Powering Up Interactive
Tuesday, April 14th, 2009
The Kelton Agency shares suggestions for radio’s renaissance in the special issue of Radio Ink titled “Powering Up Interactive.”
Check out our article:
www.radioink.com
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TRS in Los Angeles
Thursday, March 12th, 2009
Join us at the Talk Radio Seminar (TRS) at the Marina Del Rey Marriott March 12-14th. TRS is a great opportunity for networking and career development for talk talent.
Kelton Agency Inked in March
Tuesday, February 24th, 2009
Catch the upcoming March issue of Radio Ink which features Jason Insalaco’s article on talent development and HD radio. Talent, programmers, and radio management will find this primer helpful in these challenging times.
Check out Feb Talkers
Thursday, January 29th, 2009
Check out our podcasting article in the February Issue of Talkers.
The Kelton Agency’s chapter titled “Personality Saved the Radio Star” is featured the upcoming 8th Edition of The Radio Station by Michael C. Keith.
To Compete or Non-compete
Monday, January 12th, 2009
The non-compete clause or covenant not to compete is a daunting issue for radio personalities. Do you know if your contract contains a non-compete? If an attorney or experienced radio agent did not review your contract, a non-compete clause more than likely exists in your contract.
Most radio companies have boilerplate contract language that includes the non-compete or covenant not to compete. Unless talent or a talent’s representative protests during contract negotiation, radio companies typically leave the non-compete language in contracts to be performed even in states such as California where non-compete clauses have been deemed invalid and unenforceable. The terms and conditions of “non-competes” can severely restrict your ability to make a living at the expiration or termination of your contract.
In order to avoid the non-compete pitfalls, enlisting the services of an experienced radio agent and/or broadcast attorney will help protect your interests during contract negotiation. Creative talent should not be bogged down with the intricacies of this challenging employment concept of the covenant not to compete. By utilizing the services of a professional, talent can be assured their rights and interests are being protected.
Happy Holidays from the Kelton Agency
Monday, December 22nd, 2008
Seasons Greetings and best wishes for a successful 2009.
In difficult economic times, Americans historically consume more film, television, theater, and RADIO. In 2009, radio personalities will remain at the forefront of our financial recovery by keeping us informed and entertained on a daily basis. We are grateful for this gift.
Podcast Saved the Radio Star
Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008
True or False: With massive radio layoffs in recent months, many talented and successful radio pros have been rendered temporarily idle until the next opportunity arises. False! Yes, a large number personalities have been recently downsized, however, these folks have not been rendered idle. In fact, a layoff is actually a major opportunity to grow your brand and online presence.
The unemployed or underemployed radio professional should be podcasting a minimum of once a week. Radio is evolving toward the digital download. In order to remain relevant, radio talent must embrace this new technology and become embedded in it. Radio has lost its luster in recent years because more listeners are gravitating towards iPods, iPhones, and spending more time with online media and less time tethered to the radio. During your downtime, invest a few bucks in some equipment and podcast your show. The good news is that you do not have to produce a four hour show; a 10-15 minute segment is probably sufficient. Online and time-shifted listening habits tend to lend themselves to shorter content packages. If you are feeling extra ambitious, produce several short-form segments at one time rather than long, uninterrupted segments.
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For talent in transition, podcasting provides the following benefits:
1) Keeps you connected and top of mind with your existing listeners. The listener connection is priceless and you now have the opportunity to super-serve them (and without the PD or GM telling you how to do it!)
2) Increases your audience. By serving up podcasts on your website and iTunes, you are syndicating yourself internationally to a new audience.
3) You are demonstrating to your future employer that you are passionate about your craft and understand new media.
Talent & Brand Merchandising
Tuesday, September 30th, 2008
Mark Ramsey from Mercury Media Research recently gave a brilliant presentation on “The Future of Listening” at the Public Radio Program Director’s conference in Hollywood. Ramsey emphasized the necessity for the development and monetization of radio stars and brands. Ramsey cited the successful branding and monetization of public radio personality Ira Glass (r) and “This American Life,” which includes a Showtime series, publishing, and merchandising. Ramsey announced that CBS Entertainment is creating a pilot for the popular NPR game show “Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me” and noted how Minnesota Public Radio’s “Prairie Home Companion” was produced into a feature film last year.
For radio personalities, this means actively developing your brand and creating additional revenue streams. This will increase your marketability and economic value to your present and future media employer. As the advertising economy softens, non-traditional revenue becomes even more important to station managers as they struggle to achieve their budgets. Most importantly, creating a powerful brand makes you unique and indispensable in any economic climate.
Creating your brand and other revenue sources begins with the personality. Do not wait for your PD, GM, or GSM. Partnering with a radio agent or radio talent manager can assist radio personalities with branding and the monetization of additional revenue streams.
Demo Madness
Wednesday, September 10th, 2008
Talent should not underestimate the effectiveness of a solid demo. The demo often provides the prospective employer with a first impression of you. You don’t want to blow this opportunity by haphazardly cobbling something together. Producing an effective demo requires patience and a trusted programming ear who can provide constructive feedback.
Most PDs will tell you that they stop listening after 30 seconds if the demo does not grab them. Generally, PDs will not listen to more than a couple of minutes on a demo. So it is probably not a good idea to send them a long segment unless the person requests it. If the demo piques the programmer’s interest, he or she will request additional audio from you.
Before you send your demo to a prospective employer, send it to a trusted PD or programming mentor to solicit his or her feedback. What you or your producer thinks is a killer bit might be wholly inappropriate for a demo. When producing your demo, objectivity is imperative.
Creating your demo should be tedious and difficult. If you are finding that it is painless process, you probably are not doing it right. Make sure that your demo conveys who YOU are and why this PD should hire you. Most importantly, leave em’ wanting more after that first listen.
Network Survival
Friday, August 29th, 2008
Whether you are currently under contract or seeking a new radio opportunity, attending a radio conference can significantly improve your career. These conferences provide an opportunity to network with PDs, General Managers, syndicators, and consultants.
Even if you don’t thrive at cocktail parties and industry social events, radio conferences offer ample time to mingle with folks in the hallways, elevators, and between sessions. In fact, these informal situations often create some of the most productive and authentic interaction at these events.
Along with the networking, conferences offer value in continuing education. Conferences provide helpful sessions on the PPM, improving your show, and the latest research on listener habits and trends.
Talent will sometimes use the excuse that he or she doesn’t have the “extra money” to attend such events. You’ve likely made numerous personal and financial sacrifices to develop your radio craft and achieve your on-air success. Investing a few hundred dollars in your career by attending these conferences will pay dividends later. That GM or PD that you met last year at a conference could be hiring next year for your dream opportunity.
Radio is a people business. Venture out of the comforts of your radio station and head to a radio conference. In an era of declining industry revenues and decreased local programming opportunities, attending a radio conference will give you that much needed edge over your peers who opted to stay home.