JANUARY 15, 2026

Small Market Success Stories

Paul Jacobs, Jacobs Media

Explore how small market radio and television stations are navigating today’s challenges and finding new opportunities for growth. Learn how peers across the country are making practical, achievable changes to strengthen audience loyalty, refine local strategy, and identify realistic revenue opportunities. Gain actionable ideas you can apply in your own market, regardless of size or resources.

Click HERE to register. Use promo code: NASBA26

Morehead State Public Radio (MSPR) and its station WMKY has been awarded a $140,421 grant from the Public Media Bridge Fund, administered by the Public Media Co.

Funds from the grant will be used to purchase and install a new, state-of-the-art transmitter. The upgraded equipment will improve signal reliability and operational efficiency.

MSPR is one of only 74 local media stations nationwide selected to receive this competitive funding and alongside WMMT in Whitesburg is one of just two radio stations in Kentucky to earn a PMBF grant, which arrives at a pivotal moment in WMKY’s history, according to General Manager Paul Hitchcock (Class of 1988).



“After more than 30 years of funding support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the station is preparing to chart a new path forward,” Hitchcock said. “The PMBF award will provide critical bridge funding to help ensure continuity, stability, and long-term sustainability during this transition.”

On December 31, 2025, Whitley Broadcasting Company, Inc., owned by the Estes family, completed the sale of WEZJ-FM and WEKX-FM to Shoreline Communication, Inc. The primary markets for these stations are Williamsburg, Corbin and London, Kentucky.

The Estes family exits broadcasting after over 45 years in the business. Paul and Theresa Estes purchased WEZJ AM in 1980. They had no prior broadcast experience, but owned a local retail business and had been a regular radio advertiser. Paul developed an interest in radio while serving in the Air Force in the 1950's at a remote listening outpost near the Russian boarder in Alaska. The couple operated WEZJ AM as a standalone until they received a construction permit and put WEZJ FM on the air in 1990. They later purchased WEKX FM in 1997. In 2002, David and Stacey Estes purchased the stations from his parents and have operated the stations for the past 23 years. The company owns no other radio stations, and after a consultancy agreement for up to six months, David Estes plans to retire.

Shoreline Communications, Inc. has built an impressive group of radio stations in south central Kentucky. The company currently owns WVLC-FM “The Big Dawg,” WHVE-FM “The Wave” and WKDO-AM/FM/W279DT “The Buck,” which serve Campbellsville, Columbia, the Lake Cumberland area, Liberty and other communities in south central Kentucky. Shoreline is owned by Mike and Laura Harris, who are also partners in a successful law firm in Columbia, KY.

Click HERE for the official News Release.

The Kentucky Broadcasters Association mourns the recent passing of Mervill Lawson. Mervill graduated from Morehead State University with an electrical engineering degree, and worked for several local radio stations, including WKCA, WMOR, WLKS and ION TV. He was working at Morehead State until illness forced him to resign.

"Merv was passionate about his work but most of all, he cared about the people and his colleagues. Merv loved telling stories, no matter how long it took. Often his "got a minute" conversations were more like an hour," said Paul Hitchcock, General Manger, Morehead State Public Radio. "He had a great sense of humor and was always there if we needed him. Years of shared projects, conversations, and challenges built more than a working relationship—they built a friendship and he will be missed."

Click HERE for complete obituary information.

In this one-hour webinar presented by the NATAS Central Great Lakes and Ohio Valley chapters, panelists will discuss the Freedom of Information Act, journalists’ legal rights, and why public access to information is essential to strong communities. The session brings together legal, newsroom, academic, and community perspectives with practical insights journalists can use immediately.

Panelists:

Elissa Yancey - Executive/Creative Director - A Picture's Worth

Elissa is an award-winning journalist with more than 30 years of experience in storytelling and community engagement. She co-founded WordPlay Cincy and A Picture’s Worth, a nonprofit she currently leads that builds community power through story-driven interviews. Elissa has designed curriculum for The Poynter Institute and continues consulting work with the Gates Foundation.

Chip Mahaney - Media Executive-in-Residence, Southern Methodist University

Chip is a longtime newsroom leader whose career spans local and national broadcast news, major breaking stories, political conventions, and sports coverage. After 16 years with The E. W. Scripps Company, including serving as news director at WCPO in Cincinnati, he transitioned to academia at SMU, where he leads broadcast student media and revitalizes the sports journalism program. Chip has taught for Poynter and RTNDA, served more than a decade on the national RTNDA board, and is a former Emmy and Murrow Award winner.

Kris Cundiff - Staff Attorney, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (IN)

Kris leads the organization’s legal work in Indiana through the Local Legal Initiative. He previously spent nearly seven years with Indiana’s Office of the Public Access Counselor, advising the public, media, and government officials on public access laws. Before practicing law, Kris worked as a reporter, producer, and news director for multiple Indiana radio stations. He holds a J.D., MBA, and bachelor’s degree.

Click HERE to watch live on January 23 at 12:00pm eastern.

Jeff Ray poising with Rep. Pamela Stevenson of Jefferson County during last weeks Top Shelf Lobby Welcome Back to Frankfort Reception. Other KBA representatives in attendance were: Ken Selvaggi, Julie Schmidt, Tom McMakin, Charlie Baglan, Rep. Chris Freeland, Mike Tarter, Roger Gribbins, Amber Rhodes and Chris Winkle.

We want to promote YOU! Send us your staff additions, promotions and special events. Email Chris at chris@kba.org

FOUR STEPS TO GROWING YOUR BEST CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS



Every January offers a fresh opportunity to reset, plan, and strengthen your most important relationships. Your top clients are the lifeblood of your revenue — keeping them engaged and valued isn’t just smart business, it’s strategic growth. But too often, sales teams treat the new year like just another quarter. The reality? A proactive start builds trust, uncovers opportunity, and prevents churn before it starts.

Here’s a four-step strategy for how to treat the beginning of the year like a strategic inflection point with your best clients.

1. Conduct a Strategic Account Review - The first step is to look back strategically so you can move forward with clarity. Begin by evaluating performance metrics from the prior year:

• What did you deliver well?
• Where did expectations fall short?
• Did you meet objectives/targets or expansion goals?

This isn’t about assigning blame — it’s about clarity and alignment.

Use this analysis to frame your first conversation of the year with each valued client. Go in with data and insights that show you understand their business and their journey with you. 

This positions you as a trusted advisor—not just a vendor. Be sure to use RAB tools like Instant Backgrounds, The Pitch, and the brand-new AI-infused “Why Radio” to gather research that is verified, accurate, and trusted.

2. Deepen Communication Through a Goal-Setting Conversation

Now that you understand where things stand, actively co-create goals with your client for the year ahead. Research shows that bringing clients into the goal-setting process improves alignment and strengthens long-term outcomes. Begin each kickoff discussion with thoughtful questions like:

• Where do you see your business heading this year?
• What does success look like to you with us as a partner?
• What challenges are on your radar?
• What must happen for you to call 2026 a success?

Knowing what success looks like is critical to meeting and exceeding expectations. By involving your client in shaping the plan, you demonstrate investment in their success—not just in your sales numbers. That shift builds loyalty and opens doors to strategic opportunities. 

3. Build or Refresh a Client Success Plan

Once you’ve aligned on goals, put your plan in writing. A strategic client success plan helps you and your client stay on the same page throughout the year. Your plan should include:

• Clear objectives & success measures (How will we know it’s working?)
• Key milestones & check-in dates
• Communication expectations
• Growth opportunities you’ve identified

The plan becomes your shared roadmap—a contract of intent that keeps both sides accountable and forward-focused. It also signals that you’re thinking long-term, beyond just transactional interactions.  

4. Set communication expectations/frequency



Regular communication is non-negotiable. A structured cadence — whether it’s monthly calls, quarterly business reviews (QBRs), or strategic check-ins — ensures you stay connected and relevant. Proactive outreach prevents misunderstandings and strengthens trust. Consider scheduling your Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) before leaving the meeting — not as administrative check-ins, but as co-strategic sessions to assess progress, pivot where needed, and uncover new opportunities. 

The Bottom Line

Valued clients don’t stay that way by accident. They remain loyal because you make them feel understood, aligned, and supported — every step of the year. Start strong by:

• Reviewing the past year with insights and honesty
• Co-creating goals that tie your success to theirs
• Building a shared action plan with milestones
• Establishing a proactive communication rhythm

These aren’t just best practices — they’re relationship multipliers that protect revenue, drive growth, and turn clients into advocates. Consider starting now, this week. The early year sets the tone for the entire 12 months ahead.

If you want some help with the meeting and thought starters, we’ve created an RAB Client Success Meeting Agenda. Just shoot me an email here, and I’ll be happy to share. Remember, sending an agenda in advance to clients puts you in the top one percent of sales professionals.

Jeff Schmidt is the SVP of Professional Development at the Radio Advertising Bureau. You can also connect with him by email JSchmidt@rab.com or on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Your active KBA membership entitles you to complimentary access to RAB's online certifications.

FEBRUARY 19, 2026

9:00am - KBA Board of Directors Meeting - held via Zoom

MAY 21, 2026

9:00am - KBA Board of Directors Meeting - Lexington

AUGUST 20, 2026

9:00am - KBA Board of Directors Meeting - Frankfort

NOVEMBER 19, 2026

9:00am - KBA Board of Directors Meeting - Louisville

*All times shown are Eastern

Ken Selvaggi: 2026 Board Chair

Amber Rhodes: Administration & Finance

Lisa Gross: PEP Data & Analytics

Roger Gribbins: Membership, Awards & Special Events

Mike Tarter: Vice President

Chris Winkle: President & CEO

KBA Website