Second Annual Confer Radio Talent Institute Begins

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 6, 2015

A strong line up of broadcasters from the state and region are on the agenda to teach the sessions of the Confer Radio Talent Institute at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania that begins Monday. Lifetime broadcaster Barry Drake, author of "40 years, 40,000 Sales Calls," takes the first session titled, "Now is the Time to Start Thinking like a Pro." In ten days, Hall of Fame Broadcaster Kerby Confer will take the closing session of the Institute that bears his name.

Over the coming days, college students that had to apply to be accepted into the Institute will be taught on almost all aspects of radio, including on air, sports, news, production, promotions, digital, and all will complete the RAB radio sales course to become certified as Radio Marketing Professionals. There are no breakout sessions, as all students are in every session. Students seeking a career in broadcasting are accepted not only from Bloomsburg University, but also from other schools in the state and region.

Confer commented, "This is just what our industry needs, and as the digital age is upon us, it couldn't come at a more opportune time. I'm excited to be able to extend the National Radio Talent System to Pennsylvania and the Northeast United States at Bloomsburg University, and we have been so fortunate to attract some of the best air talent, program directors, sales managers, general managers, executives and entrepreneurs to teach and inspire the next generation of leaders in radio."

All sessions are on the Bloomsburg University campus except one day in Philadelphia where the students hear from Jim Jackson, play-by-play announcer of the NHL Philadelphia Flyers and Rob Brooks, Manager/Broadcasting and Rob MacPherson, Director of Corporate Partnerships with the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Doc and Andie Morning Show from CBS's WXTU-FM/Philadelphia broadcasts live from the Institute on Friday of this week, so the students see not only what goes into the show when the mic is on, but also what happens when the mic is off.

Dan Vallie, Founder and President of the National Radio Talent System, said, "When you talk about the future of the industry, you have to talk about people. We have to embrace technology... and should, but ultimately technology levels the playing field when everyone embraces it... but it always has been and always will be people that make the difference. And these young people are the talent that can be hired today and be leaders tomorrow."