May 1, 2009
You're A PD, Now What?
Josh Brandon
Program Director
102.5 WYNR/Qantum Communications
Brunswick, GA

While it was still the premier party to attend as always, a very somber tone hit the seminar this year, with all the economic woes and layoffs. As an industry, we're shorthanded, overworked and underpaid...but too insecure (or too smart) to complain. I say that lightly, but the fact remains that now, more than ever, it is essential for us to gather and share ideas. "You're A PD, Now What?" really addressed some of the key issues we are all facing at every level of radio in 2009. How do we deal with Voicetracking? How do we compete with less staff? How do we beat the competition with fewer and fewer resources? How do we wear so many hats and STILL manage to stay sane? Moderator Dale Desmond took the reins of the panel with some very compelling topics and lots of good information. Dale told me that in talking with some of the attendees after the panel, many of them commented on the wealth of knowledge gained. Our panel was unique in that we gave our attendees access to some of the biggest and most respected names in radio consulting. Alan Mason, Joel Raab and Rusty Walker Consulting's Scott Huskey were panelists in one of the more "outside the box" panel we've seen, where competitors come together to offer a "Freebie" of sorts. All of them are very successful and have brilliant, yet different ideas on what makes a station successful. While they agreed on many of the main topics (Listener Focus/Interaction, Effective Promotions without a lot of sales clutter) there were some differences. It wasn't a "No Holds Barred" by any means, but very intelligent and productive debate. They put their skills to good use working together to benefit PD's and Air talent who may or may not have had access to consultants before.

CRS-41 will be chock-full of more information, guaranteed, and will be a MUST attend as we approach our changing industry with fresh ideas and new perspectives for these troubling times, yet we look ahead to a more prosperous and bright future around the corner. We must figure out how to survive and get through this downswing and at the same time be ready for the rebound...in radio AND records. I urge EVERYONE, employed and not, to make plans to attend. I know times are tough and money is tight, but there is no better way to network and make your footprint in our industry than at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center in Nashville during CRS. Simply put, it's invaluable.

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