Most Influential Women in Radio List 2017 I Think That Puts People in a Great Mood, and Subjects
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The MOST INFLUENTIAL WOME N in RAD I O 1999. It was the closing chapter to the behalf of their companies, extending not only as an inspiration to women 20th century, a year immortalized by that influence by nurturing, guiding, within the industry, but the powerful Prince in song, and it marked the birth and mentoring the careers of others is influence they exert outside the studio of the euro. critical to continue the progress. every time they open the mic. And it was the year Radio Ink’s Most It’s also one of the reasons Radio Ink Corporate communicators possess Influential Women in Radio list — the is especially proud of the organization an uncommon power to influence in MIWs — made its debut. the rose from that first list, the MIWs, fashioning and projecting the mes- For 18 years, after beginning with a group of dedicated women (and men) sage, both internally and externally just 10 honorees, Radio Ink has been whose mission is to “pay it forward.” — impacting not only how company spotlighting and celebrating women At the same time, the list is not cultures are shaped, but shared and who have poured their spirit and their ranked. Rather, it is a compilation of disseminated publicly. As social media efforts into making radio stronger, shining achievements, experience, has dramatically evolved and changed prouder, and more inclusive, irrespec- advice, and encouragement others can the scope of this role, the board tive of any qualifier except talent. learn from and follow. As part of the agreed a special spotlight was in order As more women of influence have review process, our board also deter- for these influencers. carved out success in the indus- mined that “influence” can be unique, It’s been a thoughtful, challeng- try, their power and prestige have depending on one’s area of perspec- ing, and always inspirational road to enhanced the potential for more tive. the 2017 Radio Ink Most Influential opportunities and more doors avail- This year’s list spotlights three dis- Women in Radio list. We are proud of able to be opened for others. What tinct categories. The broader list con- the results and pleased to have the a wonderful domino effect that can sists primarily of corporate executives, privilege of saluting some of the indus- lead to! CEOs, managers, and sales executives. try’s most remarkable women. We And it’s why this year, the crite- Their positions allow them to play applaud them for their talent, share ria for the list were refreshed and a general role in advancing careers their dreams, and look forward to con- revamped. While continuing to recog- across the board. tinuing to chart their successes in the nize the progress and success women The on air list recognizes the unique years to come. Congratulations! have made in their own careers and on vantage point these women enjoy, — Radio Ink Publisher Deborah Parenti June 19, 2017 RADIOINK•COM 39 RI_miw 6-19-17 (pg39-45).indd 39 6/12/17 1:11 PM ANGELICA MARY BERNER BALDERAS CAROLINE CEO Sr. VP BEASLEY Cumulus Media Entravision CEO Sacramento Beasley Media Caroline Beasley is one of the most influential CEOs in radio today. Beasley’s recent purchase of Greater Media has kept the CEO and her team busy, but she remains focused on growing and expanding Beasley’s brands, HEATHER BIRKS growing its digital initiatives, and improving Executive Director its on-air products. She says, “In my role, I Broadcast also keep a close eye on strengthening our Education balance sheet and operate the company with Association a focus on creating value and generating returns for our shareholders. As an organi- Heather Birks is zation, we are always looking to continue to responsible for run- find new ways to expand our company and ning an academic diversify our revenue streams.” media association For nearly 60 years, the Beasley family where the members has been an important part of the radio are college and industry and making it stronger. Caroline university faculty, undergrads and graduate says, “My father, George Beasley, has dedi- students, and industry professionals. She orga- cated more than half a century of his per- nizes strategic alliances with corporate and sonal and professional life to the industry. academic organizations, oversees marketing As a company, we continue to work diligently and membership outreach efforts, and works to maintain a strong and respected reputa- with the BEA board to keep research and cre- tion as a broadcaster in the markets that we ative initiatives relevant. operate in, and are committed to providing Birks is certainly doing her part to help value to our listeners, advertisers, and the keep the industry strong by engaging the next DEBORAH BEAGAN communities we serve. In addition, we are generation of broadcasters. “Because we cover Executive Director very engaged on a local and national level a variety of members — faculty and students — New York Market Radio Association with the state associations, the National we’re trying to do this on several different lev- Association of Broadcasters and the Radio els,” she says. “The goal is to offer professional Deborah Beagan is an evangelist for radio. Advertising Bureau. We also play an active development, support, knowledge, and access Her goals are to promote radio’s power to role in supporting academic institutions and to faculty and students. We provide opportuni- connect with listeners and help advance organizations that educate students inter- ties for our faculty members to learn new tech- NYMRAD member stations’ presence among ested in pursuing a career in the broadcast- nology, meet with industry professionals, and listeners and the advertising community. She ing industry.” share research, creative work, teaching tips, does it through the development of compel- As far as being successful and influential, techniques, and experiences — to keep them ling research, market analysis, sales training, Beasley says you are only as good as those current and relevant as educators. active recruitment, and exciting events. who surround you. “I have the privilege of “We provide students with opportunities to To help advance the cause, Beagan talks working with incredible people who are the share creative and research as well, but for the about some of the initiatives she spear- best at what they do. They are the heart and past few years have been working with RAB heads: “NYMRAD’s concerts showcase radio’s soul of Beasley Media Group. While I may be and NAB to fully expose students to the indus- entertainment factor with riveting perfor- the CEO, our employees are a big part of our try at the Radio Show. Thanks to the support of mances from iconic and emerging acts, and I success. They are the lifeline of our organi- 29 radio groups and associated businesses, we regularly produce events that highlight radio zation.” have been able to offer the Radio Show Student as a news and information source with high- And what would she like to see the Scholar Program. The student scholars receive profile business and tech leaders as speak- industry do better? “It is important that we registrations to attend the Radio Show, and ers. To keep advertisers, agencies, and radio continue to band together as an industry to BEA manages the program, providing guidance stations informed and up-to-date on the promote the many unique benefits of our to get them there, and once they are there, latest trends and research, I launched the medium. We must embrace the opportunities helping them process what they learn while NYMRAD State of the Market Guide Report that arise on the digital front and appreci- making sure they take advantage of all the two years ago. The report has been a useful ate the importance of being at the forefront Radio Show has to offer.” resource for advertisers and agencies, and I of technology adoption, especially when it Advice for others who hope to become influ- am very pleased that it has been effective in comes to continuing to safeguard our posi- ential? “The mark of success in anything is to radio stations’ business development efforts. tion on the dashboard in the connected car. sincerely enjoy what you do,” Birks says. “Radio “I also hold biannual meetings with pub- I believe these factors will play an important offers incredible options: You can enjoy con- lic affairs and governmental agencies that role in the future of our industry and define necting with the community, making a differ- underscore radio’s mass reach and influence our success moving forward.” ence, helping people, selling as many spots as and its ability to quickly and effectively dis- you can, building an empire, producing unique seminate vital information to the public.” content, managing a team, or making your voice heard. Match one, or several, up with a love for radio, and you’re set.” 40 RADIOINK•COM June 19, 2017 RI_miw 6-19-17 (pg39-45).indd 40 6/12/17 1:11 PM well, who couldn’t use a bit of encourage- ment today?” The advice Brannigan has for others so they might someday be successful and influential is to deliver what listeners tell you they want. “And be dedicated to solving VALERIE problems for advertisers,” she continues, “at BLACKBURN the same time serving our local communi- Project Manager ties; that’s why we have licenses. Serving all CBS Radio customers is what leads to success. I don’t Denver believe there is any substitute for doing the work to learn your craft. Valerie Blackburn tells Radio Ink that you “Whatever your role at a radio station is, should, in every aspect of your life, take I recommend you seek out the best in your pride in everything you do, especially the field and do everything you can to learn work no one else ever sees.