September 19 2016, Issue 517
Talent Agents: More Than A Bargain
Tom Cruise immortalized sports agents – if not talent agents of all kinds – when he garishly repeated his client’s demand to “Show me the money!” in Jerry Maguire 20 years ago. Securing premium compensation is a big part of the job for radio’s talent agents, though today there’s much more at play than money. Pulling back the curtain on one of the more mysterious aspects of the industry, Country Aircheck caught up with three leading agents to find out exactly what they do, how their profession has changed in recent years and Paul Anderson who should consider their services. Minding Your Business: Talent agents, simply, are in the business of you. “We manage our clients’ radio careers, find employment opportunities, negotiate their contracts and help build their brands,” The Weiss Agency’s Eric Weiss summarizes. “We make sure our clients are known by decision-makers throughout the industry, Glenn Goldstein increase their overall exposure and help them navigate the business side of radio so they can concentrate on the creative.” “What people sometimes forget is that it is a business,” adds Workhouse Media’s Paul Anderson. “If the talent is the CEO, we’re the chief operating officers. It’s not just an employer hiring the talent to do a job. And if you run your business that way, that’s likely how you’re going to be treated. (continued on page 9)
Show Into The Big D: Cumulus’ America’s Morning Show visit Detroit to take in the Lions vs. Titans game and hang with WDRQ staffers. Pictured are (l-r) AMS’ Ty Bentli and Kelly Ford, the station’s Robby Bridges, AMS’ Chuck Wicks and ‘DRQ’s Renee Vitale.
Game On
No. 1 songs, multi-platinum albums, sold-out tours ... and video game placement? Electronic Arts (EA) Worldwide Executive/Pres. Of Music Steve Schnur discusses how video games are widening artist exposure, breaking new artists and even breaking down genre walls.
© 2 0 1 6 Co u n t r y A i rc h e c k ™ — A l l r i g h t s r e s e r v e d . S i g n u p f re e a t w w w. c o u n t r y a i rc h e c k . c o m . S e n d n e w s t o n e w s @ c o u n t r y a i rc h e c k . c o m