Steve Smith and Tim Richards Launch Consulting Group

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 20, 2022 | 4:13pm CT

Smith Richards Collective

Veteran radio senior execs Steve Smith and Tim Richards and digital marketing strategist Heidi McIvor-Allen have joined forces to launch a new radio consulting group, the Smith Richards Collective. The Smith Richards Collective brings radio operations, programming and digital marketing experience to radio stations and groups to help stations grow their audience and revenues, while saving money.

Smith said, "At the most comprehensive level, SRC has the ability to assist in programming an entire cluster or group of stations in all formats. We're approaching the industry in a way that fits today's needs."

Richards added, "This is a full-service venture offering a wide spectrum of services that can be tailored to each client's unique needs with the goal of improving the product while achieving immediate savings."

In addition to podcast and radio talent coaching services, the new firm offers full-service consulting for radio stations and groups. Services include brand growth and strategy, music strategy and scheduling, production, imaging and talent services -- including locating quality tracked talent and station voice talent, audience targeting and contesting and reviewing and improving ratings.

The Smith Richards Collective also includes an embedded full-service digital marketing agency, McIvor Marketing, which offers stations and groups a full spectrum of digital resources and support, including email marketing, podcast development and support, social and digital advertising, website development and creative support, as well as training for sales and programming, led by partner Heidi McIvor-Allen.

Richards' radio career spans over 30 years, with stops in Tucson (KRQ), Boston (WBMX), Detroit (WKQI), Chicago (Q101) and Phoenix (KZZP, KALV, KMLE). He has worked with many of the industry's best talent and brands, including Mojo in the Morning, Johnjay and Rich and The Morning Mess.

Smith has more than 34 years of major market radio experience. He spent 11-years as VP of Programming at Cox Media Group, and before that he was SVP of Programming for Clear Channel/iHeartMedia, SVP of Programming at AM/FM, and VP/Programming at Emmis Broadcasting. He is also a two-time Billboard Consultant of the Year. Smith has extensive experience coaching and developing morning shows and talent, including Ryan Seacrest, Bigboy, Johnjay and Rich, Brooke and Jubal, Miguel and Holly, Rickey Smiley and more.

Digital marketing strategist Heidi McIvor-Allen, owner of McIvor Marketing, has been in the digital marketing space for over 13 years. She spent five of those years working on the digital side of radio in both Saginaw, MI, and Atlanta, followed by eight years in the agency world. McIvor-Allen has worked extensively in sales and execution with significant expertise in automotive, events, hospitality, e-commerce and more.

Richards' separate service, Audience Targeting Strategy, continues to be available to stations through Benztown.