Episodi
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EPISODE SUMMARY: Mike McVay is a 40+ year radio veteran with expertise spanning content creation broadcasting, network syndication, talent coaching, artist development, and media strategy design. He has held numerous roles including EVP of Cumulus and Westwood One and is the President of McVay Media Consulting. McVay shares the story of his legendary career.
McVay will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony on November 12th at Gotham Hall in New York City.
On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Mike McVay about:
Growing up outside of Pittsburgh in a railroad family and deciding to do radio from an early ageGetting his first gig at WHJB at 15 then dropping out of college and moving to West Virginia to become a program directorHis desire for career growth and to control his own destiny and how that attracted him to programmingJumping around to several cities and stations before landing in LA where he was surrounded by legendary air talent whom he learned fromBouncing around more and becoming a station manager and GMHaving a supportive wife and family who allowed them to move around but also supported him and founded McVay Media with him along with Charlie CookThe explosive success of McVay Media and recruiting top consultants to handle over 200 stations eventually growing to over 25 employees worldwideBuying his first radio station and the stress of owning multiple stationsJoining Cumulus Media and Westwood One as EVP of Content and Programming and advising over 500 stationsHow he reacted to management shakeups, the evolution of Cumulus, and stepping away to focus back on McVay Media which became a family affairThe many industry organizations he is a part of, including the Country Radio Broadcasters Board, Alliance for Women in Media Board, and the Radio Committee for St. Jude's Children's Hospital and Research CenterThe importance of professionalism, personal happiness, and giving back, and being a good personABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Mike McVay is President of McVay Media Consulting. Working globally as a full-service consultant in the areas of Content Creation, Program Consultation, Syndication, Digital Delivery, Production & Imaging, Podcasting, Talent Coaching, and Media Training. He was most recently the Executive Vice President of Content and Programming for Cumulus Media and Westwood One.
McVay is a 40+ year programmer with national and local management, ownership, sales, major market programming, and major market on-air experience. Mike has owned and operated radio stations in multiple markets. He is a partner in Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Network with experience in curating Podcasts for Westwood One, NatGeo and Disney+. He has also developed and launched several highly successful nationally syndicated programs.
He is a 2021 Inductee to the West Virginia Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, The Country Radio Broadcasters, the Radio Committee for St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Research Center, and is a voting member of the Country Music Association as well as The Academy of Country Music.
ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.
PEOPLE MENTIONED:
Donny OsmundJohn SallyJim BrickmanDoug StefanMark McGrathStephen A SmithSoledad O’BrienJean ChatskyCowboy PhilEd SalomanBob PittmanJohn RookCharlie CookJimmy FoxRich Brother RobinJack ArmstrongDon SteeleMachine Gun KellyNancy PlumJoe NastyDave SebastianCharlie TunaBarbara StreisandGene SimmonsBrooke ShieldsStephen BishopGeorge BurnsGeorge FrancisTom WilsonBernie DitmanDoris McVayJim and Tom ImbresciaLarry RobinsonLarry PollackTerry JacobsLou DickeyJohn PinchJim WestGeorge and RegJay AlbrightBob MoodyJerry KingHarv BlaineChris ElliottVal GarisGreg GalepsyJan JeffriesDwight DouglasHolland CookJim GlassBob McNeilDaniel AnstandigSue WilsonJim LongDavid RogersonChris BurnsSteve SmithBarry GerberChesley MaddoxKent BurkhardtLee AbramsGreg GillespieDave LangJohn TeshTom PullmanJustin ChaseGreg StrasselMary BernerBob WalkerDave MilnerBrian PhillipsRyan KershnerJai KershnerNikki LaniganJimmy LaniganBing CrosbyWalter CronkiteAl RokerChristine BaranskiSteve JonesChris ForgyJason BaileyABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.
Web: benztown.com
Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio
Twitter: @benztownradio
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown
Instagram:
instagram.com/benztownradio
Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
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EPISODE SUMMARY: Steve Jones is the multi-award-winning President and CEO of Skyview Media. He shares his lifelong passion for news and his journey to become a Giant of Broadcasting.
Jones will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony on November 12th at Gotham Hall in New York City.
Growing up in Flushing, Queens, and getting involved in journalism and true crime at a young age while listening to police scannersCalling nightclubs as an intern at WPIX and doing mornings at WLIR after several station flipsJoining ABC radio, the challenges of working at a national news network, and the acquisition of ABC by DisneyThe transition from ABC News to Skyview NetworksNavigating the changing news industryThe importance of supporting independent content creatorsThe Impact of journalism in today's media landscapeThe value of mentors and the life-changing work of the Broadcasters Foundation of America
On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Steve Jones about:ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: As President and Chief Executive Officer of Skyview Networks, Steve Jones is responsible with leading Skyview’s growth as a sales and technology company serving the broadcast radio and digital audio industries. Since joining Skyview Networks in April 2019. Jones has led Skyview’s expansion from 5,000 radio station relationships to more than 12,500. These new business relationships range across news, weather, sports and music programming heard by millions of listeners who are prized by America’s top advertisers.
Previously, at The Walt Disney Company, Jones served as Vice President and General Manager for ABC Radio leading strategic planning, business development, programming and operations for ABC-branded audio content—covering news, entertainment, lifestyle and sports. During this period, ABC News Radio received dozens of awards for excellence in journalism and was the most listened to commercial radio service in America. With Jones in this role, Disney/ABC entered into a partnership with Skyview Networks in 2014 to create a stand-alone audio business for ABC News.
Jones first joined ABC News as a writer in 1986 and was an early digital leader as Vice President of Programming and Operations for ABCNEWS.com, where he oversaw all content and production. During this time, Jones launched the first regularly scheduled webcast by a network, oversaw the launch of interactive web programming and co-produced ABC’s online millennium coverage along with other special event programming. Under Jones’ leadership, the ABCNEWS.com team won multiple awards including an Edward R. Murrow Award for “Best Network News” website and a Peabody Award for ABCNEWS.com’s coverage of the 2001 terror attacks. Before his many roles inside ABC, Jones also worked as a radio newscaster, disc jockey, and television reporter.
Throughout his career, Jones has been honored with multiple awards and recognized for his accomplishments. As a writer and producer for ABC News, his work won two Writers Guild of America (WGA) Awards and an Overseas Press Club Award. Additionally, he has been included on Radio Ink’s annual “40 Most Powerful” broadcast executives list (2017, 2018, 2023), named “News Executive of the Year” twice by Radio & Records (2005, 2007), received the Ward L. Quaal Leadership Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America (2017) and the First Amendment Service Award from the Radio Television News Directors Foundation (2017).
Jones is a 2010 Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism Fellow in the Sulzberger Executive Leadership Program and often speaks about media strategy for the audio business. He is on the Board of Directors for the Broadcasters Foundation of America and is on the Board of Trustees at Adelphi University, from which he possesses an undergraduate degree.
ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.
PEOPLE MENTIONED:
Andrew KalbPeter JenningsLacey PetersonJohn OgleAlex HayesHilly CrystalMark SimoneRush LimbaughSean HannityAlan CombsRay WhiteDennis McNamaraJim KerrMeg GriffinVin ScelsaDennis McNamaraJoan JettBilly IdolKurt LoderBen ManilaLarry the DuckSeymour SteinHoward SternNancy AbramsonBob WaughDonna DonnaMel KarmazinFareed SuleimanJay ThomasRobin WilliamsChip CipollaRobin QuiversGary DelabatePat EvansTim McCarthyScott HermanMerrilee CoxABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.
Web: benztown.com
Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio
Twitter: @benztownradio
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown
Instagram:
instagram.com/benztownradio
Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
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Episodi mancanti?
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EPISODE SUMMARY: Curtis LeGeyt is the president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters. He shares how his background in business, politics and law has shaped his career in broadcasting and discusses the challenges and opportunities broadcasters face in Washington, D.C.
On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Curtis LeGeyt about:
How his passion for journalism, public service and politics led him to Cornell University Law School and Capitol HillHis experience working on the Obama Campaign and the Senate Judiciary CommitteeThe value of over-preparation and confidence in your workBecoming President and CEO of NABNAB's advocacy efforts, including coordinating with local stations, policymakers and the public to ensure the availability and quality of broadcast programmingThe challenges and rewards of bipartisan collaborationThe unique environment of Washington, D.C.His advice for young people interested in a career in broadcasting and his thoughts on the futureAnd more!
ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:
Curtis LeGeyt is the president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters. In this role, he serves as the chief advocate for America’s free, local television and radio stations and their network partners. He previously served as the chief operating officer of the association before assuming his current role in January 2022. LeGeyt also served as the executive vice president, Government Relations, from 2015-2020.As president and CEO, LeGeyt is leading NAB’s charge for policies and innovations that enable the availability of high-quality local broadcast programming to all consumers. He and his team successfully advocate for policies that level the playing field between local stations and Big Tech companies, prevent harmful new regulations that hinder broadcasters’ ability to serve their communities, and promote the vital and trusted local journalism broadcasters provide.
LeGeyt has been featured in Washingtonian magazine as one of Washington, D.C.’s 500 most influential people, named “Radio Executive of the Year” by Radio Ink magazine and as a top lobbyist by The Hill newspaper. LeGeyt is also a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Association Committee of 100, which brings together trade association CEOs to build partnerships and discuss issues facing their industries.
Prior to joining NAB in 2011, LeGeyt served as the senior counsel to then-Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (VT), advising the chairman and committee on intellectual property, antitrust and First Amendment issues. Previously, LeGeyt practiced law at Howrey LLP, where he focused on antitrust litigation and merger reviews. LeGeyt began his career as a management consultant for Putnam Associates and worked on the staff of the 2008 Obama for America presidential campaign.
LeGeyt serves on the boards of directors of the NAB Leadership Foundation, the Broadcasters Foundation of America and Tracy’s Kids, a nonprofit helping children with cancer.
He also serves on the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s Executive Committee, and is an alumnus of Leadership Music, a Nashville-based program that fosters community and collaboration among music industry leaders.
LeGeyt received his J.D. from Cornell University Law School, and his B.A. from Providence College in quantitative economics where he serves on its National Board of Overseers. He resides in Washington, D.C., with his wife Kacey and their three children.
ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.
PEOPLE MENTIONED:
Barack ObamaBob PittmanTed CruzEd MarkeyGordon SmithPatrick LeahyBernie SandersMike JohnsonScott McCarthyTim McCarthyABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.
Web: benztown.com
Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio
Twitter: @benztownradio
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown
Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
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EPISODE SUMMARY: Johnjay Van Es is a radio host who alongside his partner Rich airs his show on over 20 stations across the country. He is also devoted to the community helping children in foster care and rescue animals through the LoveUp and LovePup foundations. He shares his journey from being a passionate radio enthusiast to becoming a successful radio host.
On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Johnjay Van Es about:
Growing up in Arizona and Mexico and his early passion for radioHis love for improv and comedy, and joining the Groundlings in L.A.Challenges he’s faced in the workplace and how he manages creative control of the showHow his show took off following a shoutout from Rod StewartForming a strong partnership with cohost, Rich, and how they worked through conflictsHow taking risks and following passion can lead to unexpected opportunitiesHis unique morning routine that involves a trampolineUnforgettable on-air moments from his careerHis involvement in the Love Up and Love Pup foundations And more!And more!
ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:
As a child, Johnjay Van Es always dreamed of being on the radio. He applied for an internship at 91X in San Diego in 1990 and eventually started working in sales for a number of radio stations, but he never let go of his lifelong dream to be on the air.It wasn’t until 1996, after training with the LA-based improv troupe The Groundlings that he would get his first on-air job hosting a morning show on WKRQ in Cincinnati. After just three months on the air, he won the “Best of Cincinnati” award. After years of dominating the market in Cincinnati, Johnjay moved on to Houston, Texas and made his mark in the Country format.A chance meeting in New Orleans found Rich teaming up with Johnjay. The beginning of The Johnjay and Rich era began in 2001 with their first show airing on KRQQ in Tucson. In 2006, the program moved to KISS-FM in Phoenix, Ariz., and was syndicated in select markets nationwide.
In 2014, the program joined Premiere Networks lineup of nationally syndicated programs. Airing Monday through Friday from 5 to 10 a.m. MT, The Johnjay & Rich Show is a non-stop blend of pop culture, news and events, welcoming a wide range of music artists, news makers and celebrities. Joined on-air by Kyle and Suzette, the show is a special brand of “reality radio,” in which listeners become an engaged and integral part of the program by interacting with the crew via all forms of social media -Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, email and text messaging.The Johnjay & Rich Show is also available on iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia's free all-in-one streaming music and live radio service, and www.johnjayandrich.com.
In addition to hosting their daily radio program, Johnjay and Rich remain steadfastly connected to the community via the Johnjay and Rich #LoveUp Foundation, a non-profit organization that strives to improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable children in our communities, with a primary focus on children living in the foster care system. The foundation’s annual Christmas Wish program provides thousands of dollars’ worth of gifts to deserving families in need during the holiday season. Johnjay and Rich also raised funds for #LoveUp’s sister foundation, #LovePup, by hosting adoption and fundraising events. To date, more than 500 rescue dogs have found forever homes through #LovePup’s ongoing efforts.In addition to serving children and pets, the radio hosts raise thousands of dollars for other worthy causes including disaster relief efforts nationwide.
ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.
PEOPLE MENTIONED:
Rich BerraTracy JohnsonJeff and JerLaura KaneLittle TommyMike HalloranKurt WarnerBrenda WarnerBrian DouglasScott ShannonScott FisherTim RussertTony RobbinsFred LewisSteve SmithJohn PeakMark CostaJimmy SteeleSmokey RiversWoodyBill ClaprothMike MarinoTommy KramerDennis ClarkBob PittmanRich BreslerElijah WarnerLarry FitzgeraldJordan SparksBruce WaltonFred LewisSteve SmithKimberly HuntJim BryantVon FreemanSteve WestOzLarry FitzgeraldABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.
Web: benztown.com
Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio
Twitter: @benztownradio
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown
Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio
Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
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In this episode of "Chachi Loves Everybody," host Dave "Chachi" Dennis welcomes Tony Coles, a highly influential figure in the broadcasting world, boasting over 35 years of industry experience. Tony takes listeners through his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Ohio to becoming a top executive at iHeartMedia. Through engaging anecdotes and insightful commentary, Tony shares the highs and lows of his career, the impactful mentorship he received, and his dedication to fostering the next generation of industry leaders.
Tony recollects his early days in radio, the mentors who shaped his path, and his experiences across various legendary radio stations. He emphasizes the importance of relationships and continuous learning as fundamental to his success. Tony also delves into his work with the Black Information Network (BIN), detailing the innovative approaches taken during its launch amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest. He passionately discusses his involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, highlighting his commitment to leadership and mentoring.
Here are a few highlights from the episode:
Tony Coles reflects on his radio career and successA father's tough love and its lifelong impactJourney from small market radio to managementThe impact of Dave Robbins on Tony's careerFrom Ohio to Fort WayneFrom small town to big cityEmbracing fear and learning from failureTony’s journey through radio stations and leadership rolesTransitioning from programming to leadership in radio broadcastingHis rise from small town to overseeing hundreds of stationsBalancing priorities and learning in high-stakes leadershipLaunching a news network for the Black community amid challengesThe importance of mentorship and community engagement in broadcasting1. Tony Coles
2. Rhona (GM)
3. Dave Robbins
4. Bob Pittman
5. John Sykes
6. Kurt Johnson
7. Matt Martin
8. Brian Olsen
9. Chris Berry
10. Heidi Raphael
11. Darren Davis
12. Jeff Smulyan
13. George Floyd
14. Ed Kranf
15. Steve Rivers
16. Rich Bresler
17. Greg Ashlock
18. Chris Berry
Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
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In this episode of "Chachi Loves Everybody," Dave "Chachi" Dennis sits down with broadcasting titan Steve Newberry. With a career spanning over four decades, Newberry shares remarkable stories and valuable lessons learned from his journey in the radio industry. From acquiring his first radio station at 21 to navigating the complexities of the NAB and leading innovative ventures at Quu, Newberry's experiences are both inspirational and educational.
Newberry delves into his early career, recounting tales of entrepreneurial grit and the supportive mentorship he received from industry giants. He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of growing Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation and the invaluable lessons from his tenure at NAB, including his relationships with influential figures like Gordon Smith. Listeners gain a deep understanding of the strategic decisions and leadership qualities that have defined Newberry's exceptional career. The episode also explores Q’s groundbreaking work in enhancing listener experiences through visual radio technology, highlighting the future of broadcasting in the era of digital innovation.
Here are a few highlights from the episode:
Steve Newberry's journey from small-town radio to industry titanEntrepreneurial struggles, family support, and lessons learnedBuilding a radio station from scratch in KentuckyA partnership with a former governor leads to 35 radio stationsLessons learned from managing radio stations in small marketsNavigating leadership roles and mentorship in the NABLeadership and trust in the broadcasting industryFrom consultant to full-time EVP at NAB navigating political relationships and advocacy in Washington DCManaging construction costs and team dynamicsTransitioning from NAB to CEO of Quu amid COVID-19 challengesEnhancing radio ads with visuals for better retentionThe vital role of radio in community safety and healingThe importance of mentorship and paying it forwardA tribute to leadership and radio industry excellencePeople Mentioned in this Episode
Antonin ScaliaBill McElveyBrayton JonesCaroline BeasleyCarrie NewberryCharles WarfieldChris ArnellisChuck AndersonDale ThornhillDan MasonDavid KennedyDoug CombsEd ChristianEddie FritzFreddie TravisGene CollinsGordon SmithHoward BermanJack SanderJames NewberryJeff SmulyanJim SpectorJinny MorrisJoe D'AngeloJohn DavidJohn DilleyLou DickeyLyle LovettMark MaysMel CarmezonMichael FiorelliMike NovakMitch McConnellRandall MaysRandy GravleeRuss WithersRuth Bader GinsburgSenator Rand PaulEnjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
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Brad Samuel shares his journey from an enthusiastic 15-year-old intern in radio to a respected media consultant and agency owner. His stories are filled with lessons on determination, embracing rejection, and the importance of pursuing one's passion relentlessly.
On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody:
Interning with Bruce Walton and falling in love with radioOwning your media assets as a talentThe art of “hunting and gathering”Innovating and Managing Radio Disney AM 1240Working with Roy Laughlin, Charlie Rahilly, and Chachi at Clear ChannelRoy Laughlin as his mentorBeing of service and graciousness in the studioTake every rejection and failure as a chance to improve your skills.Working together with different skills is important for success.Looking for new challenges and chances for growth in all aspects of life.About this episode’s guest:
Brad Samuel is a seasoned professional in the media industry with rich experience that spans various roles and notable companies. Having started his journey with an internship under the mentorship of the legendary Bruce Walton, Brad has carved a niche for himself in media. His career highlights include managerial positions at Radio Disney, LSM for extra Sports Los Angeles, GSM for KFI, and GM for KYSR 98.7. In San Diego, he served as the Director of Sales for iHeartMedia's eight stations. In 2010, Brad took a significant leap and founded Epic Media, where he consults for diverse sectors including restaurants, casinos, and Fintech, represents media talent and influencers, and advises audio networks and digital agencies.
People Mentioned:Bruce WaltonRod LuckScotty MashMike StaffordRoy LaughlinCharlie RahillyRandy MichaelsRoger HedgecockDoctor LauraRush LimbaughDavid G. HallGreg AshlockJohn HoganAmy NzichKathy BegleleyRick DeesRyan SeacrestDamian LewisEllen KayMagic JohnsonSusan CarrisDebbie WagnerR DubJhani KayeBob BollingerTim CookMagic JohnsonSteve JobsRoy DisneyWalt DisneyBob BolingerRandy MichaelsGreg AshlockJamie WhiteDanny BonaduceJohn KobyltKen ChiampouEnjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
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In this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi Denes speaks to Mike Hulvey, a broadcasting luminary who has shaped the industry with his commitment to community service and mentorship. Mike discusses his career trajectory, the impact of his early influences, and his passion for developing future broadcasting talent through his summer mentoring program.
Mike takes us through his journey from being awe-struck by radio broadcasts at a young age to eventually climbing the ranks of broadcast management and leadership. With stories from his tenure at Neuhoff Communications and the moments that led to his success, we are given a masterclass in career growth and seizing opportunities. The conversation also delves into his vision for the future of radio and the significance of local content engagement. His recent appointment as CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) and his intent to enhance the national talent system promises an invigorating era for broadcasters and advertisers alike.
Key Takeaways:Mike Hulvey recounts his progress from participating in sports broadcasting at a young age to leading major broadcasting operations.Coming from a community of successful media personalities Starting out in radio at the same as Dick Van Dyke and Gene HackmanReps Reps Reps The excitement and pressure of becoming the Neuhoff Communication manager without any management experience His story of overcoming dyslexia and honing different learning methods reinforces the power of perseverance and adaptability.The transition of Neuhoff Communications' ownership and Mike’s dedication to ensuring its legacy continues with capable hands.As the new CEO of the RAB, Mike aims to revitalize future broadcaster engagement and training.Emphasizing local content and relationships with advertisers is key to radio's longevity and evolution in the digital age.Always say YES to opportunities even when it doesn't make sense Neuhoff Media Sports Media Camp and mentoring young future broadcastersPeople Mentioned:
Dan RooneyDick Van Dyke Gene HackmanJerry Van DykeBobby Short Irving AzoffJeff NeuhoffErica Farber Beth NeuhoffSteve Wexler Wayne Cornell (Radio Wayne)Jim CollinsEnjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
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EPISODE SUMMARY: Lyndsey Parker is a veteran music journalist who has held roles at Yahoo, SiriusXM, and Warner Music, and interviewed numerous artists. She shares her experiences meeting artists, hosting shows, writing articles, and immersing herself in pop culture.
On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Lyndsey Parker about:
Growing up as a valley girl in the San Fernando ValleyHer avant-garde clothing style and how her mom supported her expression growing upExploring the LA music scene and her early music influences including Duran Duran, The Monkees, and The Beatles and later MTVCreating a fanzine and going from interviewing budding music stars to Gene SimmonsWorking at Launch.com before getting bought by Yahoo where she interviewed many major artists and witnessed innovations in digital musicExplore her passion for music and entertainment as a host on the radio host and on AXS TV Her fascination with reality TV and all things pop cultureWriting the book 'Permanent Damage' and getting the opportunity to collaborate with Miss Mercy and share her incredible life storyJuggling multiple jobs while working for Yahoo for yearsAnd more!
ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Lyndsey Parker is an award-winning music journalist. You may know her as the host of WMG’s successful podcast series and Roku television show ‘Totally ’80s,’ longtime music editor at Yahoo Entertainment, or the former host of the SiriusXM radio show ‘Volume West’ with Chad Smith and Davey Havok.
Considered an expert in music and pop culture, she is a She Rocks Awards honoree, a four-time Southern California Journalism Awards winner, and an Online Journalism Award and National A&E Journalism Awards nominee. She is also the co-author of the autobiography of legendary muse and former GTOs member Miss Mercy,Permanent Damage: Memoirs of an Outrageous Girl, and the author of Careless Memories of Strange Behavior: My Notorious Life as a Duran Duran Fan.
Additionally, she has served as the managing editor at LAUNCH.com; is a recurring cast member of AXS TV’s The Top Ten Revealed and Music’s Greatest Mysteries; is a regular moderator at the Grammy Museum; and has appeared in Netflix’s The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story, A&E’s I Want My MTV, and various other documentaries. She has appeared as a music and reality TV expert on TV shows for numerous major networks, including MTV, CNN, Fox News, VH1′s Behind the Music, Lifetime, Fox 11′s Good Day L.A., CBS’s The Insider and KCAL morning news, and Spectrum News. She has written for NME, Mojo, Elle, MOJO, Rolling Stone, Los Angeles, and Guitar, among other publications. She also lost on Rock & Roll Jeopardy once.
She currently resides in Hollywood with her internet-unfamous cat Pussycow; Nagel, a white snake who has met David Coverdale; piles of records, books, and Hello Kitty and Pac-Man memorabilia; and a vintage television set that is always, always on. Her website, Lyndsanity!, is a catchall for her interviews, podcasts, media appearances, and other adventures she gets up to while obsessing over music and pop culture.
ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.
PEOPLE MENTIONED:
Lady GagaTaylor SwiftFrank ZappaMoon ZappaPeter FramptonCindy LauperAlice CooperSteve MartinGeorge BurnsMickey DolenzNoel GallagherAndy PartridgePaul WellerAdam SchlesingerRivers CuomoJeff SteinKevin GodleyGeorge HarrisonFrank SinatraKurt CobainColleen FitzpatrickGene SimmonsGarth BrooksElton JohnBoss HoggJohn SpencerVivian WestwoodCindi LauperDave GoldbergSheryl SandbergBob RobackDave DiMartinoBrett MichaelsJay LenoAdeleAmy WinehouseKelly ClarksonGary ClarkIan RogersCarrie UnderwoodAdam LambertLeonard CohenFred BronsonAce YoungDiana DiGarmoShirley HalpernRandy JacksonSimon CowellPaula AbdulElviraWeird AlEd Begley JrMiss MercyChuck BerryArthur LeeAubrey PlazaABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton!, Audio Architecture, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, IEX: Boxes and Lines, and Everyday Wealth.
Web: benztown.com
Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio
Twitter: @benztownradio
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown
Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio
Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
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EPISODE SUMMARY: Stew Redwine is the VP of Creative Services at Oxford Road and host of the Ad Infinitum Podcast. He shares the tips and tricks he’s learned from years of experience creating audio and video advertisements and his thoughts on the future of podcasting.
On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Stew Redwine about:
Growing up in Kansas City and cold calling producers to build out his network and get involved in film productionsHaving kids and moving to LA for more on-set opportunitiesBeing in charge of an entire production for Sprint and maxing out credit cards to afford itWorking freelance at Oxford Road and the decision to go full-timeThe process he goes through to pitch clients and help them find the right strategyThe difference between performance marketing and brand buildingWhy podcast advertising is so successfulThe secret to a successful audio or TV adThe Importance of Mnemonics and Sonic BrandingHis advice for getting into podcasting and creative direction and thoughts on the future of the industryAnd more!
ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: This particular vintage of Redwine has a distinct creative flavor. Bright, complex, and down-to-earthy, an unforgettable blend of performance, brand, advertising history, fun, feels, with a hint of wizardry. Grown in Kansas City on direct response TV sets and professionally advertising aged to perfection in Southern California, Stew's been helping make the ads work at Oxford Road since the early days of podcasting. As an intentional transplants to SoCal, Stew and his family happen to agree with the description in Montalvo’s 1610 novel of California; it’s located most closely to Earthly Paradise. From the beaches, to hikes, to biking around their town, to museums, to demolition derby, they’re always adventuring together. And the more variety for this Redwine varietal means a little bit better understanding of more people and plenty more ideas to help make the ads work at Oxford Road where he is VP of Creative Services.
ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.
PEOPLE MENTIONED:
Scott JolleyMel GrahamMike ChurchillSteve FrankelJordan BradyGuy RazRyan TedderDan GrangerBob PittmanScott McDonnellKraig KichinHoward SternEllen KRick DeesJack BlackKurt CobainBrian CoxABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton!, Audio Architecture, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, IEX: Boxes and Lines, and Everyday Wealth.
Web: benztown.com
Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio
Twitter: @benztownradio
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown
Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio
Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
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EPISODE SUMMARY: Elaina Smith is the Gracie award-winning host of Nights with Elaina, heard on over 150 radio stations. She shares how she became a radio host, her transition from local radio to a syndicated national show, and the challenges and excitement that came with her career.
On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Elaina Smith about:
Getting started in entertainment through internships at Entertainment Tonight and The Insider and doing red carpets while attending SDSUStarting in radio by representing JACK-FM at events and then joining Chainsaw and Dave on-airGetting her name on the Timmy and Elaina show on A1A in Florida and becoming a local celebrityMoving to Nashville to host a syndicated country showThe challenging transition from a local to a national radio show and the mentors and supporters who helped her succeedBecoming a solo host after Shawn Parr left the showLaunching the Nashville Show in the UKBecoming the voice of the ACM Awards, People Choice Country Awards, the Gracie Awards, and moreThe importance of building relationships and adapting and innovating in the radio industry, and other advice for younger generationsAnd more!
ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Every night you can hear Elaina D. Smith interviewing the biggest stars in country music & sharing the inside scoop on what’s happening in Nashville on Nights with Elaina!
While working at Entertainment Tonight & The Insider in Los Angeles, Elaina found her true passion when she got an opportunity to join a morning radio show in San Diego, and never looked back. After a year on a morning show in Florida, Elaina made the move to Nashville and began her long-running syndicated night show, which is nearing a decade on-air!
Elaina is now an ACM & CMA Award-nominated, Gracie Award-winning radio host, heard on Nights with Elaina on 150+ stations internationally!
Outside of her radio show, you might have seen Elaina hosting the Official Red Carpet at the 57th Annual ACM Awards in Las Vegas, playing herself on CMT’s Nashville, introducing artists on some of the biggest stages in the country, or heard her on the award winning Breaking Thru with Elaina podcast, where she has in-depth conversations with artists like Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood & Maren Morris about equality in Country Music.
Be sure to follow all of Elaina’s adventures on social media @elainadsmith!
ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.
PEOPLE MENTIONED:
Dave, Shelley, and Chainsaw Rick DeesRyan SeacrestJon Bon JoviMarissa EdwardsMary SteenburgenTed DansonMike ReillyMike McVayTimmy VeeKix BrooksGary KlineTy BentliShawn ParrR Dub!John ShombyJason AdamsRyan TedderGuy RazMalcolm GladwellVin ScullyPaul WilliamsBecky BennettEllen KRandy ThomasLisa KonickiABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.
Web: benztown.com
Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio
Twitter: @benztownradio
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown
Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio
Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
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EPISODE SUMMARY: Paul Jacobs, Vice President and General Manager of Jacobs Media, shares his journey in the radio industry and founding a consultancy with his brother Fred Jacobs. He discusses his success in programming and sales and his work championing radio's future.
On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Paul Jacobs about:
Growing up in Detroit and starting a bagel delivery business as a kidWorking with his brother for the first time at WRIFThe collaboration between programming and sales and how he rose through the station ranks from sales to gmJoining his brother Fred at Jacobs Media and launching the Jacobs Media BlogNegotiating with Apple for CarPlay and the future of radio in the automotive industryAttending CES and the importance of Xperi and new technology to radio’s futureHow constantly reinventing yourself and staying ahead of industry trends is key to long-term successHis advice for young people entering the industryAnd more!
ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Paul Jacobs is the “suit” of Jacobs Media, rising up through the sales ranks to become a General Manager of a major market radio station at age 28. After graduating from Michigan State University in 1976 with a BA in Advertising, Paul immediately went to work selling radio for WNIC-FM in Detroit, where he realized one could actually make money selling air.
After a brief stint working for the William A. Robinson marketing services agency in Chicago, where he created campaigns for Philip Morris and Seagram's, Paul struck gold when he was hired as an Account Executive at WRIF-FM in Detroit. This experience launched his sales management career, and four years later, he became the General Sales Manager for KZEW-FM in Dallas, and ultimately, the General Manager for KHYI-FM, also in Dallas. He was lured home to run WDFX-FM in Detroit, before joining Jacobs Media as its General Manager in 1991.
Along with overseeing our day-to-day operations, Paul’s main contribution has been the addition of sales consulting services. As an expert in all Rock formats, Paul has helped our clients open up new revenue streams by aiding them in their understanding of how to sell, market, and position their formats via sales training seminars. He’s currently focused on helping broadcasters transform their business models from being primarily focused on radio, to taking a more “platform” approach, using content to appeal to new audiences and generate revenue. Paul is a true “radio champion” – someone who believes in the power of branding, and developing radio’s inherent assets.
ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.
PEOPLE MENTIONED:
Fred JacobsEd ChristianBill RobinsonMarty GreenbergJay HoekerBill JacobsRoy and Walt DisneySteve JobsTim CookTim DavisSeth ReslerTom BenderAlan MulallyArt VuoloKatie GambrillABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.
Web: benztown.com
Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio
Twitter: @benztownradio
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown
Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio
Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
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EPISODE SUMMARY: Jeff Warshaw is the Founder and CEO of Connoisseur Media. He shares his incredible journey of building a radio empire, starting from purchasing his first radio station for $50,000 as a college sophomore to eventually selling his company for $258 million and going on to make many more amazing deals.
On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Jeff Warshaw about:
Growing up in a family involved in Christian radio stations and developing an early passion for radio and entrepreneurshipBuying his first radio station as a Sophomore at Wharton and building it from scratchHow investing in distressed radio debt allowed him to make major dealsThe importance of humility and learning from othersThe impact of deregulation and consolidation in the radio industrySelling his group to Cumulus for $258 millionPartnering with the Perot family during the recession and later buying them outThe importance of being a great local media company and the future of radio and local mediaAnd more!
ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Connoisseur Media Founder and CEO, Jeff Warshaw is a lifelong broadcaster. He built his first station while still a student at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1993 Jeff founded Connoisseur Communications Partners LP, a 39 station group which he later sold to Cumulus Broadcasting in 2000 for $258M. In 2004 Jeff formed Connoisseur Media which now operates 13 radio station brands and digital assets in 5 markets. Highly respected and celebrated industry wide for his outspoken candor, Jeff’s spirit of innovation and long held principles of integrity, accountability and improvement remain core values of the company and guide its team members. Jeff serves as the chairman of the RAB Board, and the Nielsen Audio Advisory Council.
ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.
ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.
Web: benztown.com
Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio
Twitter: @benztownradio
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown
Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio
Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
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EPISODE SUMMARY: Dennis Green is a legendary radio exec who serves as the co-chairman of the Radio Hall of Fame and the COO for Key Networks and Sun and Fun Media. Dennis shares his journey and what he’s learned in the radio industry.
On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Dennis Green about:
Doing sportscasts at Indiana University for WIUS give play-by-play and color commentary for local sports in FloridaGetting his first gig at WGN in ChicagoLanding his first big sale with Enterprise while working for the Mid-Continent Conference Basketball networkTraveling four days every working for Bloomberg MediaJoining Westwood One and becoming head of affiliate sales two separate timesSigning a big deal with Benztown for Cumulus after they acquired CitadelHow he became COO of Sun and Fun MediaHis thoughts on the future of radio.And more!
ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Dennis Green serves as Sun & Fun Media's first Chief Revenue Officer. Before SFM, he had a long stint running affiliate sales and operations at Westwood One and Cumulus Media Networks. Dennis’s lifelong ambition was to be on the air but syndication found its way to Dennis. After a stint with the Illinois and Wisconsin Radio Networks featuring lots of beer, sausage and cheese, Green graduated to the network level. His first big clearance was Last Night on Larry King Live on WWJ-AM in Detroit. When the boss asked how in the world did you get on in a top 10 market in morning drive with that feature, Green replied “I picked up the phone, called the station, and they said great send over a contract.” That was the last easy clearance.
When Green is not figuring out how to put great products and services on radio stations from coast to coast, he can be found screaming at a television as his beloved Miami Dolphins continue to break his heart followed closely by his Indiana Hoosiers trying to be relevant in athletics. IU is the Harvard of the Midwest, so we can live without winning NCAA Championships like other schools.
Green and his wife Jill reside in West Orange, NJ along with their two sons Max and Jeremy and Lulu the Wonder Dog.
ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.
ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.
Web: benztown.com
Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio
Twitter: @benztownradio
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown
Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio
Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
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EPISODE SUMMARY: Edgar “ShoBoy” Sotelo is the owner/host of the only bicultural/bilingual Latino syndicated radio show that's heard Coast to Coast in America on 25 stations around the country. He has won the Marconi award for personality of the year and he has been awarded the Most Influential Leader Award by the US Senate. He shares his experience using his platform to celebrate Latino culture and make a difference in the community.
On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to ShoBoy about:
Being the surprise baby in the family and how his 2 older brothers acted like additional father figures growing upImmigrating to the USA when he was 5 from Jalisco, Mexico and the sacrifices his parents made to give their kids a better futureHow he tries to use radio as a megaphone for good to support, represent, and unite the latino living dual Spanish and English lifestyleWhat it was like to interview the First Lady Michelle Obama and how he helped the Dallas Latino community enroll in Affordable Care Act coverageWinning a Marconi and putting his all in when he was invited back to host the awardsThe PD that went to jail for himIncredible experiences he’s grateful for like meeting President Obama at the White House and opening for Gabriel Iglesias at Madison Square Garden.Being a girl dad and how his wife, family, and faith have supported him throughout his careerStarting the Hanging With Los Sotelos podcast during the pandemic with his wife to give hope and unite families by sharing challenges and being vulnerableAnd more!
ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Born in Ocotlan Jalisco, Mexico, Edgar "Shoboy" came to the U.S. at the age of five. He credits his success to his parent’s sacrifice of immigration to the US and the support and encouragement of his loving wife Janet, beautiful daughters Ariela and Alani and his faith in God. Edgar has a passion for people and therefore obtained a Psychology Degree from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, CA, and earned a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University.
Shoboy has hosted radio shows in New York City, Los Angeles, Dallas and San Francisco. He is a fun, positive, proud bicultural-bilingual Marconi Award Winning radio host, motivational speaker & content creator. His passion, determination, unique bicultural perspective and positivity has brought him to great success, but the best is yet to come in his career and personal life as he continues to live the American Dream.
ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.
ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton!, Audio Architecture, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, IEX: Boxes and Lines, and Everyday Wealth.
Web: benztown.com
Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio
Twitter: @benztownradio
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown
Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio/
Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
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EPISODE SUMMARY: Heather Cohen is the recently named president of the Weiss Agency, previously serving as EVP. She has been named to Radio Ink’s Most Influential Women in Radio 9 years in a row, is a recipient of the Talkers Magazine Judy Jarvis Award and many other honors. She shares what it’s like to represent incredible talent and the amazing friends, clients, mentors, and mentees she has met along the way.
On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Heather Cohen about:
Growing up in New York and developing a love for radio from an early age ny listening to her uncle on air from her Strawberry Shortcake radioGetting her start at WRHU and the amazing opportunities given to her as a student at Hofstra UniversityBecoming the first female non-union board op for WORNegotiating deals as an APD and PD including altercation with an agent that almost got physicalMeeting Eric Weiss and becoming a part of his personal and professional familyHow she was convinced to join the Weiss AgencyHow the audio world has changed since she started out and the shift from working with mostly radio groups to streaming services and podcast companiesHer work with great causes such as the Gracie Awards and the Broadcasters Foundation of AmericaThe value of mentorship and how she has benefitted from mentors throughout her careerAnd more!
ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Heather Cohen was recently named President of The Weiss Agency, a broadcast talent agency which represents and develops the careers of many of the industry’s most successful local and syndicated personalities where she served as EVP for many years. Heather joined the Weiss Agency directly from GreenStone Media, LLC, where she was Vice President, Programming.
Heather joined GreenStone from New York’s legendary WOR where she was Assistant Program Director and responsible for the station’s local and national on-air content, programs, and production. Prior to that, she served as Executive Producer for The Joan Hamburg Show.
In 2013 Talkers Magazine awarded Heather with the prestigious “Judy Jarvis Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Talk Radio by a Woman,” also known as “Woman of the Year”. Radio Ink Magazine has selected Heather as one of the Most Influential Women in Radio every year since 2014. Heather was on the cover of Radio Ink’s June 2017 Most Influential Women in Radio issue. She is a 2015 recipient of Hofstra University’s George M. Estabrook Distinguished Service Award. In 2019 Heather was inducted into the WRHU Radio Hall of Fame. In 2021, Heather was one of the first awardees of the “Sheros in Media” Award from the Multicultural Media and Correspondents Association.
Heather serves on the Alliance for Women in Media and Foundation Board of Directors as the Immediate Past Chair. She has formerly held positions as Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer, and has co-chaired the Gracie Awards since 2016.
Heather is on the Board of Directors of the Broadcasters Foundation of America and is a juror for the Academy of Radio Arts & Sciences.
A graduate of Hofstra University, she is President of the Executive Board of Hofstra University’s Alumni Organization, and has previously served as both Vice President for Programs and Vice President for Services. Heather is a member of The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication Dean’s Advisory Board and the Women In Leadership Advisory Board. She recently completed her term on the Board of Directors of the George M. Estabrook Alumni Association. Heather previously served as President of the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication Alumni Association.
Heather has mentored New York City school children as part of NYC’s Principal for a Day program and has been a Safe Space committee member. She judged the Tony Awards for eight seasons.
ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.
ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton!, Audio Architecture, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, IEX: Boxes and Lines, and Everyday Wealth.
Web: benztown.com
Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio
Twitter: @benztownradio
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown
Instagram:
instagram.com/benztownradio/
Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
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EPISODE SUMMARY: Paul Anderson is the CEO of Workhouse media and he has experience representing major talents,Media producing podcasts, movies, and ad campaigns, as well as working in real estate and venture capital companies. Anderson discusses his multitude of business ventures and how he identifies and cultivates success in talented people and businesses.
On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Paul Anderson about:
Going to law school and working for the DOJ before representing media and tech companies in SeattleHow a chance encounter with Bob Rivers led him to working with radio talentFinding talented radio personalities and turning them into enterprises symbiotic partnershipsForming a bond with the late Bob SagetProducing the movie 2 Weeks and his experience working on a filmStarting Workhouse creative and working on the award-winning Microsoft Beautiful Web campaignPivoting to podcast production and the ingredients for a great podcastHis current ventures including Atlas Capital which invests in hemp products and the the real estate firm Bauhaus partnersThe philanthropic work he is involved in such as Gokidgo which creates children’s content and the Shaufler Prize which he created to award journalistic content focusing on marginalized peopleAnd more!
ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Paul Anderson is the CEO of Workhouse Media, Inc., a leading audio first multi-platform talent + content management and production company with clients and partnerships working across radio, podcasting, television, and digital. He represents some of the biggest talent in the industry including Dan Patrick, Ricky Smiley Shonda Rhimes, and the late Bob Saget. He produced award-winning podcasts including including Cold, The Letter, Aftershock, Solar, and several others. He won two Telly Awards for marketing campaigns he produced for Microsoft, and he produced a movie called Two Weeks with Sally Field. He's also a partner at a venture capital firm, a principal owner of a real estate development company with properties in five different states, and a board member for GoKidGo, a podcast company focused on content for kids.
ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.
PEOPLE MENTIONED: Bob Rivers, Lisa Decker, Don Bouloukos, Kirk McEwan, Mark, and Lopez, Ryan Seacrest, Dan Patrick, Bob Pittman, Woody, Bob Saget, John McConnell, Keith Kauffman, Steve Stockman, Jonathan Groff, Danny Bonaduce, Sally Fields, Ben Chaplin
Tom Cavanagh, Julianne Nicholson, Clea DuVall, Kieth Rivers, Alex Clare, Dave Cawley, David Harbor, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Sarah Wayne Callies, Jeff Schmidt, Mark Ramsey, Ben Haber, Margaret Atwood, 50 Cent
ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.
Web: benztown.com
Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio
Twitter: @benztownradio
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown
Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio
Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
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EPISODE SUMMARY: Peter Smyth is a legendary leader in broadcasting and the former chairman and CEO of Greater Media. He currently sits on the board of WBUR in Boston and is president of the Hundred Club of MA. Smyth shares how his background in business and passion for people helped bring innovative ideas to the broadcast industry and his leadership advice. Special guest Jeff Smulyan also joins to discuss his friendship with Peter.
On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Peter Smyth about:
Growing up in Tarrytown outside of NYC with a passion for radio, but being pushed towards finance by his fatherLearning many skills while working at Nestle, but turning down opportunities with them to pursue radioStruggling at first as an account exec at WROR in Boston before using his business acumen to secure clientsIntroducing innovative ideas after getting promoted to GSM and working with Celtics broadcasters during the Larry Bird and Magic Johnson eraMoving back to New York to become director of sales at WOR at 29 and having to prove himself every day that he was worthy of leading at his young ageTaking another job in Boston and transforming WMJX from “tragic Magic” into a highly rated station as GMHis method of in-depth strategizing and planning as well as always telling the truth and keeping open communication that lead to Magic’s successBecoming the COO of Greater Media and his method of ensuring stations were live and local, grounded in community, and had great personnelStepping in as Chairman and CEO after the passing of his friend and mentor, John Bordes, and continuing the vision of running a family company even through the recessionThe tough decision to sell Greater Media and his philanthropic work since then with the RAB, WBUR, and the Hundred Club of MassachusettsAnd more!
ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Peter Smyth is recognized as a visionary and thought leader in the radio broadcasting industry. He most recently served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Greater Media, Inc., one of the nation’s leading broadcasting companies. In this role, Smyth oversaw the operational efforts of 21 AM and FM radio stations in Boston, Charlotte, Detroit, Philadelphia and New Jersey; a group of weekly newspapers in central New Jersey; and several telecommunications towers throughout the United States. Over the past three decades, Smyth served in a variety of capacities within Greater Media, including General Manager of WMJX-FM in Boston, Vice President of the Radio Group, and Chief Operating Officer of Greater Media, Inc. He began his career in broadcasting in 1977 as an account executive with WROR-FM in Boston and was quickly promoted to General Sales Manager, a position he held for the next five years. In 1983, RKO General, the parent company of WOR, recruited him to serve as general sales manager of its New York stations, where he directed the company’s sales operations until his departure in 1986 to work at Greater Media. Smyth helped to revolutionize the broadcasting industry by advocating for and adopting new technologies such as HD Radio and internet streaming, and by developing and incorporating innovative content to improve media communications and meet the emerging demands of the industry and its advertisers. He was named a “Giant of American Broadcasting” by the Library of American Broadcasting in 2014. Radio Ink Magazine, a leading broadcast industry publication, in 2005 and 2011, selected Smyth as “America’s Best Broadcaster.” In addition, he has been recognized as one of Radio Ink’s “40 Most Powerful People in Radio,” ranking among the top ten. In 2007, the publication named him “Radio Executive of the Year.” An active philanthropist, Smyth currently serves on the Board of Directors of New England Baptist Hospital and as president of the One Hundred Club of Massachusetts, an organization dedicated to enhancing the welfare and safety of the families of public safety officers and firefighters. He is a past member of the Board of Trustees of Emerson College and the United Way of Massachusetts. Additionally, he is a member of the Advisory Board for US Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management. In 2007, he received the “Humanitarian of the Year” Award from the Hundred Club of Massachusetts and the Golden Mike Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America for exemplary service in the radio Industry. Smyth was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Commerce degree from Suffolk University in Boston in 2011 and was inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2017.
ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.
PEOPLE MENTIONED: Heidi Raphael, The Gambling Family, Joan Hamburg, Bernie Meltzer, Joe Franklin, Ed Koch, Frank Sinatra, Bob Williamson, O’Neil family, Herb McCord, Peter Bordes. John Bordes, Phil Redo, Curt Hahn, Bob Harper, Don Kelly, John Fullam, Tom Bender, Dan Mason, Bob Pittman, Buzz Knight, Caroline Beasley, Erica Farber, Margaret Low, Norman Knight, Traug Keller
ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.
Web: benztown.com
Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio
Twitter: @benztownradio
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown
Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio
Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
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EPISODE SUMMARY: Scott Herman spent 39 years at CBS Radio and its predecessor companies, Group W and Infinity Broadcasting. Herman shares how he started his career in news radio and worked his way up from desk assistant to COO all within the same corporation. He discusses his advice, leadership style, and incredible career as Scott and Chachi sit down for a chat!
On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody recorded live at NAB, Chachi talks to Scott about:
Growing up in Brooklyn and becoming interested in media through listening to the radio and accompanying his dad who was a news photographerJoining the radio station at Brooklyn College and getting a job at 1010 WINS through his professorGetting promoted to manager soon after college and working tirelessly to keep the station on air during a 13 week strikeLeaving NY for the first time to become a PD at KYW News Radio in PhilidelphiaBeing sent to turn WMAQ in Chicago into an all-news station and getting to build his visionReturning to New York and getting in a dispute with Tom Chiusano and Howard Stern that had to be moderated by Mel KarmazinBecoming an executive at CBS Radio and his management style for all the stations and markets he oversawHis decision to retire when Entercom bought CBS Radio and his work as chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation of AmericaAnd more!
Watch the recording of this episode HERE:
ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Scott Herman was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from Brooklyn College with a degree in television and radio in 1980 and was named “Alumnus of the Year” in 2002. He started his career at 1010 WINS as a desk assistant and eventually worked his way up within CBS Radio and its predecessor companies, Group W and Infinity Broadcasting until he was named Chief Operating Officer of CBS Radio. He oversaw and supported hundreds of local station operations in dozens of cities until he retired in 2021. Previously, Herman was Executive Vice President, Operations for CBS Radio. His first corporate appointment was in 2003 when he was named CBS Radio’s Executive Vice President, Eastern Region. Before that, he was Senior Vice President, Market Manager for the division’s New York properties.
In May 2011, he received an Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations and Radio Ink magazine named him one of the 40 Most Powerful People in Radio for multiple consecutive years. He has been on the board of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), International Radio and Television Society Foundation, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), Brooklyn College, and currently serves as Chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation of America.
ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.
PEOPLE MENTIONED: Sister Camille D’Arienzo, Bill Roswell, Paul Gluck, Bob Ross, Bill Branson, Bill Korn, Dan Mason, Weezie Kramer, Opie and Anthony, Mel Karmazin, Tom Chiusano, Chris Booker, Linda Lopez, Leslie Gold, Ron and Fez, Tom Leykis, Harvey Nagler Joel Hollander, Chet Buchanan, Les Moonves, Kevin Weatherly, David Field, Mary Berner, Bob Pittman, Rich Bressler, Jeff Smulyan, Phil Lombardo, Jim Thompson, Tim McCarthy, Greg Janoff, Steve Swenson, Mark Mason, Ben Mevorach, John Waugaman, Erica Farber
ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 15 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.
Web: benztown.com
Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio
Twitter: @benztownradio
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown
Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio
Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
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EPISODE SUMMARY: Mark Wallengren is a 35 year radio personality and former host of the Mark and Kim show on KOST, the first equally billed male and female morning show in the country. Mark and Kim have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Wallengren shares how he got his start in radio and tons of exciting stories from his decades on air as Mark and Chachi sit down at for a chat!
On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Mark Wallengren about:
Growing up in a Mormon pioneer family full of artists and innovatorsGetting his start in Preston, Idaho and working his way to larger marketsShutting the Union Pacific Train with his reenacctment of War of the WorldsDoing voiceover work and creating a proffessional press kit that got him noticed by Jhani KayeLanding a job at KOST and eventually replacing MG Kelly in the morningsMeeting Kim Amidon and quickly dominating ratings with the Mark and Kim show His connections with Disney and the thrill of the annual KOST Disneyland PartyGetting a star on the Hollywood Walk of FameThe tragic loss of his brother Ernie to ALSAnd more!
ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:
Mark Wallengren is a 35 year radio personality. He got his start in radio at KACH Preston, Idaho then worked his way to LA and was hired along with Kim Amidon at legendary Los Angeles radio station KOST 103.5FM in Feb of 1985. They won most of radios top personality awards and on the 20th anniversary of the Mark & Kim Show received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of Disney's El Capitan Theater in 2006. To donate to the E. F. Wallengren Fund for ALS Research in honor of Mark’s brother, Ernie, who passed away from ALS, click HERE.
ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.
PEOPLE MENTIONED: Kim Amidon, Gary Owens, Uncle Earl Trout, Don Burns, Larry McKay, Orson Welles, Kip Guth, Jim Ladd, Frasier Smith, Jhani Kaye, Machine Gun Kelly, Mark Allen, Mike Sakellarides, Lowman and Barkley, Robert W Morgan, Charlie Tuna, Rick Dees, David Paymer, Grant Tinker, Earl Hamner, Rugburn Liz Fulton, Scott Shanon, Big Boy, Mark and Brian, Kevin and Bean, Real Don Steele, Roy Disney, Darren Silva, Roy Laughlin, John Peake, Michael Levine, Dick Cook, Mike Eisner, Greg Ashlock, Ellen K, Andrew Jeffries, Rodrigo Hernandez
ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.
Web: benztown.com
Facebook: facebook.com/benztownradio
Twitter: @benztownradio
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztown
Instagram: instagram.com/benztownradio
Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
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