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Keller Radio Talent Institute Delivers Mountaintop Experience for Future Broadcasters July 9-18

July 9, 2012. Broadcast professionals and students from across the state will come to learn during the 6th annual Kellar Radio Talent Institute July 9-18 at Appalachian State University.

The Kellar Radio Talent Institute is an intense 10-day curriculum that has led students to jobs in the industry or a related field. Many are now working professionally at CNN, Entercom, Clear Channel, CBS, Beasley Broadcasting Group, Curtis Media, Greater Media and in positions ranging from traffic, on air, sales, promotions and interactive throughout the Carolinas and from Atlanta to Los Angeles.

“Most importantly, with seven out of 10 of these students to date starting their careers in broadcasting or a related field, we are developing the next generation of broadcasters,” said Dan Vallie, founder and director of the Kellar Radio Talent Institute. “The students come with enthusiasm and passion for the business and it’s very impressive how industry professionals sacrifice their time to come to the campus to teach sessions and give back to the industry.”

This year, Allen Shaw, president/CEO of Centennial Communications, opens the institute with the “Getting in, Becoming an Entrepreneur” session. Phil Zachary, president of Curtis Media closes, 10 days later with “Now is the time to start thinking like a Pro.”

John Reynolds from KISS/K104.7 CBS in Charlotte returns to this year’s Kellar Radio Talent Institute to lead a session on programming. Now in its sixth year, the institute brings radio professionals from across the region to teach and interact with students interested in careers in broadcasting. It is held at Appalachian State University. (Photo submitted by Kellar Radio Talent Institute)

Industry professionals leading the sales sessions this year include Trip Savery, director of sales, Greater Media Charlotte; Alex McTighe, national sales manager, Curtis Media Group in Raleigh; Gary Weiss, regional vice president for Radio One in Raleigh; and Gary Fisher, owner of Equity Communications in Atlantic City, N.J. They will teach the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) sales modules that lead to each student becoming RAB certified as radio marketing professionals.

Teaching the air talent and production sessions include Steve Reynolds of the Reynolds Group; Don Anthony from Morning Show and Talk Radio Boot camps; John Hancock, WBT Greater Media Charlotte, DZL, 106.5 The End and Clear Channel Charlotte; Arroe Collins, production director, Clear Channel Charlotte; Dave Aiken, WKZL and ROCK 92, Greensboro, Winston-Salem; and Tias Shuster, production director, B93.7 & Magic 98.9, Entercom Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C.

Programming and promotions sessions will be led by John Reynolds of KISS/K104.7 CBS Charlotte; Jack Daniel, 106.5 The End, Clear Channel Charlotte; Carl East, WBT, Greater Media Charlotte; Bruce Wheeler and Jason Goodman, WKZL & Rock 92, Greensboro, Winston-Salem; and Keaira Huffman, Entercom Radio, Greenville-Spartanburg S.C.

Interactive sessions are being led this year by Jonathan Mauney, director of Interactive Media, Greater Media Charlotte; Patrick Sills, digital program director of Clear Channel Charlotte; and Danny Highsmith, regional vice president, Beasley Broadcast Group. They will coach students on how to transition from college level to professional radio.

“Two Guys Named Chris,” the highly ranked morning show of Rock 92 Greensboro Winston-Salem, will do their morning show live on Friday morning with the students as the live radio audience.

Mick Mixon, play-by-play announcer of the NFL Carolina Panthers; Doug Rice, president and Voice of Performance Racing Network; and Scott Lauer, play-by-play announcer of the NBA Charlotte Bobcats, will anchor the sports broadcasting day for the students.

The Kellar Radio Talent Institute is named for former broadcaster Art Kellar who gave $500,000 through the Kellar Family Foundation to help create the institute to bring young people into the industry. Kellar founded EZ Communications in 1970, which merged with American Radio Systems in 1996, and was later sold to CBS.

For the third year in a row the institute will receive partial sponsorship from the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters, both financially and with board members committing their time to teach sessions. The NCAB is widely recognized as one of the top associations for broadcasters in the nation in terms of legislative victories, education, services, benefits and legal assistance.