Stories From The Worldwide Radio Summit 2019

Joel Denver and Sat Bisla's Worldwide Radio Summit in Burbank this week was a blast zone of enthusiasm for the future of talent in radio.

In the Jacobs Media's TechSurvey 2019 presentation, research indicates "DJs, hosts and shows" are a top draw for digital and terrestrial radio, right behind "it's free" and "easy to use in the car." "Music is not as big of a draw as in past years," said Fred Jacobs. Look for more about TechSurvey in next week's newsletter.

The best stories from WWRS were in the panel led by iHeartMedia VP/Talent Development Dennis Clark on Thursday and from Randy Lane's "Radio Stars" panel on Friday.

"Station concerts are fun as fuck," said Elvis Duran. "You can go to a streaming service and get all the music you want. But we are in the companionship business. Storytelling and personalities are what bring most listeners back."

In taking the lead role at KOST/Los Angeles, Ellen K admitted, "I was never comfortable talking about myself." But the more Ellen shared, the more bonded listeners became, which led to Ellen beating former partner Ryan Seacrest in mornings.

Jack Diamond from WRQX talked about the time Washington, D.C. listeners pitched in to restore a 1968 Camaro for a father whose son was given six weeks to live. The car went on to win auto show awards around the country and encouraged the son so much that he lived for years, growing up, marrying and having a son until the illness caught up with him and he died.

Becoming emotional as he spoke, Jack said, "If we had not answered the phone and shared that on-air, that boy's story and life would have been much different."

Dana Cortez shared when a 13-year old caller was beaten by his father and put on the streets after revealing he was gay, her listeners rallied to help and "no one in management questioned if we needed to end that segment and hit the next song."

JP from WBAB/Long Island's Roger & JP brought a more comedic drama. The show once did an ill-advised promotion for a big on-air announcement. At the designated time, JP proclaimed, "There is no Santa Claus. Your mom and dad hide presents under the bed and sneak them under the tree."

Outrage was ugly and immediate. Associated Press took the story worldwide and WBAB rushed an apologetic press conference. But just as the controversy could not get worse, JP got in a physical confrontation with a guy in a Santa suit at the press conference as TV news crews filmed.

Sharing personal lives on-air was a recurring theme. Déjà Vu from WBLS/New York and ABC Networks said listeners know her spouse as "Hubbylish." DJ Nailz at WPYO Orlando said listeners love the contrasting stories from his bachelorhood and from partner Estee's married-with-kids life. Rod Ryan of KTBZ/Houston said consistent social media posts led to high engagement. And Ellen K spoke of her mother, Eileen, so often that most callers said, "Say hi to your mom."

Eileen died one weekend and Ellen K insisted, "I need to go in on Monday and tell my friends." KOST listeners mourned the loss of their friend and surrogate mom along with Ellen K.