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AM 560 The Answer Morning Hosts Dan Proft, Amy Jacobson Receiving Pushback For Comments on Son of Tim Walz

BNM Staff
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AM 560 The Answer Morning Hosts Dan Proft, Amy Jacobson Receiving Pushback For Comments on Son of Tim Walz

1130 WISN host Jay Weber isn’t the only conservative radio host facing backlash for comments about Gus Walz. AM 560 The Answer hosts Dan Proft and Amy Jacobson have each received strong pushback for similar comments they made about the son of Tim Walz.

Last week, the Chicago’s Morning Answer hosts reacted to the viral moment of Gus Walz shouting “That’s my dad!” during his father’s Vice Presidential nomination acceptance speech.

“What’s the deal with [Gov. Walz’s] kid?” said Proft. “Can somebody get Gus Walz some Ritalin?”

Jacobson responded by defending the 17-year-old, saying “Well, he’s excited.”

Proft continued by playing a clip of Chris Farley pretending to be Andrew Giuliani in a 1994 sketch from Saturday Night Live. He continued mocking Walz by saying “What the hell was that? Come on. I don’t go after family members unless they invite themselves into the arena like Hunter Biden did, but I mean—it’s just weird.”

The AM 560 The Answer duo issued apologies on Friday, after learning that Walz suffers from ADHD, an anxiety disorder, and a non-verbal learning disorder.

Amy Jacobson said she “would have reacted differently if I had additional information.”

According to the Chicago Tribune, Jacobson, who is a varsity volleyball coach at an area high school, was the subject of a strongly worded letter to the school, questioning if someone who “mocked a child with a disability or that she sat there silently while somebody else did it and she didn’t speak up about it.”

Additionally, Dan Proft has been removed from the Board of Directors of Envision Unlimited, which serves as an advocacy group for the disabled. A statement from the organization claims he was removed by a unanimous decision after he “made comments that were wholly inconsistent with our values and code of ethics and at their core insensitive and insulting to the very people and families that we serve.”

Underdog Fantasy Announces Veteran NFL Reporter James Palmer will Lead Football Coverage

BSM Staff
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Underdog Fantasy Announces Veteran NFL Reporter James Palmer will Lead Football Coverage

Underdog Fantasy has announced veteran NFL reporter James Palmer will lead the company’s football coverage and will serve as Underdog’s first sports reporter. Palmer will host the 89 podcast with Steve Smith Sr. Palmer has covered the NFL for over a decade and spent six years covering college football.

In his role as senior sports reporter, Palmer is expected to break news and provide coverage across football programs on the Underdog Media Network, which also includes Clean Pocket hosted by veteran QB Colt McCoy and Coach Jay Gruden, and Heed the Call hosted by former Around the NFL hosts Dan Hanzus and Marc Sessler.

Earlier this summer, Underdog announced a partnership with eight-time Super Bowl Champion coach Bill Belichick. He will be creating and hosting a new football show this year, Coach.

“Underdog is building one of the leaders in sports media, and focuses on a thoughtful and fan-centric approach,” said James Palmer in a release. “I look forward to bringing fans the latest news through in-depth storytelling, reporting, and analysis across Underdog programming.”  

“To have someone of James Palmer’s caliber join the Underdog team and help develop our news reporting capabilities is another validation of what we are building here,” said Tim Livingston. “He has covered football’s biggest moments in recent years, has an engaging and insightful reporting style, and maintains the ability to connect with fans, which is at the heart of everything we do.”

Sports Rap Radio Ceases Operations in Detroit

BSM Staff
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Sports Rap Radio Ceases Operations in Detroit

After less than 90 days on the air, Sports Rap Radio is no longer on Detroit’s WXYT-AM. A group led by FOX Sports Radio host Rob Parker had leased the station from Audacy, who says the station will return to BetQL Network programming which it was before the flip in June. The Sports Rap Radio programming came off the station at 5 p.m. ET on August 27.

“Sadly, our second round of funding didn’t come through, making it difficult to continue,” said Rob Parker, the founder and one of the co-owners.

“Sports Rap Radio, the idea and concept, is viable and serves the under represented Black community in sports-talk radio,” Parker said. “I’m proud that we were able to launch the first all-Black sports talk station in this country. I’m proud of the product the staff delivered.
But I’m devastated that I couldn’t deliver this for our culture. I failed my people.”

Sports Rap Radio had a slightly delayed launch at the beginning but went on the air on June 4. Some of the talent involved with the station included former pro athletes B.J. Armstrong and Lindsey Hunter.

Parker said all station employees would be compensated for their services.

Final One-Day Sale on BNM Summit Tickets

Jason Barrett
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Final One-Day Sale on BNM Summit Tickets

Looking to attend next week’s BNM Summit in Washington D.C.? Here’s your final opportunity to save $ on tickets.

Today only, we are running a sale on tickets. Individual tickets are reduced to $224.99. Ticket purchases come with access to all sessions for both days, and admittance to the BNM Summit After Party presented by Collette.

Special thanks to ABC News Radio, Fox News Radio, Talk Media Network, Harker Bos Group, and Subtext for signing on as event partners. Eighteen companies are supporting this year’s show and we are very appreciative of their support.

To make sure you’re in the Jack Morton Auditorium for next week’s show, simply click here and purchase your ticket. This is the last time we will reduce tickets leading up to the show. Regular prices return on Wednesday August 29th, and will remain in effect until Friday August 31st. Tickets will not be available after Friday.

Hope to see you in the nation’s capital next week.

77 WABC Adds Former WCBS 880 Business Reporter Joe Connolly For New Vignette Series

BNM Staff
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77 WABC Adds Former WCBS 880 Business Reporter Joe Connolly For New Vignette Series

Longtime WCBS 880 business reporter and host Joe Connolly is joining 77 WABC to host a series of one-minute features for the Red Apple Media station.

Business Success Stories with Joe Connolly will air on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with Connolly featuring interviews with local business owners to detail what has led to their success.

“Joe is the best business news reporter in New York and a highly trusted source for business intelligence,” said 77 WABC and Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis. “In the midst of questions about the economy and where it’s going, Joe will find success stories that inspire others. New York radio listeners, especially those who own or run businesses, will benefit from these uplifting interviews.”

During his tenure at WCBS, Joe Connolly interviewed thousands of business owners, including the hosts of Shark Tank like Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran.

Connolly told Barrett Media he couldn’t be more excited to join 77 WABC for this opportunity.

“My excitement level is DEF CON Five or whatever it is,” he joked. “The energy is just so high here. But people are really nice and very friendly. I’m really looking forward to getting back into locally-owned radio. I think that the key to the future of radio is a large part the fact that it’s locally owned. That’s how it was when I started out in radio many years ago. They were usually locally owned stations, because the local owner cares about their community, and this is local ownership at a whole new level. All of the things that they’re doing, they’re really — I hope, I think, — helping a lot of radio stations learn how to thrive again through new ways.”

Joe Connolly — who said his features will spotlight unique New York businesses from nearly every sector from restaurants to services like lawyers and accountants — shared that telling the stories of the Big Apple’s business leaders continues to fuel him into this new endeavor.

“There are a million stories. New York is people of all ages, all ethnicities, all experiences, all backgrounds,” Connolly said. “It’s endless. And they love talking about their business. Business owners love — this was part of the reason for my success so far on this — business owners love talking about their business and hearing other business owners talk about their business.”

He continued by noting that business news is similar to another strong radio format.

“When I first started to cover business news, I realized covering business news was like talking almost like a sports station. Because on the sports talk stations, people talk about endless scenarios. ‘What if we trade this and do this? And what if someone does that?’ And the business people talk about, ‘What if you tried this, and what if you tried that? What if interest rates come down, and what if interest rates go up?’ It’s very dynamic,” Connolly admitted. “It is very much like sports talk in the business world.”

And while he’s excited to join 77 WABC, the station is equally as thrilled to welcome his new reports.

“Joe is the most popular business news reporter on New York radio and is credited with changing the way business news is reported,” noted Red Apple Media and 77 WABC President Chad Lopez. “Joe’s ability to distill sometimes complex business issues into short-form reports connects with listeners. I am delighted Joe is joining the WABC Radio on-air team, and I know our listeners will be thrilled, as well.”

Tom Brady Must Be His Authentic Self to Succeed as FOX Sports NFL Analyst

Mark Kreidler
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Tom Brady Must Be His Authentic Self to Succeed as FOX Sports NFL Analyst

You can already feel Tom Brady backing off his putt.

In a recent conversation with Stephen A. Smith, Brady went wide-range on a number of topics, and almost all of it was entertaining. For those who stop paying attention to football every season once the Super Bowl ends, it turns out that Brady has spent years of downtime refining his craft as a public speaker. The man can deliver a line.

He’s a product-hawker, a positive-mindset reinforcer. He will gladly accept your contract offer to tell your corporation what it needs to do to win!

But on the subject of how this whole NFL top-analyst thing is going to go, Brady sounded more introspective while speaking with Smith than he had been previously. He suggested — in a way that seemed both thoughtful and somewhat logical — that he might pull his punches on the FOX NFL broadcasts.

Rather than let loose with his actual reaction, Brady said, he’d temper it a bit.

I mean, terrible idea. But hear him out.

“The most challenging thing is when I see something and I think ‘Oh, that was horrible,’ but I just can’t say that on TV,” Brady told Smith. “Because there are parents and there are family members, and I don’t want to always necessarily say it in that way.”

Brady went on to say that as a player, when he screwed up a sequence on the field, “I would walk to the sidelines and say, ‘You are the worst quarterback in the world. How could you possibly make that throw? That was terrible.’”

Now, though, the seven-time Super Bowl winner says, “I just don’t want to be so critical because, in some ways, I don’t necessarily know exactly what the problem was on that play…I don’t think I’m going to dial back to make something that was negative into a neutral or a positive. I think if something’s not good, I’m going to point out why it’s not good and how it could be better…The criticism of a player is different (than) the criticism of a play.”

Wow. We are a long way from the Tom Brady of playing days.

Brady doesn’t sound exactly like he’ll be slinking away from big moments. But it’s fascinating to hear him invoke considerations like players’ parents and families as reasons to sugar-coat his explanations.

As much as we can appreciate his new protective instincts, I think we’d just as soon hear the truth.

That truth, by the way, doesn’t have to be brutal. We’re talking about games, yes, but they’e games being played at the highest level in the world. There’s going to be legitimate criticism, and sometimes it will get personal because there are people involved. Those people are used to being judged, by the way. It’s part of the gig.

It is instructive to go back to Tony Romo’s first couple of years in the analyst chair. Romo could be almost over-the-top enthusiastic, but that’s because he was still thinking like an active quarterback and couldn’t help but get fired up over certain plays or sequences that he saw unfolding.

Far from being a turnoff, that sort of authenticity made Romo a broadcast star. If he’s a little less out there these days, that’s natural, too — Romo is now separated from his playing days by several years. It has been an organic change, not a forced one.

It’s hard to imagine a scenario in which Tom Brady doesn’t figure out how to become a top-shelf analyst, but it’s fine with me if there are some rough edges in the beginning. Brady should feel free to fire up like he did as a QB. If that involves blunt criticism, so be it — it would be authentically Brady. That’s who he is at heart: demanding, with high expectations and a medium-low tolerance for second-best effort.

That’s all to the good. Precisely what NFL viewers don’t need is for Brady to feel the urge to remake himself into an ambassador for The League. There are plenty of people to do that. Dozens. Hundreds. There is no end of people willing to carry the NFL’s water.

There is a solid middle ground between the gloves-off scenario Brady described to Smith and the sort of raving, frothing hot-take universe of social media. Brady can thread that needle and still be himself — and he has to, if he really wants this to work.

Despite Shuttering WCBS 880, Audacy Leaders Deserve Praise for Station’s Swan Song

Garrett Searight
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Despite Shuttering WCBS 880, Audacy Leaders Deserve Praise for Station’s Swan Song

To say I had no connection to WCBS 880 might be the understatement of the century. I had listened to the Audacy New York station exactly once before joining Barrett Media in 2022.

It was on a random summer night when I was 21 years old. I was driving home after dark, scanning through the radio stations. After not finding anything on the FM dial, I flipped over to the AM band in my 1997 Dodge Intrepid. As I hit seek, my radio said 880 AM. I knew absolutely nothing about what was coming out of the speakers, other than it was a baseball game. After I continued to listen, I was enthralled by the fact that — in Western Ohio — I was listening to the New York Yankees.

There’s something about those late night drives, sunroof open, windows down, feeling the breeze hit your hand out the window, with the worry of the world finally in the rear-view mirror instead of out the windshield, that makes radio the intimate medium we all know and love.

But that ever so slight connection to WCBS pales in comparison to the role it held in the lives of millions of listeners in the New York metro.

As I listened to the final hour of the station’s existence before ESPN New York took over the venerable signal, I sat and listened to the stories told by the anchors. I was especially struck by the final 15 minutes helmed by longtime anchor Wayne Cabot. To be frank, I knew who Cabot was before this moment, but I had never actually heard him on the air. I quickly realized why he became a friend to so many during his tenure with the station.

With the clock ticking toward midnight on the brand’s illustrious history, Cabot said something profound. Truthfully, Cabot said many things that were profound during the final moments of the station’s existence, but one thing especially stood out. In the station’s final minute — literally — Wayne Cabot took time to mention his appreciation for the Audacy New York leaders for allowing the station to have a farewell period.

“Chris Oliviero, Ben Mevorach, Ivan Lee, our bosses, pushed for and got the authority to let us have our goodbyes, to have a last show. That’s something very rare,” Cabot admitted. “I thank them for that.”

He’s right.

He’s absolutely right.

It is something maligned by radio hosts when they are unexpectedly cut. In fact, it was the biggest sticking point Cleveland radio legend Jimmy Malone shared when he was part of nationwide cuts at iHeartMedia earlier this month: He wished he had gotten to say goodbye.

And that’s not a regret that WCBS 880, its anchors, reporters, or station personnel will ever have to confront.

I believe Wayne Cabot when he said Oliviero, Mevorach, and Lee “pushed” for allowing the station to have a quasi-wake, viewing, and funeral period. It’s an extreme rarity these days. Most radio managers are entirely too worried that the outgoing employees may say something that could jeopardize the FCC license — or worse, say something bad about management!

But I’ve always been of the mindset that if you believe someone is professional enough to represent your brand day-in, day-out, during the good times, you should rely on them to be professional enough to represent your brand, and more importantly themselves, when the Titanic is sinking.

I saw firsthand the power of the brand and the connection it had with listeners. As the station signed off the air on Sunday evening, I captured the final minutes, knowing Barrett Media would want to publish a story on the end of the heritage brand on Monday. I published the video of the sign-off just after midnight. My phone notifications kept my wife up to the point that she asked me to turn my phone face down on my nightstand because every couple of seconds, it would light up with another like, retweet, or quote tweet from an interested party.

In total, the video of the station’s last breath — that I published to social media as more of a selfish act of putting something where I’d remember it than an attempt to give longtime listeners a look at its last gasp — has been viewed more than 225,000 times, features more than 800 likes, and has been retweeted more than 300 times.

That speaks to the level of importance the brand has in the lives of so many, and why millions were sad to see it go.

I couldn’t help but feel the pain that those listeners — who had decades of connection with the station — felt as I heard “I’m Wayne Cabot and for the final time, this is WCBS New York.”

Is there blame to go around? Certainly. Should those all-news radio consumers feel angry about the situation? Yes. Should the employees of the brand feel resentment to their corporate overlords for selling them down the river? Absolutely.

But the reaction doesn’t always have to be negative. We don’t always have to be outraged. Is there room for that in this story? 100%. But there’s also a tiny sliver of sunshine peaking through the clouds to remind us why we love this industry, why we grew to love stations like WCBS, and why we do what we do each and every day.

It was a fitting end for a heritage news station. One that felt appropriate for the unfortunate situation.

So a tip of the cap to Chris Oliviero, Ben Mevorach, and Ivan Lee. One, for understanding that a station of the magnitude of WCBS 880 deserved a farewell period, not only for station personnel but for listeners, too. But also for allowing some incredibly talented radio professionals like Steve Scott, Michael Wallace, Anita Bonita, Wayne Cabot, and an incredibly long list of employees who have spent countless years pouring their hearts and souls into a brand and creating truly powerful radio to have the opportunity to say goodbye.

Advancing to a Management Position

Bob Lawrence
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Advancing to a Management Position

Working your way into management positions requires a bit more than just succeeding in your current position. You have to stand out and show your readiness along with strong leadership and relationship building. Here are ten common, basic strategies to help improve your chances of getting there.

1. Hard Work

Few are considered for a management position without first demonstrating excellence at what they already do. So many in today’s world tend to do just enough to skate by and keep their jobs. The truth is that it is always those who go beyond the basic tasks attached to their position and consistently look for additional responsibilities that contribute to a team’s success. Those who take the initiative and become problem solvers who benefit the company will be noticed by those managers making decisions that impact your career. 

2. Honing Your Leadership Skills

Management requires unique skills that set them apart. I strongly recommend developing leadership qualities that include, more than anything, effective communication with positive motivational skills. Ask those currently in decision making roles for opportunities that may require you taking a lead in areas of importance.  This is how you will begin to focus on people skills and team processes that may make you a good candidate for that next manager position.

3. Network and Connect

Networking and connecting are critical for career advancement. We all know how people talk inside every organization. Knowing that and using it to your advantage can be crucial in developing strong relationships, particularly with colleagues and managers. Make yourself available to help other departments. Show others that you are a quick learner and have skills that are useful in all departments. When the time comes for managers to fill open positions, the extra effort you have shown will go a long way, as others mention your positive participation across the company.

4. Find a Mentor

Last week, I mentioned my mentor, Steve Rivers. I have had several, and I still do. Many have several mentors who actually grow into a “Personal Board of Directors.” I am a big believer in finding mentors, and I suggest that everyone wants to be a mentor. In my entire career, I have never asked anyone for help who said, “Get outta here kid, you bother me!” In our industry, I can promise you we all want to help in any way we can. The future requires good people and great managers. Also, don’t be afraid to ask others what they think. It’s always helpful to ask for feedback on ways you can improve.

5. Continuing Education

Constantly trying to acquire new skills will definitely help your growth and development. My wife is a realtor and is always investing in her future by taking continuing education courses. Sometimes, they require many hours of her time, but her managers appreciate the extra effort, and it never goes unnoticed. Taking extra RAB Marketing and/or Content courses is something that can actually open new doors for you. These courses include certification that you have forever and can be listed on your resume. They do matter and mean something to those in the industry. I would also suggest taking continuing education classes in project management and strategic/tactical planning, which can be very valuable in management positions.

6. Become a Problem Solver

One of the main responsibilities managers take on is problem solving and making decisions based on those solutions. Are you able to handle challenges effectively by taking difficult situations and resolving team conflicts? Don’t be afraid to tout your ability to solve problems. Your performance reviews and one-on-ones are a perfect opportunity for you and your manager to discuss your successes in providing solutions.

7. Express Your Career Goals

Don’t assume that your ambitions are obvious. Communicate your career goals to your supervisor and express your interest in moving into management. This proactive approach ensures that your aspirations are known and allows you to receive guidance on the steps you need to take. A mentor or career advisor can also provide valuable advice and support in navigating your path to management.

8. Understand the Goals of the Company

Managers understand how everyone’s work must be in sync with the goals of the company. Are you able to show that same mindset? Can you suggest ways your work and ideas will help achieve the common objectives? As a manager, I want those on my teams that think radially and work toward long-term success.

9. Be Persistent and Patient

The one thing we all know is that success takes time. It’s a process that culminates with rewards over time and never happens overnight. Thomas Edison said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” Work hard every day and be patient. Those who sell for a living know that every “no” brings you closer to the “yes.” Every day should be treated as a learning experience.

10. Embrace Change

Finally, be open to change. Those who resist change nowadays are setting up a road block for success. One of the things I dislike hearing more than anything is, “That’s the way we’ve always done it.” My answer to that is, “If you have been doing it that long, it’s probably no longer the best way anymore.” Growth requires change. We must accept change within ourselves, change in the way we look at new ideas and methods, change in corporate culture, and change in the entire industry.

I learned a long time ago that there are two types of managers. Those who surround themselves with those not quite as good as they are – so they can shine. Then there are those who surround themselves with people whose skills are even better than their own – so they shine. The former don’t stay managers very long. Show those in charge that you are willing to do whatever it takes to help make their entire team shine.

Seller to Seller: Mike Hulvey, RAB President & CEO

Dave Greene
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Seller to Seller: Mike Hulvey, RAB President & CEO

On November 30th last year, the Radio Advertising Bureau announced the hiring of Mike Hulvey as the new President/CEO, effective at the beginning of April this year. Hulvey, who had been CEO of Neuhoff Media and was previously Chair of the RAB, was the person charged with filling the big shoes of Erica Farber, who had led the RAB for nearly a dozen years. In stepping down from the top position, Farber remains with the organization working on their Rising Through the Ranks leadership development training and the National Radio Talent System.

In the release announcing Hulvey’s hire, Connoisseur Media Founder/CEO and RAB Board Chair Jeff Warshaw said, “Mike is an excellent selection with the relevant skills and expertise to lead the RAB. He has an impressive track record in corporate management and local radio expertise. In addition, as a past chair of the RAB he has a clear understanding of the organization and what the broadcast industry requires from RAB. He has a tremendous passion for the industry which will serve us all well.”

Hulvey has a long history with the organization. As he explained, “I have been actively involved in the RAB since the 90s as a broadcaster, as an operator. And I have always looked at the RAB as a gold standard of support and advocacy for the industry, getting to know the people behind it. I was on committees in the 90s, joined the RAB Board of Directors, then the Executive Board, then became an officer. And then during the pandemic I was the Board Chair, and got to see this amazing group of people, how the industry looks to the RAB for solutions to problems or for a resource to help improve certain things.”

Hulvey said he came into the position with a three-step plan which broke things down into the categories of engagement, alignment and activation.

He explained the first step was to, “immediately engage with our membership and members of leadership from the industry. What do you need? What support do you feel like you need? Not just for today, but for tomorrow and looking ahead.”

Hulvey and his staff are also looking at, “aligning the mission of the RAB with the resources of the RAB to meet those current needs and also, more importantly, the future needs.”

Then, after that information is all gathered, Hulvey said it becomes, “a period of activation where we activate against what we’ve learned during this process.

“I think listening is the most important thing. We’ve challenged the staff to think a little differently than maybe we have in the past because times have changed. We’re actually looking at all of the services that the RAB provides from the largest projects to the smallest projects, and we’re evaluating their impact.”

Hulvey said the goal is to come up with measurement metrics for anything they can in order to make fact-based decisions about what’s in the best interest of the RAB members as everyone moves forward.

“One of the questions that I’ve asked our team is, ‘What is it that we’re doing today that’s going to be as important or more important to our members in the industry ten years from now?’ When you know something is going to be important ten years from now, how do you fine tune that and put more emphasis on it?”

While very bullish on what lies ahead for radio, Hulvey recognizes how much is different today and the need for the RAB to change with the industry. “I happen to believe that radio’s greatest days are ahead of it, not behind it,” Hulvey said. “And our industry is different today than what it was in the past, but everything is different. So, to be able to help lead the industry and represent the industry and work with an amazing group of talented professionals and 7,000 members, I can’t think of a better job.”

As part of his new position, Hulvey will represent the RAB and the industry at various events across the country and that will include the BNM News Summit being held in Washington, D.C. September 4-5. Hulvey will lead a panel discussion titled, ‘Hunting for Political Dollars’ where he will lead discussion about ways to take advantage of the 2024 political cycle and what happens in 2025 when it’s over.

“In our panel in particular we have Christine [Hoffman, SVP, Ad Sales The Daily Wire] and Julie [Talbott, President, Premiere Networks] and Steve [Passwaiter, Silver Oak Political President], who will be a part of our panel,” Hulvey explained. “One of the things that Steve preaches, and repeats is to get in there and create relationships. I’m not talking at the presidential level, but certainly at the Congressional and in the state races in their respective markets, that those relationships really do matter. But you know with Christine’s background and all of Julie’s resources that she represents, it’s going to be a robust conversation for sure.”

Another conversation the RAB is having often is about the future of the workforce in the industry. As one of the organization’s stated missions, Hulvey said finding talent for the industry in all departments is a major point of emphasis and has been for some time.

“We made a strategic decision right before the pandemic to acquire the National Radio Talent System. As an organization, the NRTS puts on weeklong programs at various college campuses. We’re in the process of planning our 2025 programs. And we’re also looking at some unique approaches that we haven’t done in the past to make sure that we’re positioning ourselves to attract that next level or that next generation of employee into the industry.

“The definition of radio may have changed over generations. I like to think of radio today as an eight-lane superhighway. And whether you’d want to be in sales on the business side, you want to see a career in promotions, you see yourself as an influencer an endorser, a sports presenter, a broadcaster, video, social media, all those things are happening in the radio space. And one of the things that the RAB has been doing is articulating that to the next generation students that these are the careers that are happening every day.”

When asked about common mistakes he sees from hiring managers in the industry, Hulvey said it starts with not looking beyond the resume.

“Find the magic inside the person,” he said. “You know the old saying that ‘you hire for attitude, and you’ll train against the skill’. You can train someone to do something. But if you are limiting yourself because of perhaps something that is missing from a resume, you may be missing a great opportunity. So, dig deep as a hiring person, dig deep with your prospects, find the magic. Go beyond the headline, if you will, and see what’s there.

“For those who are interviewing, tell your story. Sell your story. We’re in a storytelling business every single day. If you’re a seller, you’re telling the story, you’re listening for the story with the client, and then you’re helping them tell their story, which ultimately will lead to economic success for the client. If you’re an on-air talent, you sell yourself and you’re telling the story. That’s what we do.”

Hulvey then added for those that may be out looking for their first job in the industry, “Don’t discount the power of your story. Work on your story. It’s unique to you. Be proud of it and share it.”

93Q Houston’s Riggs Is All In With Country Radio

Jeff Lynn
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93Q Houston’s Riggs Is All In With Country Radio

After a few years of “dipping his toes” in Country Music, Urban One Country KKBQ (93Q Country)/Houston morning co-host Andy “Riggs” Riggle jumped into the deep end of the Country radio pool. Joining Riggs Katelyn & Erica – The Q Morning Show.

Before joining 93Q in 2022, Riggs co-hosted mornings at Audacy’s Top 40 WXSS (Kiss 103.7)/Milwaukee.

For Riggs, it was the opportunity to try something different in a major market with a team that was assembled and ready to go.

“We have quite a few players at our station now, so we can activate and get things done on the ground that we couldn’t in Wisconsin.”

Moving to the Country format on a huge stage in a state that loves its Country music meant a different mindset from the Top 40 in the Midwest.

“It felt like a natural progression,” said Riggs. “How we present our show is very similar to Top 40, just a little more family friendly.”

“There’s a little bit of adulting it up. I always like to think when I’m talking on a Country station that I have my grandma in the backseat, so am I going to say something that is going to ruffle my grandma’s feathers? It can take some edginess, but if it gets too much, I run it through the grandma filter.”

“Radio is still radio. People are still people. It’s being present on the dial and off the dial socially and having digital components as well. We can’t just be on the radio.”

Even in a city of six million people, Riggs sees the value of “Being able to get out and meet the people, get into the city, and learn the city as well.”

For Riggs, part of the appeal of the Country format was the artists and their partnerships with radio. “I always admired the format and the way that artists work with the format and the listeners.”

The social media component is a large part of the 93Q morning show, and Riggs says it is important to “Be yourself. Don’t be something that you think other people want you to be or something you think you’re supposed to be.”

“Don’t worry if you’re not posting constantly like everyone else. Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses too much. Just stick with the plan and what you’re comfortable with. And be a little bit vulnerable when you can.”

When Hurricane Beryl impacted Houston this past June, 93Q devised a unique way to help the community.

“When Beryl hit, there were three million people without power. That was the biggest problem everyone had right away. We have five or six generators, and we took them out. We targeted the neighborhoods that were hardest hit, took the generators and a big power strip, and let people charge up their battery-powered items.”

“Personally, we weren’t affected by it. We live in a building that has a generator. I couldn’t sit in my house after a day of doing the show and watch TV of people suffering in the heat without air conditioning or refrigerators, knowing that I could do something.”

“I think more than anything, it was just being there as an ear for people to talk to and giving them some relief. Saying someone else is here and someone else cares about you.”

In addition to giving back on the radio, Riggs and his wife Elana founded HeartHead, a non-profit that helps people pay for mental health care.

“It came about after I lost my uncle to suicide and a couple of other industry friends. I realized a lot of people weren’t reaching out for the help they needed. A lot of times, people don’t go to therapy for two reasons. Either they can’t afford it, or there is a stigma around it.”

“We started HeartHead, and we directly pay practitioners for healthcare.”

People fill out an application on the website. There are no personal questions about the person’s issues.

“We want to know how much you need to get to a better place.” Adding, “We researched to find that about 12 sessions are what somebody needs to get a mindset shift. And to get some tools to help them troubleshoot what they may be going through.”

While not strictly radio, I asked Riggs about his recent appearance on the TV show “Bar Rescue.”

“What you see on the show is what it is. From Jon Taffer’s reactions to how the staff reacts. They completely renovate these buildings in 36 hours. It was fun to see it happen and realize that it is very real and not scripted. Jon Taffer is a very nice guy. He believes in local radio, so he reaches out to a lot of local radio people when he does these.

Riggs credits an “amazing team” and not just in the morning for Q93’s success. “Travis Moon is our Ops Manager; LO is our afternoons. Cory Dillion, our producer, has been instrumental in helping us elevate our digital content. He does all the video work for us. He’s also on the midday show, so he takes on double duty. He has totally elevated our game. We can use him on the air. He keeps the three of us organized, and that is what we need.

Listen to The Q Morning show here. On social media @riggsradio

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