Ross Davies, OAB Conference, Program Team chair, commented, “Our overall objective for the conference was to provide insight and generate discussion on how to grow the business of radio. Within that, we had two primary goals: the first was to provide attendees with some real grass roots take-away value that could immediately be put into practice and secondly to give the industry some thought provoking ideas on what our future might look like and how to prepare for it.”

  At the luncheon, Tom Pentefountas, in his last speaking engagement as outgoing CRTC Vice Chair, Broadcasting, provided delegates with some challenging and encouraging thoughts, stressing the importance of co-ordination among our industry associations when articulating needed change to the regulator.

 Also, OAB Director, Mora Austin announced a new OAB initiative designed to  help  members promote “radio as a great medium” to both listeners and advertisers.  A contest  challenging  radio station creative departments to produce the perfect spot was won by Dave Cockram and Noah Campbell from Central Ontario Broadcasters. Their winning spot  was unveiled during the luncheon.  This new “Pro Radio” initiative reflected an important thread throughout the conference ie. a growing resolve among industry participants, large and small, to promote the incredible value of our medium. FACTOR sponsored vocalist, Kellylee Evans, energized the lunch crowd with her high powered performance.

 OAB President, Doug Kirk, remarked,  “Our conference crystallized those initiatives that we need to act upon over the coming year in order to improve the business of radio going forward.  Key technologies such as the FM chip, HD Radio and Nextradio can be implemented now to enhance the distribution of our valuable and in-demand product.  Execution will be crucial.”

 The Awards Dinner provided many highlights. The tribute video honouring Canadian Broadcast  Sales’ Patrick Grierson, hosted by his accomplished  granddaughter, Lola, and his acceptance speech upon being inducted into the Ontario Hall of Fame.  Jimmy Rankin’s wonderful and intimate FACTOR performance that demanded an encore!  Patrick Gonsalves, Veronica Low and Lisa Walker receiving their Broadcast Order of Achievement certificates.  And the Community Service Awards which were presented to the following worthy recipients:

Radio Small Market Award:  Bayshore Broadcasting for Fire Victims Radiothon – Morning Show co-host, Jamie Johnston & Host, Cory Laycock accepted the award.

 Honourable Mention:  Country 105/Magic 99.9/Acadia Broadcasting for Bears that Care – Brent Preston, Station Manager accepted the award.

Radio Large Market Winner:  CHML/FRESH 95.3 & Y108/Corus Hamilton for Children’s Fund – Olivia DePetris, Promotions and New Media Director accepted the award.

 Honourable Mention:  CHFI/Rogers for Daily Bread Food Bank Summer Drive – Jay Kennedy, Promotions Representative accepted the award.

Thank you to our sponsors, speakers & participants! 

Comments & ideas are welcome at memberservices@oab.ca.