Radio's Most Innovative

Our "Radio's Most Innovative" series recognizes the broadcasting professionals who have propelled our industry forward.

Radio’s Most Innovative: Dr. Ruth Westheimer

by Fred Jacobs · July 18, 2024

Life is all about choices and risk. So, is radio. And our #TBT blog post is all about those characteristics in the person of Dr. Ruth Westheimer. This radio pioneer passed away last week, and today’s post was a tribute we wrote about her back in 2015 for our “Radio’s Most Innovative” series. I was fortunate to be able to ask her a few questions, and she graciously responded. Dr. Ruth was truly a radio risk-taker.

#TBT: Radio’s Most Innovative: Paul Lamere

by Fred Jacobs · June 23, 2022

On today’s Throwback Thursday, we go back seven years to a blog post that turned out to be packed with insights and ideas for radio broadcasters struggling to understand streaming audio services – like Spotify. Back then, Spotify wasn’t the powerhouse it is today. But we talked to a guy you’ve likely never heard of – Paul Lamere – who was deep in the inner-workings of algorithms and experiences. His appreciation of why radio radio works holds up very well today.

Radio’s Most Innovative: The Elvis TV Casting Project

by Mike Stern · July 24, 2019

Innovation is still happening in radio – this time in the Big Apple. One of radio’s morning stars has created a TV casting call project that makes the most of UGC – user-generated content. As they say, you never know where the next big star will come from – maybe even from a radio show.

Radio’s Most Innovative: Austin City Limits Radio

by Fred Jacobs · October 5, 2018

In today’s post, we dust off our coveted Radio’s Most Innovative awards to acknowledge Emmis/Austin’s KGSR for its creative partnership with Austin City Limits. They’ve now rebranded as Austin City Limits Radio – a radio symbol of the energy and history that is the Austin music scene. Programmer Emily Parker talks about how it came together and why it’s important for radio brands to seek out accretive partnerships that can better connect stations with their local communities.

Radio’s Most Innovative: Radio Woodstock

by Fred Jacobs · March 24, 2017

Radio Woodstock – a commercial indie station – recently launched a unique hybrid business model, combining a low spot inventory with listener supported pledge drives. For a small station trying to survive and thrive, it’s a bold move – and that’s why we’ve named them one of “Radio’s Most Innovative.”

Radio’s Most Innovative: KSHE’s Real Rock Museum

by Fred Jacobs · January 27, 2017

Emmis’ KSHE 95/St. Louis is one of the most iconic rock stations in the U.S. To celebrate its golden anniversary, KSHE recently opened the doors to its virtual “Real Rock Museum,” an innovative collection of interviews, memorabilia, and tributes to the city, the station, and rock n’ roll. If you’re looking for an example of quality web content that goes well beyond the tower and transmitter, check out today’s post. Your admission to the KSHE Real Rock Museum is on us.

Radio’s Most Innovative: Galaxy Communications’ Ed Levine

by Fred Jacobs · October 7, 2016

In the past two decades, much of the attention in radio has been on mega-companies that own hundreds of stations. But small, local broadcasters are having success all over the country by focusing their efforts. A great example of regional radio done right is Galaxy Communications’ Ed Levine, this week’s “Radio’s Most Innovative.” In Syracuse and Utica/Rome, NY, Ed’s company is making waves with a focus on local events, sports marketing, digital, and of course, spot radio. Ed talks about how his Galaxy team is effectively competing against the big boys with great success.

Radio’s Most Innovative: PRX’s Podcast Garage

by Fred Jacobs · September 9, 2016

Radio’s Most Innovative is back with a feature about the Public Radio Exchange’s (PRX) newest venture, “The Podcast Garage.” It’s a community-based effort dedicated to the art and craft of making audio. Will PRX find the next great podcaster lurking in “The Podcast Garage?” We interviewed their CEO, Kerri Hoffman, to find out.