Freshly home and back to work from an amazing WBA Summer Conference, I’ve had time to reflect on the many conversations that I was able to share with fellow broadcasters from around Wisconsin in just two short days. The resounding theme? What we do as broadcasters matters…in ways we may often take for granted.
Summer is that busy time when TV and radio operations run into everything from sales teams frustrated with clients and prospects who won’t return calls/emails or meet, to managers juggling multiple employees taking some well-deserved vacation time. Yet, behind the scenes, we see a time of year when we all shine for our local communities.
July kicks off what is often referred to as the ‘dog days of summer,’ so let’s take a look at what that means for broadcasters.
- Summer Music Festivals and Concerts: July is synonymous with music festivals and outdoor concerts, drawing crowds of music lovers from near and far. Many of us often partner with event organizers to provide live coverage and exclusive interviews with artists that give our fans an up-close look at their favorite performers.
- Live Coverage of Sporting Events: During most years, July brings us some of the biggest sporting events of the year. This includes everything from the Wimbledon tennis tournament and the Tour de France to Major League Baseball and Formula One Racing. However, this year adds the excitement of the Summer Olympics in Paris! Our listeners and viewers will tune in to find out daily updates which keeps them fully engaged.
- Summer Blockbusters and TV Premieres: July is prime for entertainment, with blockbuster movies hitting theaters and TV networks rolling out the latest new shows. We are all able to capitalize on this excitement by promoting everything from superhero flicks to binge-worthy dramas that will keep people coming back for more.
- Special Events and Celebrations: July is packed with special events and celebrations! With everything from Independence Day parades and fireworks to cultural festivals to community fairs, there is always something going on and our viewers and listeners want to know the details so they can plan their weekly plans.
The expansion of our brands through increased digital exposure helps us take our messaging even further, by being with our core listeners and viewers where they are. This summer, let’s remember the tremendous impact we have in keeping our audiences entertained, informed, and engaged! As your new WBA Board Chair, I am excited to see what the coming summer – and year – brings for all of us!
Aleese Fielder
WBA Board Chair
NRG Media Wausau/Stevens Point/Rhinelander
