IBA's Declaration of Independents Hall of Fame Adapts
August 24, 2020, Issue 719 IBA’s Declaration Of Independents Adams Pres./CEO Ron Stone’s open call for an organization of independent radio owners and operators (CAT 4/9) received a resounding answer. The resulting Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA) has signed on more than 3,000 stations and established an initial board of directors in July (CAT 7/23). Below, Stone tells Country Aircheck his vision for leveling the playing field for independent broadcasters. Origin Story: “I was at an industry convention, looking around and realizing that not only were most of the talking points and topics geared toward corporate radio, but the networking opportunities, experiences and Ron Stone services being offered and sold also favored Omaha Stakes: KXKT/Omaha raises $231,501 for the Omaha large groups,” he says. “I was frustrated, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center during a recent radiothon, because pound-for-pound, there are just as many successful, bringing their 18-year total to more than $4.8 million. Pictured growing independent broadcasters and smaller companies, but we (back, l-r) are the station’s Steve Lundy, Gina Melton and Hoss are often excluded from the narrative.” Michaels; (front) the station’s Erik “EJ” Johnson. Stone elected to change the conversation and, after some deliberation, came to the conclusion that the IBA was not only possible, but necessary. He met with attorneys, crafted Hall Of Fame Adapts his open letter, launched a website and worked on articles When the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum of incorporation. First up, he invited those with interest to temporarily closed its doors to the public March 13, it forfeited its participate in May’s Radio Cares: Feeding America Emergency primary source of revenue — admissions.
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