NOVEMBER 22, 2023

During the KBA Board of Directors meeting last week in Bowling Green, Chairman Tom McMakin was presented the Chairman's Gavel and recognized for his leadership and service to the Association. McMakin served an unprecedented second term as Chairman after the Chair-Elect departed the industry. McMakin will serve as Past-Chairman in 2024.

"I would like to thank the Board of Directors and all the Member Stations of the Kentucky Broadcasters Association for the opportunity to serve as Chairman for the past two years. It truly is an honor and a privilege to be able to serve in this position. I have met numerous excellent broadcasters and had the opportunity to be a small part of a great association that keeps moving forward for the betterment of all broadcasters. I was fortunate to serve on an excellent executive committee with great leadership and follow in the big footsteps of Mark Buckles who has been a tremendous help to me and I am grateful. I especially want to thank KBA President Chris Winkle and his wonderful staff, Roger, Amber and Lisa for their continued effort and dedication to the KBA! The Association truly is in great hands!"

-Tom McMakin

BUCKLES EXITS KBA BOARD AS PAST-CHAIRMAN

Mark Buckles wraps up an 8 year tenure on KBA's Board of Directors at the end of the month. Buckles has served the Association in numerous capacities, including: District Director, Member Services Chairman, Chairman in 2021 and the last two years as Past-Chairman.

"The last 8 years has given me a deep understanding for how important the KBA is to our industry in member service areas but also in advocacy. This pandemic season that we've recently navigated our way through provided challenges, but also opportunities that will help guide us for years to come. I hope that I've been a good steward, a good leader and servant. I'm grateful for the leadership examples that were shown before me that I could draw from. Mostly, I'll cherish the friendships that I've gained over the last several years that I wouldn't have otherwise had were it not for KBA. I look forward to continued service to KBA in whatever format that may be."

-Mark Buckles

Congratulations to Renee Shaw on recently being inducted into the Western Kentucky University Hall of Distinguished Alumni. Shaw earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting and a Master of Arts in Communication from WKU.

Shaw is Director of Public Affairs and Moderator at KET, as well as host of KET’s weeknight public affairs program Kentucky Edition, the signature public policy discussion series Kentucky Tonight, the weekly interview series Connections, election coverage and KET forums.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Crystal Radio Awards provide an excellent opportunity to highlight local radio’s community service efforts around the country. The awards are presented to ten exceptional radio broadcasters and will be presented on the mainstage during a special awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 16 at the NAB Show in Las Vegas. There will be a special workshop for finalists.

Honorees are selected through a competitive call for entry. NAB Crystal Radio Awards are open only to NAB members and entries will be accepted through January 31, 2024. All member radio stations in good standing are eligible to apply.

Join us for KBA's annual membership meeting, held virtually, on Thursday, November 30th @ 10am eastern. We will recap 2023, preview new membership opportunities coming in 2024 and field any questions or suggestions that you may have. Advance registration is required.

Jim Moore, WYMC in Mayfield, is pictured above standing next to his large "Quilt of Many Ties". The quilt is made up of over 250 ties that Jim has wore during his broadcast career. Jim assures us that his closet is still full of times. Could a second quilt be in the future? We shall see...

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

WHAT WE REALLY LIKE ABOUT YOU IS...

This week in the United States, we celebrate Thanksgiving.  A day to pause, eat, reflect on all the blessings in our lives, and eat.  Did I mention the eating part?  LOL. 

I have had the privilege and pleasure of writing sales tips for Radio Sales Today for the past eight years.  In that time, I have developed great relationships with loyal readers and enjoyed great debates with people who love challenging some of our advice. You have also shared great success stories and anecdotes to help your fellow broadcasters. We are a community based on our shared love for the industry and the clients we serve.  It’s always inspiring to hear from people who share a “servant-selling mindset.” 

One of my passions is getting better. To fuel my quest for knowledge and improvement, I read and listen to a lot of books.  If you’ve attended RAB live training events, you’ve no doubt heard me share titles and authors of what I’m reading at the time.  This week, Milton Glueck from Salem Media in San Antonio sent me a note - he asked: “So what are you reading these days?”  In the spirit of appreciation and “sharing is caring,” I’d like to share what’s on the top of my reading list currently. Then, ask that you share your most recent or impactful reading.

Here are my current top five:

1. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Steven Covey.  I love to reread some of the stuff I’ve read.
2. Profit Heros - Bob Rickert
3. Emotional Intelligence 2.0 - Travis Bradberry
4. Why Does The Peddler Sing? – Paul Feldwick (a fun read and with his accent even better on Audible)
5. Song of Significance – Seth Godin. His latest creation

Links are provided to find the titles on Amazon for reference only.  We much prefer you support your local bookstore and shop locally.  Now it’s your turn.  Please email me here with your top 5 so I can combine the lists and share them with everyone so we have some great holiday reading. 

We are thankful for you on so many levels. As members, as broadcasters, as people who have a daily, positive impact on your communities, and just for being the great person you are.  Please know that every team member at RAB shares in this appreciation. Our passion is to serve you so that you can serve your communities. 

We work in the most incredible industry with the most remarkable people.  “As God as my witness, I thought for sure Turkeys could fly.”  Only readers of a certain age will catch that reference. Here’s the link to watch five minutes of pure “radio” gold.

Thank you. We appreciate you and hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving.

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.

NOVEMBER 30, 2023

10:00am Eastern - Annual Membership Meeting (virtual)

FEBRUARY 8, 2024

9:00am - KBA Board of Directors Meeting - Location TBA

*All times shown are Eastern

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