHeartRadio, and as an anchor for CNN, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, and for NBC’s “Weekend TODAY.”

Soledad O’Brien is also an author and philanthropist, and at the 2024 NAB Show the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation will honor her achievements by bestowing its Insight Award during the conference and expo’s welcome session.

O’Brien will become the third recipient of the LABF Insight Award, which recognizes an individual or organization for an outstanding artistic or journalistic work or body of work that enhances the public’s understanding of the role, operation, history or impact of media in our society. Previous recipients include LeVar Burton and the long-running CBS news magazine 60 Minutes.

“Soledad O’Brien is an outstanding journalist and documentarian whose award-winning work represents the best of broadcasting,” said LABF Co-chairs Jack Goodman, the former NAB general counsel and longtime communications attorney, and Heidi Raphael, Beasley Media Group’s Chief Communications Officer. “We are excited to honor Soledad with the Library of American Broadcasting’s Insight Award at NAB Show. This honor is well-deserved, and we look forward to celebrating her incredible work.”

In 2011 O’Brien founded the PowHerful Foundation, which helps young women get to, and through, college. The foundation also holds regional mentoring conferences, which have reached thousands of young women across the country. In addition, O’Brien works with major foundations, such as the Ford Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to produce impactful and educational documentaries on topics like hunger, race and education.

Categories: Industry News

FCC Dismisses Another Rhode Island LPFM Application

Radio World - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 15:37

The FCC has dismissed an LPFM application in Newport, R.I., after an objection revealed the applicant’s status as a nonprofit in the state had been revoked.

Iglesia Cristiana de Jehova filed an application to broadcast on 104.7 FM from Newport in the December 2023 LPFM window. The organization sought to air religious programming, including Bible study sessions, to Newport on its signal. In its December application for a CP, the organization indicated it was a registered nonprofit in the state of Rhode Island.

Aaron Read, a longtime broadcast engineer in the state, filed an informal objection to the application at the end of December. He referenced the Rhode Island Secretary of State corporation search database, where Iglesia Cristiana de Jehova was marked as a revoked entity in June 2022 for “failure to maintain a registered office.” The FCC requires that an applicant claiming eligibility as a nonprofit must certify it is recognized under state law at the time its application is submitted.

This is the second successful objection Read has filed in Rhode Island related to the 2023 LPFM window.

In response to Read’s objection, Iglesia Cristiana de Jehova filed an amendment with the commission in February. It claimed the members listed on its application did not receive notice of the state’s revocation due to “relocation.” The organization updated its office address information with the state of Rhode Island and, as of Jan. 16 of this year, it is a registered nonprofit in the state.

But the commission sided with Read and granted his objection. It said that Iglesia Cristiana de Jehova did not provide any evidence that it was performing the functions of a nonprofit entity at the time of its original December application filing. “We have found that an organization is ineligible to hold an NCE license when its corporate status has lapsed, or the corporation has been administratively dissolved, by the relevant secretary of state for failure to make required filings,” the commission said.

The commission decided to dismiss Iglesia Cristiana de Jehova’s Newport LPFM application. The organization has 30 days to file a petition for reconsideration, which would include evidence that it continued to qualify as a “de facto nonprofit entity” in the state during its lapse period.

[Related: “FCC Announces 109 MX Groups From 2023 LPFM Window“]

The post FCC Dismisses Another Rhode Island LPFM Application appeared first on Radio World.

Categories: Industry News

EMF Goes Fishing For Hawaii, Nashville Homes With Salem Deal

Radio+Television Business Report - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 15:08

By Cameron Coats and Adam R Jacobson

Salem Media Group is leaving Music City and taking its “Fish” with it. At the same time, it is saying Aloha to O’ahu.

According to sale documents filed with the FCC, the multimedia Christian-themed broadcasting company that’s also home to conservative secular Talk stations and a Classic Hits FM in Honolulu is divesting its three Nashville signals carrying “The Fish” and its Hawaiian property that is also branded with the company’s Christian Contemporary Music format.

Who’s buying the Salem properties in Nashville and Honolulu? Educational Media Foundation, the parent of the nationally distributed KLOVE and Air1 CCM formats, with the latter focused on worship music.

A $7 million sale price was agreed upon, and it includes the tower for two of the three Nashville properties.

Pending FCC approval, EMF will become the parent of the following properties:

  • Class A WFFH-FM 94.1 in Smyrna, Tenn., covering the southern metropolitan area of Nashville
  • Class A WBOZ-FM 104.9 in Woodbury, Tenn., serving Murfreesboro and areas to the southeast of Smyrna
  • Class A WFFI-FM 93.7 in Kingston Springs, Tenn., covering western portions of greater Nashville
  • 100kw Class C KAIM-FM 95.5 in Honolulu

A $350,000 escrow deposit has been made and is being held by broker of record Jorgenson Broadcast Brokerage, led by veteran station trader Mark Jorgenson. Jorgenson represented Salem in the deal.

In Nashville, WBOZ, WFFH, and WFFI would join EMF’s Nashville-area WLVU-FM 97.1, licensed to Belle Meade, Tenn.; it is a KLOVE Member station. With EMF’s K-LOVE studios and offices now located nearby in Franklin, Tenn., EMF has yet to reveal how it will use the stations. W223BV at 92.5 MHz in Brentwood, Tenn., carries Air1. As such, Air1 could replace “The Fish” in Music City.

In O’ahu, the first commercial FM radio station in Hawaii and “The Fish” since 2000, Salem will remain the owner of six radio stations — including KKOL “Decades 107.9,” a secular offering.

EMF’s plans for KAIM? It could involve Air1, as KLUU-FM 103.5 is the home of KLOVE on O’ahu and K288FB at 105.5 MHz airs Air1.

 

Categories: Industry News

NAB Releases 2024 Election Toolkit for Broadcasters

Radio World - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 13:57

The National Association of Broadcasters has published its 2024 Election Toolkit for Broadcasters on its website. The resource is designed to provide both radio and TV outlets helpful tools as coverage ramps up toward Election Day on Nov. 5.

“When it comes to informing and motivating citizens, no platform is more trusted than broadcast television and radio,” the NAB said in a press release. “Local stations and broadcast networks serve a vital role in helping Americans appreciate the importance of exercising their right to participate in the democratic process.”

NAB’s Election Toolkit organized into five sections — each designed to assist with the spread of misinformation, help drive get-out-the-vote efforts and provide a framework to stations for covering local, state and federal elections.

Links to several fact-checking resources are included to assist with verifying claims. “Stations should exercise caution before relying on online information for news reports,” the NAB said in the toolkit’s “Informing Voters” section. “Train staff to better distinguish between accurate and inaccurate information online to ensure trustworthy news reports.”

Radio and TV PSAs to encourage voter participation are available for download in 30 and 15 second versions in both English and Spanish. The PSAs were produced in partnership with the League of Women Voters’ Vote411.org. Four different ready-to-read scripts for radio station on-air talent are also included in the toolkit.

Finally, the toolkit provides a section with examples of what broadcasters are currently doing to combat misinformation and emphasize trustworthy news reporting. Audacy’s Looped In: Chicago podcast series and iHeartMedia’s Philadelphia Community Podcast are among the examples mentioned.

“Research suggests only about a third of Americans believe the upcoming 2024 election will be both honest and open and nearly two-thirds believe that disinformation will influence the outcome,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt in the release. “Broadcasters’ trusted local journalism combats the overwhelming tide of misinformation and disinformation online, making our role in providing accurate information this election season more important than ever.”

The NAB is seeking additional examples of fact-checking projects, civic news coverage and voter education public service efforts from broadcasters. Send details via email to WeAreBroadcasters@nab.org, or broadcasters can tag @nabtweets on X and add the hashtag #WeAreBroadcasters.

(View the NAB’s 2024 Election Toolkit for Broadcasters.)

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The post NAB Releases 2024 Election Toolkit for Broadcasters appeared first on Radio World.

Categories: Industry News

The InFOCUS Podcast: Mary DelGrande

Radio+Television Business Report - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 13:30

In November 2019, Mary DelGrande joined vCreative as its Sr. VP/Sales, ahead of her promotion to Chief Executive Officer. With 30-plus years of experience, including 20 years at Premiere Networks, what excites this CEO of a media workflow software provider serving both Radio and Television as the second quarter of 2024 arrives?

DelGrande shares her thoughts and more in this InFOCUS Podcast, presented by dot.FM. From what she’s hoping to learn and share at this year’s NAB Show to how to attend the invitation-only Cocktails and Conversation reception scheduled for April 14 expressly for radio and television industry pros, it’s all here in this audio interview with RBR+TVBR Editor-in-Chief Adam R Jacobson.

The Cocktails and Conversation gathering is presented by Beasley Media Group, vCreative, Benztown, Quu, Xperi, Jacobs Media and Streamline Publishing’s Radio Ink and the Radio and Television Business Report.

Listen to “The InFOCUS Podcast: Mary DelGrande” on Spreaker.

Categories: Industry News

USSI Global Creates A CRO Role

Radio+Television Business Report - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 12:47

A turnkey provider of customized network, broadcast and digital signage systems and services has promoted from within to fill the newly role of Chief Revenue Officer.

She will oversee USSI Global’s sales, marketing, customer success and revenue operations.

Amanda Flynn will also be tasked with helping drive profitability for the company while building out its strategic plan for the coming years.

“This is an exciting time for USSI Global and a real opportunity for developing new revenue strategies,” Flynn said. “I’m also looking forward to continuing my work building new and existing customer relationships, because our customers are truly at the foundation of our success.”

Flynn started with USSI Global in 2008 working in business development, and was promoted to director of business development and customer relations in 2018. In 2021, she was promoted again, this time to vice president of customer relations, where she was focused growing the company’s Digital Signage and Electronic Business and Consumer Solutions.

“Amanda continues to provide incredible leadership for USSI Global,” said company CEO David Christiano. “She continues to educate new companies on our solutions. She’s the perfect person to lead our revenue strategies and align our sales and marketing efforts.”

Flynn will remain based at USSI Global’s corporate headquarters in Brevard County, Fla.

Categories: Industry News

A New SVP/Sales Heading To iHeart’s Philly Cluster

Radio+Television Business Report - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 12:29

Starting Monday (3/25), iHeartMedia’s Philadelphia radio stations will have a new SVP/Sales. It is an individual who is quite familiar with the company’s stations in the Cradle of Liberty — he’s been an SVP, GSM and National Sales Director for the audio brands and began his career at iHeart-owned Katz Radio.

Anthony Fuscaldo is being welcomed back to the group of stations comprised of WDAS-AM & FM, WUSL “Power 99,” WIOQ “Q102,” WPHT-AM 1210, WRFF “ALT 104.5,” and WUMR “Rumba 106.1.”

He was most recently with Carvertise, as Division Sales Manager.

“Fuscaldo will oversee all sales operations for the Philadelphia market, ensuring that it continues to deliver a strong return on investment for clients reaching consumers through iHeartMedia’s assets, including on-air, online, social media and live events,” the company says.

“We are fortunate to welcome Anthony Fuscaldo back,” said Jeff Moore, President of the Philadelphia iHeartMedia Markets Group. “With his proven track record of driving revenue growth, attracting top talent and fostering strong client relationships, we are confident he will lead our sales team to new heights of success. Welcome home, Anthony!”

Fuscaldo commented, “This is an incredible opportunity to contribute to the success and growth of the company once again. My mission is to continue to build a winning culture that attracts the best talent and has a positive impact on our employees, brands and the community we serve.”

Categories: Industry News

Women in Engineering: Jade He at Hofstra University

Radio World - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 12:11

Having kicked off in March 2024 for Women’s History Month, Radio World’s “Women in Engineering” spotlight, written by Assistant Editor Elle Kehres, features women in broadcast engineering roles and other technical positions, highlighting their work and growing careers in a male-dominated field. This is an ongoing feature, as women’s industry contributions extend far beyond the month of March. 

As a second-semester senior at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., Jade He already has an impressive repertoire of technical experience under her belt.

Jade He at WABC-TV in New York City, which serves as the flagship of the ABC network. Pictures provided by Jade He.

She is the general manager of Hofstra’s student-run TV program the HEAT Network; she’s the former student technical director and station manager of Hofstra’s college radio station WRHU(FM); she’s a Technology Apprenticeship Program Fellow with the NAB Leadership Foundation; and she recently concluded her work as a part-time project manager assistant at WABC/ABC7 New York.

With her precious free time, when she’s not acing her classes and making the dean’s list, He is also working towards a Society of Broadcast Engineers Certified Broadcast Technologist (CBT) certification.

She will soon be a part of Hofstra University’s Class of 2024, receiving her bachelor of science degree in video/television.

With such a lengthy résumé at just 22, it’s no surprise that Jade He has big hopes for the future. But, while she looks ahead, she also has taken time to reflect on her broadcast education thus far. She shared with Radio World how it feels to navigate such a male-dominated field.

“Oftentimes, being the only woman or person of color in the room is incredibly daunting, and even exhausting,” said He. “It is something I have honestly struggled with a lot, not only in engineering, but in all aspects of my life for as long as I can remember.”

“As I am usually the youngest person on a team as well, it can be difficult to speak up and feel as though my opinion is valuable.”

Despite these difficulties, affirming mentors and valuable mentorship opportunities have helped He find her career path. She said all of her technical education can be attributed to those who have stepped in to help show her the “engineering ropes.” One such mentor is a familiar name in radio engineering, WRHU’s Chief Engineer Andy Gladding.

“I have always been interested in technology and how things work, but it did not occur to me that I could pursue that as a career until the latter half of college when I was introduced to Andy Gladding, who helped make things click,” said He.

“Andy introduced me to all aspects of broadcast engineering, and I found that I enjoyed both the flashy, exciting elements just as much as the more mundane yet critical ones, which is how I knew I had found something that would be very important to me.”

Engineering a WRHU show with Evan Stephens Hall of indie rock band Pinegrove.

“I learned almost everything I know about technology and engineering from another person who said, ‘Let me show you this,’ which I think is a really wonderful thing. And the best part is that it is like a chain. The person who taught me learned from someone else, and now I get to pass on this knowledge to another person, and another and another.”

From her time in leadership roles at WRHU, He said she is most proud of her work to grow the WRHU Technical Department, in addition to creating a more inclusive and welcoming space.

“I now hear of students specifically attending Hofstra and joining WRHU to work with our tech, and that’s amazing to me,” said He. “I love seeing more and more younger people getting excited about learning new things and getting their hands dirty.”

In his nomination of He, Gladding said: “Jade has worked under my direct supervision at Salem NY (WMCA – WNYM) and has learned how to build studios, lead teams and do project planning. [In summer 2022], she helped build WFNP, SUNY New Paltz’s FM radio station, alongside highly respected industry leader Bud Williamson, president of Neversink Media Group. Jade absolutely needs to be watched, as she has all the makings of being an industry leader and C-suite executive.”

He doing a build at college radio station WFNP at State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz.

He said the training she received at WRHU was invaluable. “Although we are an FCC-licensed FM radio station, there were so many opportunities for play and for experimentation,” she said.

“There are very few opportunities in life where you are invited into a space and encouraged to break things, but that is the culture. I broke plenty of things, but it was there I learned how to put them back together.”

In her final semester of senior year, He is focusing on her television pursuits while working on her senior capstone project — an hour-long courtroom reality show focused on “college problems,” which premiered live on March 11.

“It is not highly technical, but as the production manager, my engineering experience is certainly helpful as I am the team’s resident ‘handy’ person,” said He. “Our set is made up of roughly 20 standard-sized flats that make up a room in our three-story studio. It is designed to look like a classic fraternity basement to go along with the trashy, college theme. Complete with a disco ball, graffiti and a custom ping pong table, the set of ‘College Court’ has been my major project these last few months.”

He operating Airspeed for Hofstra’s HEAT Network.

With graduation looming closer, He is continuing to work towards earning her CBT certification from the Society of Broadcast Engineers, an institution she was previously acquainted with as a winner of the SBE Ennes Foundation Scholarship in 2022.

“The hardest part is definitely finding the time to study,” said He. “With a full class load, internships, part-time jobs and extracurricular activities, it can be difficult to crack open a book and have a study session after a long day. However, I would love to be certified by the end of the year.”

The WRHU Executive Board after winning the station’s fourth Marconi Award in 2022. From left: Rachel Luscher, Jade He, Max Milstein and Lindsey Hill.

While Women’s History Month may soon be coming to a close, He’s efforts to make space for women to learn about and succeed in STEM careers will continue.

“Growing up, this was something I did not understand; I could not see myself doing anything outside of a particular set of options, and STEM was nowhere near that list,” said He. “Even as a child, I showed every sign of being someone who would one day thrive in the sciences, but why was I never encouraged to do so?”

“I think my life would look extremely different if a series of happy accidents did not occur to land me where I am, here, thriving in the sciences. I think everyone deserves the chance to be great, but half of us are not always given the same odds.”

While learning to navigate such a multifaceted industry, He said she has begun to find community in her current cohort of the NABLF’s Technology Apprenticeship Program. It is there that she has met many other women and people of color who have similar interests and goals.

Jubril Hall-Robinson (left) and He at the NAB TAP Kickoff Event at NAB HQ in Washington, DC.

“I hope to one day be a role model for other Asian girls in STEM and to show that, despite the hardship, there is a place for us in these spaces.”

After graduation this May, He is hoping to stay in the New York metropolitan area/tri-state area to be near family; and is looking for roles primarily in television/video or radio engineering.

“I am very excited to continue the search in these coming months and learn more about what is out there.”

Want to nominate someone for the next Women in Engineering spotlight? Email Elle at elle.kehres@futurenet.com.

[Related: “Women in Engineering: Shayna Sengstock of New York Public Radio“]

The post Women in Engineering: Jade He at Hofstra University appeared first on Radio World.

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