Membership

Radio Incubator Shows How to Cultivate Tomorrow’s Talent

For many associations, cultivating their profession's next generation is a critical component of their mission. One way to do that is to sponsor a talent institute like the one the Kentucky Broadcasters Association is hosting this week.

You’re tuned in to WASN Associations Now Radio. This just in: If you’re looking for future leaders of your industry, don’t wait. Incubate!

The Kentucky Broadcasters Association is doing just that, teaming up with the National Radio Talent System to host a 10-day institute for 16 college students from across the state. The Western Kentucky University Radio Talent Institute, held on the school’s campus in Bowling Green, will cover all aspects of radio broadcasting including on-air, programming, production, promotions, news and sports broadcasting, sales, and interactive.

In a statement that describes the institute as an incubator for new talent, KBA President Gary White said, “We need to find and attract young people that have a desire to be in our industry today who can be our leaders of tomorrow.”

Each institute student will be certified as a “Radio Marketing Professional” by the Radio Advertising Bureau, a big step toward the start of a career in the industry. Students will hear from presidents and other executives from regional radio broadcasting firms. They’ll also travel to Nashville to meet with Tennessee Titans Radio hosts Larry Stone and Mike Keith and Nashville Predators broadcasters Stu Grimson and Tom Callahan.

The National Radio Talent System organizes similar institutes around the country, creating the curriculum, securing a host university and funding, and scheduling the industry veterans to teach the sessions.

Could the incubator approach be a model for your own association? After all, students of today may be your members tomorrow.

Chris Brandon

By Chris Brandon

Christopher Brandon is a contributor to Associations Now. MORE

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