JANUARY 2, 2025

WELCOME BACK LEGISLATORS

ANNUAL RECEPTION IS NEXT WEEK

The tenth annual Top Shelf Lobby Welcome Back to Frankfort Reception will be held next Wednesday, January 8, 2025 @ 5:00pm eastern, at Top Shelf Lobby in Frankfort. If you are planning to attend, please email Chris.

 
 

BACK ON-AIR

BOBBY JACK MURPHY RETURNS

The voice that country music fans across Kentucky and Southern Indiana have come to know and love is back on the airwaves. Bobby Jack Murphy, a beloved radio personality with a legacy spanning decades, is returning to radio as the newest addition to 94.3 The Wolf. Starting January 6, 2025, Bobby Jack will take over the afternoon drive from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, bringing his signature blend of humor, storytelling, and country music to Wolf Country.



Bobby Jack’s voice and storytelling have made him a favorite in the region, from his years at WAMZ in Louisville and WLVK & WAKY in Elizabethtown. His impact on country radio is undeniable, and his return to the mic is sure to be a major hit. His career has made him a household name in the region, entertaining listeners with his infectious personality and unwavering connection to the community. After a well-earned retirement in 2022, Bobby Jack is excited to return to the mic, re-energized and ready to bring his talents to 94.3 The Wolf.


“I’m thrilled to be back in the studio with the incredible team at 94.3 The Wolf,” Murphy said in a release. “I’ve always believed in the power of radio to connect people, and that’s exactly what I’m looking forward to doing again — making listeners feel like they’re a part of something special while playing the best country music on the radio.”


PD Kevin Jaggers said WULF is “beyond excited” to bring Murphy back to the airwaves. “When you think of radio in this area, the name ‘Bobby Jack Murphy’ immediately comes to mind,” Jaggers said. “He has been a staple of country radio in this region for years, and we know our listeners will be just as thrilled to hear him back on the air as we are to have him.”

 

2025 IS HERE

BROADCAST CALENDAR AND UPCOMING DATES

The 2025 edition of the Pillsbury Broadcasters' calendar is now available HERE. With that comes a few filing reminders for January 10.


JANUARY 10


Quarterly Issues/Programs List Due—All full-power radio, full-power television, and Class A television stations must upload to their Public Inspection File by this date the Quarterly Issues/Programs. List covering the period October 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024.


Class A Television Continuing Eligibility Certification—Class A television stations are required to maintain documentation in their Public Inspection File sufficient to demonstrate continuing compliance with the FCC’s Class A eligibility requirements. We recommend that by this date Class A television stations generate such documentation for the period October 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 and upload it to their Public Inspection File.


Quarterly Fundraising Reports—All noncommercial educational TV and radio stations that changed or suspended their regular on-air content to conduct third-party fundraising to benefit a non-profit organization must generate relevant documentation for the period October 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 and upload it to their Public Inspection File by this date. 


Sponsorship Identification Requirements for Foreign Government-Provided Programming—All licensees airing any foreign programming which requires a specific disclosure at the time of broadcast during the period October 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 must place copies of the disclosures and the name of the program to which the disclosures were appended in their Public Inspection File by this date.

 
 

RISING ABOVE 2025

JANUARY 22-23, 2025

The countdown is on for the 2025 Rising Above Summit! This year, we’re bringing together an incredible lineup of trainers and industry leaders to share insights, strategies, and tools to drive growth in your business.


Here’s What’s Waiting for You:


Wednesday, January 22: For Owners, Leaders, & Managers

  • Summit Opening: Speed Marriott & Derron Steenbergen
  • Corey Elliott: Understanding What's on the Minds of Local Businesses 
  • Dr. Terry Daniels: Winning the Recruiting and Retention War: Strategies for Success
  • Amanda Fontaine: Time Management Essentials
  • Speed Marriott: Unlocking Your Story: Captivate Your Customer and Solidify Your Brand
  • Jason Younger: Lessons Learned | Local Business Success


Thursday, January 23: For Sales, Service, & Marketing Teams

  • Kickoff Q&A: Speed Marriott & Derron Steenbergen
  • Chris Lytle: Why Advertise Checklist
  • Brandies Hall: Level Up Your Client Needs Analysis
  • Lunch Break: Enjoy a special performance from a BMI artist
  • Derron Steenbergen: Does Your Sign Match Your Reality?
  • Lori Lewis: Stay Ahead: The Social Media Shifts You Can’t Afford to Ignore
  • Jamie Aplin: It’s Time to Put AI in Its Place
  • Digital Session: (Title TBA)


This exclusive, live-streamed event is open to KBA member stations and staffs. Don’t miss this chance to gain actionable insights from our dynamic trainers and elevate your 2025 strategy.


View the full schedule and reserve your seat(s) today!

 

LEGISLATIVE REPORTS

AVAILABLE TO KBA MEMBER STATIONS

The Kentucky Legislative Research Commission Public Information Office reminds KBA member stations of complimentary daily updates during the upcoming session. The office provides audio, video, press releases and photos.


To sign up for the daily updates, send your station news contact, call letters and city to Keith Krey. 

 
 

THIS WEEKS MEMBER PIC

HALL OF FAME x 2

WKCA was recently inducted into both the Bath County Boys and Girls Basketball Hall of Fames. Pictured above (L-R): Tom McMakin, Jeff Ray, John Mansfield, Todd Waits and Patrick Armitage. WKCA has broadcast Bath County sports for 41 years. Todd and Patrick have been the voice of the Wildcats for the past 25 years.

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

 

SELLING ON PURPOSE


As a young new seller (see pic below-left), I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I was totally money-motivated.  The thought of earning whatever I wanted, making lots of money on commission, and what I could buy with that money was appealing enough to jump from being on the air over to the “dark side” J and go into sales.

Then it happened…. While attending a Don Beveridge seminar I had an epiphany.


Don Beveridge was an early influencer in my career.  I attended many of his seminars and had the pleasure of having many conversations with Don. Early in your career, it’s so helpful to have a guide that can point you in the right direction. The epiphany happened when Don spoke these words:


“I will not ask for your business unless I can first come up with a plan for improving it.”

 

There it was – a purpose for doing what we do.  To improve businesses, to help them grow and reach their potential, and derive the satisfaction of knowing your help and advice had a part in their success.  It was truly an “ah-ha” moment that set the course for a successful sales career.


A couple of weeks ago we held our final Sales Essentials one-day training session (virtual) and one of the key take-aways we always hear about is when we share the Don Beveridge quote.  Knowing why you are doing this, and what the purpose is can be a powerful motivator.


As we finish the year, we’d encourage you to pause and reflect on why you do what you do. What’s your purpose?  Your purpose will lead to passion and passion will lead to many great opportunities for you. 


We are in a unique position as marketing and sales professionals to be on the front lines of economic recovery and prosperity in our markets.  We put buyers and sellers together with our communication platforms and resources and we provide the fuel for the economic engine. In today’s business environment, the work we do is more important than ever.


Thinking of that as my purpose for selling advertising is inspiring to me.  How about you?


Happy New Year!

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.

 

DATES TO REMEMBER

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

9:00am - Board of Directors Meeting - Frankfort


SEPTEMBER 14-15, 2025

Annual Conference & Awards - Owensboro


*All times shown are Eastern

 

CONTACT US

Julie Milam: 2025 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