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 services being offered and sold also favored Ron Stone large groups,” he says. “I was frustrated, because pound-for-pound, there are just as many successful, growing independent broadcasters and smaller companies, but we are often excluded from the narrative.” 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 his open letter, launched a website and worked on articles of incorporation. First up, he invited those with interest to participate in May’s Radio Cares: Feeding America Emergency Radiothon, which drew interest from not only IBA-eligible owners, but corporate radio groups, labels, syndicators and industry partners. More than $500,000 was raised for Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund (CAT 5/4). “The success of our radiothon showed what collective power could be harnessed from banding together,” Stone says. “Shortly thereafter, nearly a thousand more stations signed up for the IBA.” In a second open letter in June, he outlined his plan, placing an emphasis on group employee benefits, revenue generation, digital services group creation, shared resources and proprietary systems and services. He also issued a survey to the thousands of stations who expressed interest. “As I expected, many owners were most interested in cost-saving measures (continued on page 7)
Omaha Stakes: KXKT/Omaha raises $231,501 for the Omaha Children’s Hospital & Medical Center during a recent radiothon, bringing their 18-year total to more than $4.8 million. Pictured (back, l-r) are the station’s Steve Lundy, Gina Melton and Hoss Michaels; (front) the station’s Erik “EJ” Johnson.
Hall Of Fame Adapts
When the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum temporarily closed its doors to the public March 13, it forfeited its primary source of revenue — admissions. Since then, the Museum has lost $25 million, laid off or furloughed 174 employees, placed its exhibition schedule on hiatus and canceled all in-person educational programming. Despite the devastating economic impact, SVP/Development, Education & Community Engagement Lisa Purcell and her team continue to be guided by their mission of sharing the beauty and cultural significance of country music, and are working hard at Lisa Purcell connecting with people in the most creative ways possible. Rapid Response: With its 1.3 million annual visitors now stuck at home, a quick adaptation of programs from the physical
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