Written by: Sidney Roberts & Hailey Johnson
The Georgia Association of Broadcasters hosted the Radio Talent Institute in Athens at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication last week. Over the course of this six-day program, 17 students from universities across the state participated in this program.
“This experience was like no other. I’ve been to multiple GAB events and this one was by far the best and most beneficial,” said Jarrett Ray, student at Piedmont University. “I loved hearing each professional’s story on how they broke into the industry. For anyone thinking of signing up for the GAB Radio Talent Institute, I would 100% recommend it. It is a networking opportunity that will help you take your career to the next level.
The week-long institute featured numerous experienced and knowledgeable special guests who shared their insights on the broadcasting industry with the students. Throughout the institute, students benefited from the expertise of over 20 speakers.
“Managed and produced by the RAB, radio’s nonprofit trade association, the GAB Radio Talent Institute is focused on identifying the next generation to ensure a successful and profitable future for Radio,” said Erica Farber, former President and CEO of the RAB. “The energy and enthusiasm of this year’s class was palpable and felt from day one. The students were exposed to all aspects of the business while making personal contacts to help guide them and open doors to them as they begin their professional journeys.”
Students were also given the opportunity to travel to Atlanta to visit Audcay Inc. While there, they were able to tour the office and studios as well as catch a few live shows.
“This was a great opportunity for me,” said Demya Gaskin, a student at Kennesaw State University. “I learned so much and had the chance to make some amazing connections. I also came out on the other side with some new friends.”
Thursday evening, the RTI students had the opportunity to attend the GAB 90th Anniversary Road Show in Athens. This event afforded them the opportunity to network and listen to professionals within the broadcasting industry in the greater Athens area. Towards the end of the week, students had an early morning with V103’s “Big Tigger Morning Show with Jazzy McBee” for a live show. Students were able to witness the behind-the-scenes operations and learn how their radio show is run. Throughout the show, Big Tigger and Jazzy McBee even included a few students to join them on the show!
“I would say having V-103 come was so insightful to see everything the producer and other ‘behind the scenes’ personnel must do to keep the show running smoothly,” said Mary Ryan, a student at the University of Georgia. “The overall process of having a morning call-in show is so detailed, but you can tell how much thought and passion Big Tigger, Jazzy McBee, and Khalia put into it. My peers and I had so much fun laughing and listening to the show on an early Friday morning! Big Tigger and Jazzy McBee made it easy to feel like we were one of their friends, even though we had just met them.”
The GAB would like to give a special thank you to everyone who helped make the Radio Talent Institute happen, including all of our speakers:
🔹 Dean Charles Davis, Dean of Grady College
🔹 Kent Dunn, Regional Vice President of Beasley Media
🔹 Vito Gorinas, Production Director Cumulus Media
🔹 Val Carolin, Regional Vice President and General Manager at Salem Media Group
🔹 Val Garris, VP / Programming at Cumulus Media
🔹 Chris Eagan, VP of Audience & Operations at Cox Media Group
🔹 Allen Power, President of Broadcast Media at Salem Media Group
🔹 Lori Lewis, owner and founder of Lori Lewis Media
🔹 Mike McVay, newly named Broadcast Giant
🔹 Steve Holman, Hall of Fame Atlanta Hawks Play-by-Play announcer
🔹 David Ashburn, GSM of Audacy, Inc. Atlanta
🔹 Dylan Mathews, Beau Morgan, and Knox Bardeen, 92.9 The Game
🔹 Abe Gordon, Host of The Game Tonight and Executive Producer of the Andy & Randy Show
🔹 Sanders Hickey, Golden Isles Broadcasting Partner
🔹 Rick Caffey, SVP/Market Manager at Audacy, Inc. Atlanta
🔹 Chandra Kinsey, Regional Promotions Director of South Audacy
🔹 Myron “Magic” Giggua, Owner and Founder of MVP Magic Voice Productions in Atlanta
🔹 John Dimick, SVP of Operations at CUMULUS MEDIA
🔹 V103’s Big Tigger Morning Show with Jazzy McBee for a live show
🔹 Jaleigh Long, VP/Market Manager of Cox Media Group Atlanta
🔹 Jerry McKenna, Brand Manager and Jenn Hobby, Morning Personality for STAR 94.1
🔹 John Shomby, Founder/Owner of Country Radio’s Coach
🔹 Rob Babin, EVP of Cox Media Group
🔹 Martin Matheny, Program Director and Content Strategist, WUGA
🔹 Doug Turnbull, PM Drive/Traffic Anchor for WSB Atlanta
🔹 Abby Jensen and Madison Parker, GAB grads at WSB Cox Media Group and 107.7 The Breeze
🔹 Don Anthony of Morning Mouth Magazine
