It would have been difficult in 2000 to have described with accuracy what our industry looks like today. Who would have predicted that the era of consolidation would have begun to reverse itself? Who would have predicted that the loss of two very tall buildings in New York would have sent reverberations around the world that have resulted in changes to all of our lives?  

 

The last two years have been very challenging for most broadcasters, just as they have been challenging for our clients. But these challenges have given us the opportunity to use our creativity and expertise to help our clients to survive. These challenges have given us the opportunity to reinvent ourselves once again. Localism is again king. "Going back to the basics" once again proves to be a strategy for success. And succeeding we are.

 

It has been a privilege to work with my clients this past year. Their glasses have been half full, not half empty. Despite all the challenges, they have worked harder and smarter. They have found ways to create opportunities from difficulties.

 

I wish to thank all my clients who have included me as a member of their team. It has been a privilege to come inside your operations and see the ways you serve your staff, your clients and your communities.  Community service is alive and well in small market radio as well as in radio stations I have visited around the globe.

 

And thanks to you, my readers. I received a call this week from a gentleman who told me how much he enjoyed reading my newsletters. He was a program director, but understood that the fundamentals of customer service and sales apply to listeners as well as to our clients. I appreciated his kind words and was pleased to know that someone was finding my ideas helpful.

 

My Christmas tree and hot chocolate are calling. I am home after two months on the road. I have packages to wrap and friends to visit. This Holiday Season will give me the opportunity to catch up on office paperwork and to enjoy my family. I wish all of you the same. Celebrate life and the gift that is today. 2010 and a new chapter in our adventure is just around the corner!

 

I'll see you in the New Year as the BBI newsletter returns on 15 January.

 

 

Pat Bryson has worked in the radio industry for over 25 years. During that time, she was one of the highest billing sales people in the radio industry in her market. She was promoted to General Sales Manager, managing and training both experienced and inexperienced sales people . Her career advanced to General Manager, where Pat  created a culture of over achievement for her stations.