Emmis/NY Keeps Listener at the Forefront of Radio

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Emmis/New York announced Tuesday that in 2016 it "aims to perfect that craft through its major day-part programming, immense digital and social presence and unique ability to produce outstanding events." The company says that all factors lead back to the keeper of radio, the audience and the ability to grow with and adjust with them, in the ever-changing music business, is what sets a station apart from the rest.

"Emmis NY may be the little fish in the big pond, but we can swim better than most of them," stated Emmis/NY General Manager Deon Levingston. "It's a strategy we worked on over the past year or so, and something we plan to improve upon in 2016: by thinking of a station as an extension of the listener's life, instead of as a brand or corporation, we're able to provide our audience with a much better experience."

He continued, "We interact with fans on social media, which in turn provides them with content and contesting in real-time; we film all of our interviews and major events, many of which receive tens of thousands of views and are picked up by other major outlets like TMZ, FADER, Billboard and more; and we focus on being in our neighborhoods, hosting events such as Lift 'Em Up and the upcoming Spread the Joy Toy Drive, which give back to our communities. It all begins with our on-air shows and talent."

"Focusing on the listener experience isn't a brand new concept," stated WQHT Program Director Pio Ferro. "You've got to have talent that can reach the audience beyond the airwaves. Just as much as people listen to us, we have to also listen back, whether it be on social media, at events, or radio call-ins. It's a two-way interaction, connection of entertainment and information, making HOT 97 an extension of our listeners' lives."

"I work with the best people I've encountered in my career," added WBLS and WLIB PD Skip Dillard. "We all consider it a privilege to serve the people of the #1 radio market in America. WBLS became a legendary station by staying true to our audience and growing with them. We look forward to continuing that tradition in the New Year."