• Contact Us
  • VIP Support
  • Client Login
Futuri Media
  • About Futuri
  • Solutions
    • Radio
      • POST
      • TopicPulse
      • TopLine
      • Tether
      • Prep+
      • Futuri Mobile
      • Futuri Streaming
      • Futuri Voice
      • TopicPulse SportsEdge
    • TV
      • POST
      • TopicPulse
      • TopLine
      • TopLine-Pivot
      • TopicPulse SportsEdge
    • Digital Publishing
      • POST
      • TopicPulse
      • TopicPulse SportsEdge
  • Jobs
  • News & Resources
  • Tell Me More
  • Menu Menu
  • Home
  • About Futuri
  • Solutions
    • Radio
      • POST
      • TopicPulse
      • TopLine
      • Tether
      • Prep+
      • Futuri Mobile
      • Futuri Streaming
      • Futuri Voice
      • TopicPulse SportsEdge
    • TV
      • POST
      • TopicPulse
      • TopLine
      • TopLine-Pivot
      • TopicPulse SportsEdge
    • Digital Publishing
      • POST
      • TopicPulse
      • TopicPulse SportsEdge
  • Jobs
  • News and Resources
  • Tell Me More

Tag Archive for: conferences

CRS 2022: That’s a Wrap!

February 25, 2022/in Events, Radio/by lindy

By Scott Lindy, Futuri Media

It’s hard to believe CRS 2022 has come and gone. The firehose of thought-provoking sessions and heady conversations at Country Radio Seminar seem to have sped up the time-space continuum in Nashville. I guess it makes sense. The things we enjoy the most never last as long as we wish they would.

I witnessed an oddly beautiful moment repeatedly in the hallways, hotel lobby, and restaurants during CRS. It had a lot to do with the seminar returning to a live and in-person event, but it’s also about Country Radio people.

The Joyful CRS Noise

This is what happens; two people who haven’t talked in years, just about to walk past each other, suddenly stop, lock eyes, and burst into a boisterous joyful moment of reunion. And it’s loud. I mean, ‘I-just-won-the-lottery!’ – loud. That’s happened so often in the three days of this years’ CRS, you’d think everyone there would be unfazed by it.

Still, when the howls and yelps of happy reconnections would suddenly ring out, those within earshot would stop and watch. Often, those moments would trigger another person to join in. The people who work in Country Radio rarely miss an opportunity to share their good cheer at high volume. I love that.

The Future, Live On Stage 

I was running late for the New Faces of Country Music Show, the famous final CRS event of every year’s seminar. Waiting for the elevator and looking out at the Nashville skyline from the 14th floor of the Omni, my mind wandered back to previous New Faces shows. I must have seen twenty or more of them but could only recall a few standout memories. The virtuoso guitar exhibition from Brad Paisley in 2000. The raw honesty of Jason Aldean in 2006. Keith Urban’s transformation from playing with The Ranch in 1998 to his solo appearance in 2000. And Chris Janson’s performance in 2016 made you know that he was going to live the rest of his life on any stage he could find.

The lineup for the New Faces show at CRS is voted on by Country Radio, Labels, and other select industry folks. There’s no shortage of artists that became A-listers who didn’t make the cut. And a long list of those who did and then faded into the Nashville sunset, for one reason or another. You can see the lineup for every show going back to 1970 here.

The New Faces of Country Music class of 2022 featured Gabby Barrett, Walker Hayes, Parker McCollum, Jameson Rodgers, and Lainey Wilson. The voting was dead on the money with this lineup. There wasn’t a weak moment between the five. Gabby, Lainey, Parker, and Jameson put on a show. Energy, depth, polish. To my surprise, Walker Hayes left the biggest impression on me. And maybe the rest of the room.

Fancy, Don’t Let Me Down

You know Walker’s big hit, right? “Fancy Like,” which, thanks to Applebee’s ad campaign, became the most familiar country song in the world in the past year. Whether you love it or it’s driving you absolutely nuts, seeing Walker perform ‘that Applebee’s song’ live at CRS was different. Everyone in the room knew it was coming, and it did.

As Walker sang and played his three songs (that’s the New Faces limit), there was an energy; an emotional pulse spread across the audience. Was it his undeniable charisma? The ridiculously simple but personally enchanting lyrics? Walker is unquestionably talented and understands that cultivating a unique style only works for the fans if it’s from the heart.

Show business is funny, though. Ten years from now, Walker Hayes will either be that guy, from that time back in the day that sang that song for the Applebee’s commercial, or he’ll be thanking a worldwide audience for being named entertainer of the year while fans are thinking, can you believe it all started with Fancy Lite?

They said it well

As we put another CRS in the books, I’ll close this dispatch from the center of the Country Radio universe with a few of the more memorable quotes I’ve gathered here at CRS this week. The ones that get the Country Radio program director still living inside me, fired up and ready to get to work.

 

“We are companions to our audience. We help them get through”

-Caroline Beasley, CEO Beasley Media

 

“It’s not that Gen X and Millennials don’t like your stations. It’s first about being available to them on the platforms they like.”

-Leigh Jacobs, EVP Research Analysis, NuVoodoo

 

“Listen more than you talk.”

-Lindsay Bertelli, Owner/President REACH

 

“Pay attention to how your station sounds on smart speakers. Treat it like it’s as important as what’s on their air.”

-Gator Harrison, SVP of Programming, iHeartMedia Nashville

 

“Breaking a new song is kind of like long-term marketing.”

-Jeb “Nerf” Freedman, PD/Afternoons KTCL, IHeartMedia Denver

 

“If you ever hear me on the radio in any format other than country, come find me and get me out of there.”

-Anonymous/Overheard

 

Scott Lindy is a Marketing Content Specialist and Partner Success Specialist at Futuri Media. He works with a select group of stations to drive their digital efforts forward while also creating compelling marketing content about Futuri’s audience engagement and sales intelligence solutions. Prior to Futuri, Lindy spent 30 years developing an impressive programming resume at companies including Cumulus, Clear Channel, Lincoln Financial Media, and SiriusXM. He has also served on the boards of directors for several industry organizations, including the Country Music Association and Country Radio Broadcasters.

 

https://futurimedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CRS-Wrap.png 1500 2100 lindy https://futurimedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/futuri-logo-.png lindy2022-02-25 17:17:052022-02-27 18:31:27CRS 2022: That’s a Wrap!

Country Radio Seminar day two; now we’re talking

February 24, 2022/in Events, Radio/by lindy

By Scott Lindy, Futuri Media

In yesterday’s post from CRS 2022 in Nashville, I shared many reasons why it’s so good to be here in person rather than virtually. As the second day of learning at Country Radio Seminar transitions into the second night of live music and overdue revelry, the positive vibe and camaraderie continue to grow. The in-person experience is driving that, but there’s something else happening here too.

The second day of any convention or seminar is when the hallway chatter amps up. The first day’s sessions are in the books and ready to be picked apart. CRS attendees have shifted from, “Hello! How are you? It’s so good to see you again!” to deeper discussions. Strolling through the Omni’s convention center between sessions,  I overheard exchanges ranging from passionate agreement to good-natured but vigorous squabbling. That’s what we’re here for, right?

Wait … what? YouTube?

At CRS in 2020, Futuri’s Daniel Anstandig presented the findings from our joint research study with the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communication. It was the first time any major study revealed podcast listeners’ remarkably high preference for YouTube. Then the pandemic shut the world down. Is it possible this essential and revealing data got lost in the sea of Covid-19 coverage?  Maybe.

When Daniel referenced the 2020 study in yesterday’s Albright & O’Malley & Brenner pre-seminar session, the murmurs started in the back of the room. In two of today’s sessions, the mention of YouTube’s strong performance as a podcast listening destination (which has since been confirmed by several subsequent studies) was met with some furrowed brows. During today’s CRS Research Presentation from NuVoodoo research presentation, I heard a person behind me say, “Wait,…what? YouTube is for videos.” I was delighted to hear another voice say, “that’s correct, including video versions of podcasts.”

Then, more voices joined in, whispering quickly. The hushed conversation from a few rows behind me was about the difference between a podcast and a video. Does it matter? Is it more important than getting your station’s on-demand content to as many people as possible? Nope.

Dive in. Either you or your competition is going to start making video versions of podcasts. If you’re interested in how we can  help you beat them to the punch, start here.

The JTBD

I sat in the front row for Daniel Anstandig’s second appearance on stage at CRS, “Sayonara, Stale Thinking: Prioritizing Innovation On Your Team.” I didn’t have detailed notes on what Daniel would say, but I know the material very well. When that acronym JTBD appeared on the giant screens at each side of the stage, I had to turn around and watch the room. I knew what was coming.

Daniel explained that the letters stand for the Jobs To Be Done. It’s a framework for better understanding customer behavior created by Harvard professor Clayton Christensen. We apply JTBD thinking at Futuri every single day. The reason I turned around was to watch the audience’s reaction to Daniel’s always motivating description of JTBD. Among life’s few wagers guaranteed to pay off is a bet that the majority of the room will be taking notes and making a reminder to find out more about Clayton Christensen every time Daniel shares how we use JTBD at Futuri. Today was no exception.

CRS 2022 Research data

Although NuVoodoo’s research presentation showed many issues for Country Radio to overcome, Carolyn Gilbert, Leigh Jacobs, and Jeri Fields presented the data with a highly encouraging tone. Disruption is afoot for the country radio stations stemming from the effects of the pandemic, the connected car, and digital platforms.

Since the CRB will make the CRS 2022 Research data available soon, I won’t get into the nitty-gritty details here. Still, there’s one eye-popping statistic from the study that’s been stuck in my brain since I heard it earlier today: 62% of Gen Xers and 73% of Millenials would pay for a monthly subscription that lets them hear their favorite country radio station commercial-free.

Wow. What would the price for monthly subscriptions need to be to offset the (potentially) lost advertising revenue? How many subscriptions would you need to make it work financially? What kind of investment is required to develop and sustain subscription-worthy content? My mind is racing.

A roomful of leaders

There’s more to study and a significant amount of music, content, and strategic distribution evolutions needed for Country Radio to reverse its four-year downtrend. It won’t be easy, but it will happen. This is Country Radio we’re talking about. It’s more than just a format or a genre of music. It’s a calling.  I saw the look in the eyes of the hundreds of people driving the bus towards yet another boom for Country Radio. Their sense of confidence was inspiring.

As Mike Dungan, Chairman/CEO of Universal Music Nashville, put it in today’s Heads of State panel at CRS, “We need something exciting to happen here. Yeah, we’re stuck a little bit. But we’re not the only ones, and it’s not the first time.”

 

Scott Lindy is a Marketing Content Specialist and Partner Success Specialist at Futuri Media. He works with a select group of stations to drive their digital efforts forward while also creating compelling marketing content about Futuri’s audience engagement and sales intelligence solutions. Prior to Futuri, Lindy spent 30 years developing an impressive programming resume at companies including Cumulus, Clear Channel, Lincoln Financial Media, and SiriusXM. He has also served on the boards of directors for several industry organizations, including the Country Music Association and Country Radio Broadcasters.

 

https://futurimedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CRS-2022-logo_dark.png 468 1498 lindy https://futurimedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/futuri-logo-.png lindy2022-02-24 21:52:142022-02-25 09:06:17Country Radio Seminar day two; now we’re talking
Futuri's Scott Lindy with Laci Kaye Booth at CRS '22

Greetings from CRS ‘22, live and in-person from Nashville!

February 23, 2022/in Events, Radio/by lindy

By Scott Lindy, Futuri Media

Country Radio Seminar’s return as an on-location event is a big hit with everyone here. Being in the same physical space with hundreds of country music fans who also happen to be addicted to the radio biz is, quite honestly, thrilling. Even though we’re still socially distanced, we’re together. There’s electricity in the air at CRS ‘22.

My expectation of hearing profound statements from panelists, presenters, and new artists was exceeded before lunchtime on day one. Country Radio PDs come to CRS to learn what’s new and hear what the experts (and their peers) are doing to overcome shared obstacles.

One of the most extraordinary things about CRS is when that happens, even if a panel isn’t directly related to programming. In this morning’s Albright & O’Malley & Brenner pre-seminar session, the first presentation centered around sponsorship integrations. Lindsay Bertelli – President/Owner of REACH, offered two pieces of advice that Country Radio program directors can use:

“Listen more than you talk.” This is the foundation of every great interview, ever. Reminding talent of this is a good start. Actively coaching talent to keep their focus on the person they’re interviewing is imperative. Think about it. Your top talent is most likely outgoing, gregarious, and has strong opinions. Being a great listener is rarely instinctual for that personality type. Coach, teach, rehearse.

“Do something fun and interactive.” If your on-location team is stuck in the “promo tent, table, prize wheel, register to win, etc.” days, end them. Now. Country radio stations employ some of the most creative minds in media. Dedicating some time to brainstorm fun, memorable listener interactive activities will pay off. Steal this idea: shopping cart ‘curling.’ You get the idea. Cause a commotion.

I’ve always told my colleagues, even before joining Futuri, that any conversation with our CEO and Founder, Daniel Anstandig, will leave you more intelligent and inspired. That effect was in high gear this morning when Daniel shared insights and key takeaways for reaching The Next Generation of Connected Country Listeners.

Futuri’s research studies and white papers referenced in Daniel’s eye-opening presentation this morning are genuine ‘must have’ knowledge for today’s radio professionals. You can download them here.

Another reason why CRS is so valuable for Country Radio program directors is the opportunity to witness a new artist perform a song that hits you like a lightning bolt. PDs hear new music all the time, both live and recorded. I’m not saying that can make you jaded, but sometimes it takes the energy of a gathering like CRS to create an atmosphere where the words and music reach your heart as well as your ears.

BMLG’s Laci Kaye Booth (pictured above with yours truly) did that at CRS this morning, for me anyway. When she performed True Love, a song that hasn’t even been recorded yet, her lyrics paired ‘Abilene” and ‘Diamond Ring’ in a way that made me remember that the best singers and songwriters aren’t concerned with making sure their lyrics rhyme. They’re more focused on creating a connection as Laci Kaye Booth did.

That’s what’s come to be known here as “a CRS moment.”

Before I close, on behalf of everyone at Futuri, I want to send Becky Brenner a huge congratulations on being selected to join the Country Radio Hall of Fame! The news was announced this afternoon here in Nashville. Becky, currently a Consulting Partner with Albright & O’Malley & Brenner Country Radio Specialists, has been a force of intelligence and passion in the Country Radio world for decades. We couldn’t be happier to see this well-deserved honor bestowed upon someone as deserving of the recognition as Becky.

Scott Lindy is a Marketing Content Specialist and Partner Success Specialist at Futuri Media. He works with a select group of stations to drive their digital efforts forward, while also creating compelling marketing content about Futuri’s audience engagement and sales intelligence solutions. Prior to Futuri, Lindy spent 30 years developing an impressive programming resume at companies including Cumulus, Clear Channel, Lincoln Financial Media, and SiriusXM. He has also served on the boards of directors for several industry organizations, including the Country Music Association and Country Radio Broadcasters.

 

https://futurimedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Lindy_Laci_blog.jpeg 355 640 lindy https://futurimedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/futuri-logo-.png lindy2022-02-23 16:29:202022-02-23 21:13:53Greetings from CRS ‘22, live and in-person from Nashville!
CRS and Futuri logos

It’s time for CRS 2022, and Futuri will be there!

February 21, 2022/in Events, Radio/by Zena

The biggest week of the year for Country radio is finally here! We love CRS and its emphasis on quality sessions and conversations that really move the industry forward. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s a great time!

Futuri’s Daniel Anstandig, Scott Lindy, Erin Callaghan, Jim Roberts, Todd Storch, and Zena Burns will be at the 53rd annual conference in Nashville February 22-25. If you’ll be in town, make sure not to miss these events!

Wednesday, February 23 at 9.50a CT

Anstandig presents The Next Generation of Connected Country Listeners at Albright & O’Malley & Brenner’s annual Pre-CRS event. Click here for information on attending.

Thursday, February 25 at 3.30p CT

Anstandig presents Sayonara, Stale Thinking! Prioritizing Innnovation on Your Team in Omni Legends D-G.

Friday, February 25, from 5.30-6.15p

The team will be at the Futuri-hosted cocktail reception prior to the always-excellent New Faces of Country Music dinner and performance.

https://futurimedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CRS-Futuri-blog.png 355 640 Zena https://futurimedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/futuri-logo-.png Zena2022-02-21 18:37:372022-02-21 18:37:37It’s time for CRS 2022, and Futuri will be there!
Craig Bowman

Futuri’s Craig Bowman to Discuss Podcasting and ROI in Radio at Wisconsin Broadcasters Association’s 2019 Broadcasters Clinic

October 11, 2019/in Events/by Zena

Futuri Media’s own Craig Bowman  will be presenting a session this year at Wisconsin Broadcasters Association’s 2019 Broadcasters Clinic. If you’ll be in attendance at the event this year please don’t miss out on his session entitled “Maximizing Your Content ROI With Podcasting” on Tuesday, October 15, at 1:00 PM CT.

Craig recently discussed the importance of podcasting in the current radio landscape and a lot of the things he’ll be talking about in a recent interview with Radio World.

Radio World: At first glance podcasting might seem to be a rival or threat to radio broadcasters. Is it?
Bowman: Podcasts are only a threat to radio broadcasters who don’t get in the game. Radio broadcasters know great audio, so it makes perfect sense for broadcasters to embrace podcasting. Podcasts are a great opportunity for radio to time-shift their content so that listeners can interact with it on their terms, as-well-as a vehicle to allow their talent to be more personal with the audience. Podcasts allow your talent to share their hobbies, likes, dislikes, etc. and better connect with your existing audience without sticking to your on-air clock. Discovery of this content then leads to more listeners to the daily broadcast. Creating a personal connection for your brand and personalities with your listeners is key to your success.

You can read the full interview by clicking here, and we can’t wait to see you at the conference.

https://futurimedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/craig-wba.png 461 841 Zena https://futurimedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/futuri-logo-.png Zena2019-10-11 12:03:192020-05-24 13:44:01Futuri’s Craig Bowman to Discuss Podcasting and ROI in Radio at Wisconsin Broadcasters Association’s 2019 Broadcasters Clinic
morningshow august 8 at 10 am

Morning Show Boot Camp: Our Daniel Anstandig, Jim Tarantine, and Zena Burns to Present Innovative Approaches to Content and Distribution

July 30, 2019/in Events/by Zena

The session will focus on where the industry is going and how you can be prepared for it.

Today, you need success in PPM or diary, but tomorrow’s landscape could be totally different. Things will change fast; are you prepared? Strap in – in this tight session packed with actionable takeaways our own Daniel Anstandig, CEO, Jim Tarantine, Engagement and Insights Specialist, and Zena Burns, SVP, Strategic Marketing and Brand Development, will focus on innovative approaches to content and distribution that will inform your current and future strategies for success.

If you’re attending Morning Show Boot Camp in Chicago this year be sure to stop in for an enjoyable and insightful presentation at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 8.

https://futurimedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/morningshow-blog.png 461 841 Zena https://futurimedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/futuri-logo-.png Zena2019-07-30 11:57:212020-05-24 13:38:00Morning Show Boot Camp: Our Daniel Anstandig, Jim Tarantine, and Zena Burns to Present Innovative Approaches to Content and Distribution
upcoming conferences blog casablanca, wisconsin, london, las vegas

Heading to These Conferences? Team Futuri Will See You There!

June 11, 2019/in Events/by Zena

We’re looking forward to seeing partners and friends new and old at Casablanca Broadcast Days, the WBA Summer Conference, Radiodays Europe Podcast Day, and the Promax Station Summit.

Summer’s just about here, and Team Futuri is on the road! Members of our team will be at the following events over the next several days. If you’ll be in attendance, we’d love to see you!

Mary Ann Seidler, Futuri’s General Manager, International Partnerships, will be in Morocco for Casablanca Broadcast Days on June 11-12, and in London for Radiodays Podcast Day on June 13.

Craig Bowman, Futuri’s Director, R&D and Innovation, will speak on the topic of podcasting at the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Summer Conference’s Engineering Day in beautiful Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, on June 12.

And Futuri CEO Daniel Anstandig will join panelists from Google Cloud, Merkle, and WRAL & Fox 50 in the Data Download session at the Promax Station Summit, taking place in Las Vegas on June 20.

Safe and smooth travels to all conference attendees!

https://futurimedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/upcoming-conferences-blog.png 461 841 Zena https://futurimedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/futuri-logo-.png Zena2019-06-11 12:33:462020-05-24 13:37:08Heading to These Conferences? Team Futuri Will See You There!
Request a Demo

Products

POST for Radio
POST for TV
POST for Digital Publishing
TopicPulse for Radio
TopicPulse ContentAdvantage for TV
TopicPulse ContentAdvantage for Digital Publishing
TopicPulse SportsEdge
TopLine
TopLine for TV
Prep+
Futuri Mobile
Futuri Voice
Tether

About

Overview
Leadership
Timeline
Clients
Awards

Main Pages

Home
About
Products
Jobs
News

Social

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Resources

VIP Support
Client Login
Contact Us
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
DMCA

Sign up for our newsletter!

© 2022 Futuri Media

Futuri is the leading provider of cloud-based audience engagement software for the enterprise. Brands rely on Futuri to make their content more relevant, accessible, engaging, and results-driven. Founded in 2009, Futuri holds 12 published or pending patents in 151 countries. Named to the Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies for seven consecutive years, Futuri is the only audience engagement platform that includes solutions for sales, marketing, and content teams.

Scroll to top

This website uses cookies. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website.

I Consent

Cookie and Privacy Settings



How we use cookies

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

Essential Website Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

Google Analytics Cookies

These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.

If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:

Other external services

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

Privacy Policy

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

I Consent