Tell us about POWER your 31Selfie

ur annual ranking of airplay leaders turns inward ence over airplay decisions. Repeating in the top spot for this year, as the Power 31 were asked to share a the fifth time is Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, lesson they’ve learned about themselves over the though the tabulation was quite close with new No. 2 Mike course of their careers. Continuing the theme, we led Dungan from Universal. Five new names join the ranking themO into a realm dominated by adolescent girls by asking for this year – SiriusXM’s John Marks, WKLB/Boston’s Mike a cell phone selfie instead of the standard industry headshot. Brophey, Albright & O’Malley & Brenner’s Becky Brenner, As always, the rankings were compiled by asking Country WUSN/Chicago’s Marci Braun and Cumulus’ John Dickey, Aircheck readers to select executives with the most influ- who earns the highest debut.

Clay Hunnicutt Scott Borchetta Clear Channel With wife Wendy in Sedona, AZ. Big Machine Label Group President/CEO EVP/Programming Among the greatest lessons I have learned is to sign/ Be as direct as possible. I burned hire the best artists and executives I can find and 3myself as an OM at one point because I provide the arena for them to do their best work. I’ve wasn’t up-front and direct with one of my never been afraid of someone smarter or better, as I learn from PDs. We were stepping around each other, 1 getting frustrated, and no one was com- them every day. municating. It wasn’t good for either one of us, and once we were direct with each other it was a much more productive relation- ship where we both prospered. It just really taught me to deal with things head on, be respectful, be specific, but always be direct so people know what you mean, where we’re going, what to expect, and why. I try to live by that every day. My wife often jokes that I crave conflict, and maybe I do a little – and that can be very constructive. But it really is about dealing with the tough things so we can move on, get to the good stuff and all be highly successful.

John Esposito Warner Music Nashville President One4 of the greatest lessons, and I have to thank my father for this, is simply to be good at listening. One can never under- estimate the power of just being a good listener. Everyone loves it when you allow them to get their point across without interrupting them, and when you give them feedback that shows that you understood their point. As one of my dearest friends and a Warner colleague says, “Lead with an open mind, an attentive ear and an understanding heart.” I also learned long ago that a team needs a leader who’s consistent in every way. No one wants to guess how you would react to things ... it’s so much easier for them if they know “this is how Espo would react,” which is probably helpful self-prevention for a lot of them!

Jeff Kapugi CBS Radio VP/Country Mike Dungan WUSN/Chicago PD Universal Music Group Nashville 5Treat people the way you hope to be Chairman/CEO treated in return. Surround yourself I’ve learned that I cannot always lead with with good people and let them do the my heart. I am not personally responsible job you hired them to do, because you for2 everyone’s happiness and well-being. I can do can’t do it all yourself, and my way only what I can do. I cannot out-market the music, I isn’t the only way. You have two ears cannot put your business on a smooth path to suc- and one mouth for a reason. Take it cess, I cannot fix your marriage. While tending to the all in before responding and your first needs and insecurities of others is a noble and worthy thought isn’t always your best thought. thing to do, in the end it is that person’s responsibility to look in the mirror, dig deep and figure it out.

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POWER Jon Loba Broken Bow Music Group SVP/Label Group Jaye Albright 31 Brad Howell used to say about me, “You don’t know 11how to say no. You want to say yes to everyone”. I fought that char- Albright & O’Malley & Brenner Consulting Partner People and relationships matter more than anything. acterization for years, but finally have come to grips with the fact he The6 kindness that Becky Brenner, Mike O’Malley, Brad was right. I try to say yes whenever I can, whether it’s a meeting request, Paisley, Bob Shannon, the Conclave a staff need or something for a friend or family. That can get me in trouble Board and Taylor Swift took in July to sometimes, mainly with my wife who never sees me because of my propensity to make my Rockwell Award ceremony At Yellowstone overcommit to others. a once-in-a-lifetime experience is just River Falls. the latest undeniable example. Busy people stopping for a few moments to make someone else feel supported and recognized. That’s what it’s all OUR about. Radio is a people business. My experience has been that the more you give, the more comes back to you in so many surprising, wonderful ways. AFFILIATES keep saying Gary Overton Sony Music Nashville the nicest Chairman/CEO Speed.7 Most times it’s best to move as quickly as possible in the task at hand. We thereby can beat the things! competition, capitalize in the mo- ment, have spontaneous passionate enthusiasm, etc. That’s a lot of fun. I “Bob Kingsley is a WGNA family really like that – especially when it’s about great new music. But I have Johnny With APD/MD member. CT40’s weekly contribution also learned that it is sometimes best Christi Brooks. to slow the process down a little. Let Chiang is critical to the continued success OM/PD it breathe. Doing this sometimes al- 12 KKBQ/Houston lows for new perspectives, ideas and of WGNA. Wherever I have been, Admit you don’t know opportunities to arise which wouldn’t everything. Once you have otherwise. This is true both Bob has always been an important accept that, figure out on the creative side as well as in business dealings. It may not be as much fun, what you’re not good and slowing down is against my nature, but it is very satisfying when you’ve given part of my programming lineup.” at, then surround something some time and you win. yourself with people who are good at those things. As a leader, Stephen Giuttari —Operations Manager always give credit and

Doug Montgomery accept blame, not the WGNA/Albany, NY Clear Channel Premium Choice PD, CC/Grand Rapids OM other way around. I’ve learned that I can’t do it all and have to trust the talented people around8 me to get things done. I have to delegate and also trust them to find their own way to get the job done. For instance, I’ve got imaging people “2013 is a celebration of 50 years for KSON, and the celebration wouldn’t be complete without CT40 who want to work from midnight to 3am rather than during office hours. and Bob as part of our heritage.” So, I let them be their artistic selves and try not to micromanage the process. Kevin Callahan —Program Director KSON/San Diego, CA

“Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40 performs so well for us on the weekends, that we have added a Gregg second airplay of it each week.” Swedberg 13Clear Channel/ Minneapolis OM, KEEY PD Brian Thomas —VP of Programming I used to be a lot more nega- tive. I used to always look WQYK/Tampa, FL for the dark cloud. There’s always going to be someone trying to tear you down, or Jimmy Harnen take something that’s yours, Republic Nashville President/ or shoot at you. I wasted a lot Big Machine Label Group EVP of time on the negative – I try not to do that so much now. If you try and do good, Take9 what you do seriously, but yourself people tend to respond positively. Kind of weird that something your parents said lightly. all along turns out to be true, but I’m a little slow sometimes.

Mike Curb Royce Curb Records With grandson Risser Chairman Carter Curb Childress. 10UMG Nashville 14The most important lesson I’ve SVP/Promotion learned is to be aware of ar- I’ve learned that in order eas where I can improve, not A heartfelt appreciation from the entire CT40 team. to be great at work, I only myself, but improve our need to be even greater company by being surrounded BOB KINGSLEY, Executive Producer and Host at home. That, for me, by positive people who cause is the key to keeping my us to constantly improve. The sanity, being effective, other important thing I’ve having fun, and hopefully learned during the 50 years being a good leader. My that I’ve been in the record father taught me this by business is to always be think- example and it motivates ing about where you want to me every day. (I sure miss be this time next year and to him). The most difficult have a future five-year plan aspect of course is go- that also involves giving as ing crazy hard at work, much money as possible back coming home exhausted, to your community so that and knowing I need to be those who are less fortunate AFFILIATE SALES: Shawn Studer | 817.599.4099 x 2238 “present” with my family, With Mason, or those who want to succeed when everything in me Raleigh and have the opportunity to, one AD SALES: Eileen Decker | 212.419.2887 wants to disengage. Walker. day, reach their goals.

PAGE 22 • September 2013 OUR AFFILIATES keep saying the nicest things! “Bob Kingsley is a WGNA family member. CT40’s weekly contribution is critical to the continued success of WGNA. Wherever I have been, Bob has always been an important part of my programming lineup.”

Stephen Giuttari —Operations Manager WGNA/Albany, NY

“2013 is a celebration of 50 years for KSON, and the celebration wouldn’t be complete without CT40 and Bob as part of our heritage.” Kevin Callahan —Program Director KSON/San Diego, CA

“Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40 performs so well for us on the weekends, that we have added a second airplay of it each week.” Brian Thomas —VP of Programming WQYK/Tampa, FL

A heartfelt appreciation from the entire CT40 team. BOB KINGSLEY, Executive Producer and Host

AFFILIATE SALES: Shawn Studer | 817.599.4099 x 2238 AD SALES: Eileen Decker | 212.419.2887 Joel Raab Joel Raab Associates Country Programming Consultants POWER I have learned to trust my instincts, and to have the confi- 19dence to call things as I see them, even if it hurts. To be supportive, to contribute, and to be present. To not waste others’ time. To focus on my clients’ needs, not on my own concerns of the day. To find 31 the best idea and run with it, even if it’s not mine. To delegate, and to delegate to the best person for that task. To be inclusive – great things happen in teams. To try something new, to get out of my comfort zone, and to not be afraid to fail. Compro- mise isn’t failure; it’s moving the ball forward and showing that you can work with others. To make sure that the listeners are the number one priority, which takes courage.

Carson Chris Stacey “The Shark” Warner Music Nashville SVP/Promotion James. You may not be the smartest player in the game, but if you work your ass 15off, you can still win. Also, I will never give up. Ever. Finally, if you love your team and the people you work with, it doesn’t have to feel like work (I actually learned that from Espo).

John Dickey Cumulus Media Partners 16Co-COO & EVP The power of persuasion only goes so far. There are limits to the gift of persuasion. And I don’t look bad in cowboy boots.

Carson James BBR Music Group SVP/Promotion I can’t hear a demo. That’s really bad for me because I was 20a musician on the road for 11 years and pride myself on having great ears. But I can’t hear a demo. I have to hear a full master, for the most With wife Haley. part. That’s hard to admit for someone in the music business.

Steve Hodges With “cousin” Justin. 17Capitol 21 SVP/Promotion I have been able to totally Mike Moore trust my instincts on people. Entercom I’ve been lucky enough to VP/Country, KWJJ/ have established a fantastic Portland PD group of music profession- The lesson I have als on the Capitol promo- learned over and tion staff. I could walk away over again is that I today and that staff would am only as good as continue to fire on all cyl- the people I have inders. (Hey Dungan, don’t on my team. Any read too much into that!) success I have en- joyed over the years has come from hir- ing the right people Jack Purcell and helping them Big Machine SVP/Promotion perform at their We’ve all experienced great career highs and lows – learn highest level. 18from the missed “shots,” but don’t dwell. You get over them by looking forward. At the end of the day, I like to remind myself and others to be your genuine self. Prepare for the task at hand. Deliver with integrity. And communicate in your own style and manner. We are all uniquely different, creative and special creatures. That’s what makes life, and this industry, interesting and entertaining.

Jeff22 Solima New Revolution Hitsquad Promotions Principle One thing I’ve learned is that during adverse conditions, I am at my best.

PAGE 24 • September 2013 a new kInd of countRy Be A PArt Of the SucceSS top RankInGs: Austin/KASE-FM #1 Ft. Pierce/WAVW-FM #1 Muskegon/WMUS-FM #1 St. Louis/KSD-FM #2 Wichita/KZSN-FM #2 Beaumont/KYKR-FM #2 Tuscaloosa/WTXT-FM #2 Rochester MN/KMFX-FM #2 Bismarck/KQDY-FM #2 Harrisonburg/WKCY-FM #2 Grand Forks/KSNR-FM #2 Cheyenne/KOLZ-FM #2 Nashville/WSIX-FM #3 Colorado Springs/KCCY-FM #3 Cedar Rapids/KKSY-FM #3 Albany GA/WOBB-FM #3 Recent Guests Include: Luke Bryan Brad Paisley Carrie Underwood The Band Perry Jason Aldean Kenny Chesney Keith Urban Lady Antebellum Jake Owen Randy Houser

Source: Arbitron, MSA SP ‘13 or PPM Jul ‘13, Exact Times, AQH Rank W18-49 or A18-49 or W25-54 or A25-54. 212.896.5263 POWER Tim Keith Gale With RCA SVP/ 31 wife Lori. Roberts Promotion 28OM/PD 23The one lesson I can definite- WYCD/Detroit ly offer is just how fortunate I’ve learned to keep the I am to have the staff around me job as fun as possible that I do. Josh, Dan, Matt, Liz, Larry, at all times. That’s what Bubba and Parker are each talented makes me come back and brilliant in their own unique ways. every day. Creativity is I have learned more lessons from them the backbone of every- than I can count, and I continue to learn thing we do, and always from them. I have learned to value relates to fun. Also, I’m and appreciate these moments in time naturally impatient, so we share, the battles we fight and the learning patience was a victories we celebrate – always knowing big deal and has helped that we look out for each other. The RCA me. And getting to know Records label is special because of them. the people you work with and capitalizing on their strengths is a lot of fun and will really help Lesly your team. Tyson 24 Wife Gretchen and Arista VP/Promotion The greatest lesson I have son Kellan. learned in my career is how important it is to surround yourself with incred- ible people who you trust, respect, are eager to learn from and work with. We all have our strong and weak qualities, and I have learned that I am best working as a team with amazing people. I wake up every day and get to promote awesome music with Jenny Shearin, Jeri Cooper, John Sigler, Ryan Dokke, Andy Elliott, Ali O’Connell, Lauren Thomas, Keith Gale, Norbert Nix and Gary Overton. And in that, I am blessed far beyond what I deserve.

Travis Moon KAJA/San Antonio PD It is all about the challenge and 25the people I get to work with. It’s not about anything else. I’ve been fortunate to work with some very special people and I had the opportunity to work with those same people on some very exciting challenges. There’s a quote (author unknown) that I’ve found to be a foundational guidepost for me since Shane my college radio days and it hasn’t failed me yet: “Excellence is the result of caring Allen more than others think is wise, risking more UMG 29Nashville VP/Promotion than others think is safe, dreaming more than others think is practical and expecting I’ve learned that authen- more than others think is possible.” ticity is far more impor- tant than politics, setting aside time for family and John friends is always a key Marks to true success ... and 26SiriusXM the best airport restroom Sr. Dir./Country is currently in Chicago- Programming Midway, next to the You can never go wrong interfaith chapel. by simply being nice to somebody. Becky Brenner 30Albright & O’Malley & Brenner Consulting Partner No matter how much you want the whole world to like you and everyone to “just get along,” sometimes you have to give up and not take it personally. Mike Marci Brophey Braun 27WKLB/Boston PD 31APD/MD Over the years – about 40 WUSN/Chicago of them in terms of radio – I The greatest lesson is to figure the biggest lesson is listen. Listen to those around that I start with the assump- you. Learn how our industry tion that everyone else is is continually changing and right, even if I don’t believe evolving. You can learn from it. I think it makes me more anyone and everyone – from open minded. I use that the intern who pops in your philosophy with everything office because she’s excited but music! There are a lot about an up-and-coming of right ways to accomplish artist she’s been following, to a task and reach a goal. your boss who’s teaching you We try to keep that in mind how to improve ratings. Lis- around the station; let peo- ten to the music. Listen loud! ple’s talents blossom and Two other things: Don’t fly the results are surprising. hungover. Don’t take the first flight out of BNA Saturday morning after CRS. Those two things may or may not be related. CAC

PAGE 26 • September 2013