MAY 19, 2022

Congratulations to WLKY-TV, Louisville, for being named a finalist in the Large Market division of the Celebration of Service to America Awards, presented by the NAB Leadership Foundation.  The awards honor local radio and television stations’ community service efforts. From food drives to fundraisers, weather reports to investigative stories, local radio and television stations are committed to keeping communities safe, heard and informed. 

Glenn Haygood, General Manager, said "WLKY is honored to be recognized nationally for our MAP Grant program, which is designed to help Black-owned businesses in Louisville thrive and grow. Like every great local broadcaster, our commitment to making our community stronger, healthier, and more vibrant is part of our DNA. The MAP Grants are just one example of the great work being done by KBA members all over the state. WLKY will proudly represent all the great local broadcasters of Kentucky when we are in Washington in June."

The Celebration of Service to America Awards will be presented in Washington, DC on June 7th.  Click here to learn more.

Pictured above (left to right): James Priewe, WPSD Senior Executive Producer, Lori Barrett, WPSD Assignment Manager, Roger Gribbins, KBA Director of Member Services, Perry Boxx, WPSD News Director, Brianna Clark, WPSD News Anchor/Reporter, Mason Watkins, WPSD Senior Photojournalist.

You may now order a duplicate copy of Impact Broadcast Award certificates and trophies. Trophies are available for $95 each (shipping included), which is KBA's cost. Certificates can be requested at no additional cost.

WTVQ-TV Lexington engineer Mike Daniels is retiring on May 31st after a fifty-five year career in broadcasting, including almost fifty years at WTVQ.

Mike started his broadcasting career at WSIP Radio in Paintsville in 1967. He first came to WTVQ (then known as WBLG-TV) in August, 1970 while he was a student at the University of Kentucky. Mike worked part-time on and off for WTVQ over the next four years, as-well-as a year at WLAP Radio in Lexington. He became fulltime at WTVQ in September, 1974 where he has remained.

WTVQ-TV General Manager Chris Aldridge said “We’re going to miss Mike Daniels. He’s been an eyewitness to more than five decades of Lexington television and the many changes that have occurred in our industry. We simply can’t thank him enough for everything he has done for us.”

Mike, and his wife Kim, will be relocating to Alva, Oklahoma where they will be able to spend more time with his family and grandchildren.

The deadline to nominate an individual for the 2022 Legacy Awards is just over a week away, Friday, May 27th. The awards will be presented as part of the Excellence In Broadcasting Awards ceremony on Monday, September 26th at the Annual Conference in Owensboro.

KBA's Legacy Awards include: Kentucky Mic Hall of Fame, Al Temple Award, Ralph Gabbard Distinguished Kentuckian and the J.T. Whitlock Life Service Award. To learn more about each award and submit a nomination, please click the button below.

This picture of Jamey Johnson and his daughter was too cute not to share. However, the back story is just as adorable. Pictured above is good ole Dad on-air proposing to buy two barbie dolls if his daughter didn't miss a word on her 25-word kindergarten spelling test. At Jamey's expense, we are happy to report that she ACED the test and collected her prize of two barbies.

Even though the friendly wager cost Jamey $80, it's a small price to pay to share a microphone and a memory with your little girl. Who knows, maybe one day she will take his place on KBA's Board of Directors.

This week I had the privilege of attending the Alaska Broadcasters convention in Juneau.  I had never been to Juneau and after our sessions were over, Jason Palmer, one of our Leadership MasterClass participants who lives in Juneau asked me if I had time to explore the beauty of his home state.  Over the next few hours, Jason took me on a tour that no map or traveler’s brochure would have provided.  Not only did he know where to go, he knew the stories and the hidden secrets.  I am grateful to Jason for his time and guidance.  

When you’re in unfamiliar territory the best thing you can do is find a guide.  This is true in travel, in your career and your personal life.  

A career in media sales can provide lots of unfamiliar territories.  Early in my career I was blessed to have managers and mentors to help guide me along the way.  I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.  Today, more than ever, in this ever-changing media landscape it can be so valuable to have guides.  

 RAB’s mission in Professional Development is to inspire, educate, equip and empower people to believe in themselves so they can achieve even greater results.  Part of that strategy is to provide guidance and guides.  Rising Through The Ranks is a program specifically designed for women in media who face unique challenges as they navigate the complexities of this career.  We are thrilled to be bringing Rising Through The Ranks back to a live event this August 10-11 in Nashville.  The Application deadline has been extended to Friday, May 20, 2022.   If you are a woman looking to grow, be inspired, and inspire others, this program is for you.  You can find out all the details and register here.  

Here are just a couple of quotes from previous participants about the impact Rising Through The Ranks has had on them:

“RTTR was impactful. The level of confidence that was breathed into my soul has stayed with me! Since RTTR, I speak with more authority, speak up when I have an idea, offer suggestions when it’s not my place, and volunteer to HELP in every area that I can. Co-workers turn to me for help, managers turn to me for training, and discussions of promotion on the horizon are happening. I feel honored to have been awarded this opportunity.”  

-Michelle Buck, Marketing Strategist Townsquare Media 

“Being able to have so many talented women in one place, all together to learn and share, has been an invaluable bonding experience and a boon in understanding the path that everyone has faced to get to the positions that they currently represent.”  

-Marissa Austin National/Account Manager, Cox Media Group

“The Rising Through the Ranks program inspired me to “Act as if” it is impossible to fail and move “onward and upward” each day. I am a stronger leader and a stronger woman after participating in this program!”  

-Laura Hanks, Sales Manager, Storm Lake Radio

Someone in unfamiliar territory can easily get lost, distracted, and frustrated. Sellers and leaders with any level of experience are looking for guidance, expertise, and solutions to their problems.  RAB’s Rising Through The Ranks can help. Please apply today.