The MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN in RAD I O nce again, Radio Ink ence in the industry today, the pool Beginning next year, nominations is proud to spotlight of those who have the opportunity, to the MIW roster will include addi- some of radio's Most and, dare I add, the responsibility, tional criteria as to how nominees are Influential Women. to set an example and to mentor "paying it forward" as role models in It's especially grati- and promote the next generation of developing and leading those who fying to note that broadcasters, women and men alike, aspire to follow in their footsteps. An these women of accomplishment has greatly expanded. outside committee of advisers will Orepresent only some of the many Radio Ink’s MIW list has evolved also be named to help evaluate the outstanding women in radio today. and grown in great part because nominations. Our goal is to insure Thanks to advancements over the those who came first paved the way that the MIW list reflects those past 17 years, what began as a list of for those who have followed. In women whose success is breeding 10 is now at 100. While there is cer- 1999, it reflected women who were success, who are using their influ- tainly more to do to level the playing carving out success in what was then ence to open doors for others. field, this list indicates significant a male-dominated industry. While we We applaud the 2016 Most progress. continue to spotlight and celebrate Influential Women in Radio, and we But progress does not come with- their progress, it's time to set a look forward to encouraging and fol- out change. As U.S. soccer player higher bar for the list, one that rec- lowing them and their successors for and two-time Olympic gold medalist ognizes not only influence, but ways many years to come. Mia Hamm said, "Success breeds in which that influence is being used — Open by Radio Ink Publisher success." With more women of influ- to help others advance. Deborah Parenti June 20, 2016 RADIOINK•COM 39 two words: diversification and reinvention. We know radio is still a consumer sought-after medium, but we must continually expand our thinking and approach to meet both our ANGEL ARISTONE listeners’ and advertisers’ SVP/Communications needs — from reinvigo- iHeartMedia rating our sound, creat- [email protected] YASHIMA WHITE AZILOVE ing engaging audio and VP/Corporate video content digitally, to Angel Aristone is responsible for handling media relations Communications Officer engaging audiences at live and internal and external communications on a local and Radio One events and being present national basis for radio’s largest company, iHeartMedia, [email protected] whenever and however and its audio platform, iHeartRadio. In addition, she man- our listeners need via ages the red carpet and press execution at iHeartMedia’s Yashim a AziLove is mobilization. And perhaps major events. responsible for internal I should add another word: To become successful at whatever you do, she advises, and external communica- education. My CEO, Alfred “Be willing to change and evolve your business if it means tions, PR, and brand man- Liggins, often says, ‘We’re making it better, and of course listen to the consumer, be agement for all of Radio in the black people busi- everywhere they are. In order to grow, you need to take One. She says, “It can be ness.’ As a result, our chal- risks, and sometimes it may result in mistakes, but when as simple as an execu- lenges are that much more you do make a mistake, just own it and move on. It’s part tive speech, an e-mail to significant. Our success is of learning. Also respect your co-workers, no matter their employees, or a product directly correlated to our level.” PR launch, or as complex ability to educate tradi- She points out, “Sometimes when we get wrapped up as a project integrating tional white buyers and in our own day-to-day tasks, we forget to look at the big- SUSAN all of our assets, TV One, advertisers on the value of ger picture of what we are all here to do. I always remind DAVENPORT Reach Media, Radio One, segmenting the black con- myself that we all play an important role in a shared AUSTIN Interactive One, and One sumer and not assuming vision, so I try to be as accommodating and supportive to Vice Chair Solution. That’s the beauty we are reached through others’ requests and needs as I possibly can.” Sheridan and challenge of the role. general-market buying.” Broadcasting “Today, success in radio, in my opinion, is found in 40 RADIOINK•COM June 20, 2016 As Cumulus Midwest RVP, Donna Baker is responsible for the delivery of results and EBITDA goals for the entire region, including Minneapolis, Des Moines, and Kansas City, where she’s also market manager. Baker says that to succeed in radio today, you must embrace constant change and make it your opportunity. “Be an eager student of the incredible power of radio and the extension mediums of digital, social, and events,” she says. “As a leader, inspire by incorporating that educa- tion as part of your culture, including sharing the wins created for listeners and clients every day. Seek mentors and a network of DONNA BAKER forward-thinking, positive thinkers — so many RVP incredible people in our business are happy Cumulus Midwest to help if you ask them. Seek opportunities [email protected] to learn in every situation, engage fully, and @Lildnmb volunteer to be involved in projects that are a step ahead of your comfort zone.” ANGELICA “ANGIE” BALDERAS SVP/GM Sacramento Entravision [email protected] @angiebalderas Balderas is responsible for the operations of four radio stations for Entravision in Sacramento: two Hispanic stations, one Country station, and a Top 40. She advises others to be successful by being curious, not settling, and embracing change. than others,” she says, “but my main goal is to showcase radio as a powerful, valuable form of advertising in today’s ever-changing media landscape.” Beagan says that in order to be successful in radio, you should build a network and find people you respect and trust, and who will support and inspire you. She says, “I don’t have a staff to help brainstorm ideas with, so bouncing ideas off of my colleagues, who I know will be honest and will have the best interest of my organization in mind, has been crucial to my success. Also, radio is a flex- ible, intimate, and personal medium. I would encourage readers to approach their careers DEBORAH BEAGAN with the same characteristics. Be nimble, be Executive Director trustworthy, and be accountable.” New York Market Radio Association And consistency is key. “Whatever you (NYMRAD) do on a consistent basis tends to be lodged [email protected] into people’s brains,” says Beagan, “and this @nymrad is based on your actions and how you go about them. How you leave others feeling As executive director of NYMRAD, Beagan is after having an experience with you becomes responsible for helping member stations ele- your trademark; I strive to make sure every vate and promote their advertising platforms NYMRAD member walks out of our events, to agency and client partners through mar- whether it’s a sales training seminar, commu- keting research, sales training, and network- nity leaders meeting, or annual holiday party, ing events. “Some days it’s more accounting with a positive outcome.” June 20, 2016 RADIOINK•COM 41 CAROLINE BEASLEY MARY BERNER Interim CEO CEO EVP/Chief Financial Cumulus Media Officer Beasley Broadcast Berner tells Radio Ink her biggest responsi- Group, Inc. bility, every single day, is to help the 6,000 [email protected] hard-working Cumulus employees achieve their goal of delivering the best possible With George Beasley taking a leave of content and value to listeners, advertisers, absence, Caroline Beasley has been serving investors, and shareholders. She adds, “And ROBIN BERTOLUCCI as interim CEO for the company since March. that means that my primary focus is to cut Program Director “My priorities are focused on our sharehold- through the noise to figure out what we need KFI/Los Angeles ers, banks, and employees, as well as, of to prioritize as a company, align our employ- iHeartMedia course, our listeners and advertisers,” she ees so they stay focused on those priorities, [email protected] says. “Our teams are growing our revenue and then empower them so they can best do and returns, while keeping a close watch on the jobs they were hired to do.” “If it’s on air, online, or in any way connected our focused localism and our bottom line. In order to be successful, Berner says it’s to the station, it is somehow connected to Beasley has been a successful radio broad- important to stay focused on the right priori- me,” says KFI PD Robin Bertolucci. “Luckily, caster for 55 years and has established a ties: “I might sound like a broken record, but I am not alone! I work with a remarkable strong reputation and corporate brand in radio is no different from any other industry team to help me do that — from the news the markets where we operate, and we look in that respect. It is hard work to determine team, to the producers, our digital team, and forward to our continued expansion over the what objectives will really move the needle our incredible on-air hosts!” next 55 years and beyond.” and even harder to keep driving toward She believes it’s important to understand To be successful, Caroline Beasley sur- those objectives — but when you do it right, that radio is just one facet of a brand: “That rounds herself with good people and excel- the payoff will be there.” means radio is no longer just radio, but also lent teams who exhibit a strong work ethic.