From the president's desk
A look back, and a look ahead
By Trent Rice, KASI radio, Ames
We are all well aware of the challenges in the industry last year. It was clear from the depth and breadth of this year's contest entries and winners that natural disaster, recession and job cuts did not hold back Iowa’s broadcasters from serving their audiences and their communities.
It is certain is that 2009 will be just as, if not more, challenging. We all know what the economy has done to ad sales, what ad sales have done to revenue and what revenue has done to personnel decisions.
We are all going to be, if we haven’t already, asked to do more with less. In other words, pretty much like every other day in broadcasting.
My challenge to you is this: don’t take your eyes off the ball. I recall the words of a former boss: “You’re never going to lose if you stay local.”
For me, the news director of a radio station in Ames, to those of you with what are often regional audiences, the idea of local probably means different things. But if you are addressing your audiences' concerns, and you ask the questions you’ll think they’ll ask, the rest will take care of itself. If the awards are any indication, you know that audience well.
Basics are still the base
We’ve talked a lot during the 2009 Convention about the so called “new media.” I think we have kind of a handle on how to use on-line services like Twitter and Facebook, and I know it adds to what we offer on the air. All that being said, I still firmly believe that broadcasting is, and will always, be about the camera, the microphone, and, most importantly, the people who tell the stories.
Thank you again for the opportunity, and the honor, to lead this organization for the next year. Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Board members
I have the honor to serve this year as president, and Brian Allen from KSFY-TV in Sioux Falls is president-elect. We welcome three new board members: Justin Roberts,KGAN-TV in Cedar Rapids, steps into the television at large role, Paul Yeager, IPTV, is the new southeast director and Morgan Finke from Loras College will serve as the student director.
As for the other board members, Bob Fisher from KGLO-AM, KRIB-AM in Mason City moves from past-president to Northwest Director, Cary J. Hahn of KRMY-AM in Cedar Rapids is the northeast Director, Dave Vickers of KROS Radio in Clinton is the radio at large director, Ric Hanson from KJAN Radio in Atlantic is the southwest director and Craig Schaefer from Loras College in Dubuque is the college/university director.
Cliff Brockman continues as newsletter editor, and Jeff Stein is executive secretary. Both are professors at Wartburg College.
Contact Trent Rice at: TrentRice@ClearChannel.com
|
