Benztown has announced a strategic partnership with the Intependent Broadcasters Association to make StudioTexter the offical texting platform for IBA members. This alliance offers special, budget-friendly pricing to independent radio broadcasters.

StudioTexter is a texting service developed specifically for radio stations. It offers free incoming SMS with unlimited keywords, scheduled contests, template use, and direct replies to listeners. The platform also deatures an Auto Responder that allows on-air talents to schedule automated replies for incoming texts.

IBA President Ron Stone stated, "We started the national contest for our members three years ago. It was a huge hit! The one thing I consistently heard from the membersw was text to win. We were using a website widget. StudioTexter provided us an inexpensive way to provide text to win for the members... and our contest has never been better! I would recommend this product to any station of any size!"

Benztown President Dave "Chachi" Denes added, "We are thrilled that IBA members will now be connected to their listeners - and getting more for less - through this exciting and innovative new partnership. When we launched StudioTexter with our partner Envisionwise, we set out to create a texting service built specifically for the industry we love at the move affordable price. StudioTexter is the ideal solution for stations looking for a new best-in-class texting partner."

Envisionwise President and CEO Jackie Parks said, "We are very excited to partner with IBA to bring StudioTexter to their station members that need this seamless and robust texting solution now more that ever. What sets Studiotexter miles apart from other texting services is that it is the only texting platform designed by radio pros to meet the unique texting needs of radio stations. StudioTexter enriches listener connections, builds trustm and strengthens communication between station brands and their communities, amplifying brand awareness and engagement driving listener loyalty."

For full article, click here

Four years ago, Ron Stone founded the Independent Broadcasters Association.
 

Today, one of the key tenets of the IBA is how to make more money. This includes cash giveaways — an incentive that has attracted more listeners, thus increasing the chances an advertiser will sign a deal for a member station.
 

What's next for the IBA? Stone shares where the organization is heading in this fresh InFOCUS Podcast, presented by dot.FM.

Listen to The InFOCUS Podcast: Ron Stone

The Independent Broadcasters Foundation (IBA) is celebrating its 4th anniversary with new enhancements and policies for its members. The group has implemented a cap of 300 company members (no limit on number of stations under a company) to more effectively focus on members' needs. The national cash contests will now include text-to-win capability. It is worth noting that the deadline for stations and groups to register for the September National Cash Contest is July 31, and only IBA member stations can participate.
 

IBA President and Executive Director Ron Stone explained, "These enhancements and improvements allow the IBA to grow into the best possible organization representing independent radio stations. Beginning today, a maximum of 300 companies with no limit on number of stations will be allowed to join so that the IBA can hyper focus on members' needs, provide members with more tools that can level the playing field, and allow for new opportunities in networking that will be announced soon. Future members will also have market exclusivity to the IBA membership. All currently members that share a market will be grandfathered in and not affected by this change. A group is considered one company."
 

He added, "The IBA is nearing that 300 mark and stations are urged to become members before July 31 to be able to participate in the upcoming Fall National Cash Contest. Once we reach that 300-mark, membership will be closed. New members will only be received if the number of member companies drops below 300. A waiting list will be maintained on a first come first served basis, but it would be a shame to be left out of the upcoming Cash Contest, which is expected to be our largest ever. Participating member stations have experienced as much as 30X ROI from our National Cash Contests."
 

The newly designed IBA web site also debuted Tuesday, keeping its original web address, www.iba.media. "Members will find the new site much easier to navigate," promised Stone. The new site was designed by Jackie Parks' team at Envisionwise, Radio Digital Solutions. Envisionwise specializes in radio station websites and provides the following services: StudioTexter, Alexa Skills, Event Delay, Radio Apps, Member Tools and more.
 

The one thing the immensely popular national cash contests did not allow for -- and members wanted -- was text-to-win capabilities. Beginning with the Fall Cash Contest, listeners will be able to register to win by text. Envisionwise is also the text-to-win provider for the IBA National Cash Contests and can provide individual stations with more text-to-win opportunities. Jackie Parks of Envisionwise said "All of us at Envisionwise are thrilled to provide the text to win option for an already very successful contest. We are looking forward to working with the IBA and members to help further develop their digital assets."

Another improvement to the National Cash Contests is that participating members will now have immediate access to the database of listeners that registered with their station or group. The Fall contest starts is expected to be the largest one to date.

An IBA member may be a single station or a group of stations, as long as the company is not traded on a public market. To join, go to www.iba.media and click "Join Now."

Partnership provides IBA members with solutions for more efficient operations and greater revenue

Lakeville, MN – May 3, 2022 – The Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA) announced a new technology partnership with Marketron, the leading provider of enterprise revenue management and digital software solutions. The partnership will provide IBA members with access to technology to help them manage, grow and scale their organizations with solutions for linear and omnichannel advertising.

“From traffic management solutions to digital advertising platforms, Marketron has modern, best-in-class tools to help our members succeed,” said Ron Stone, founder, president and executive director of IBA. “Exclusive pricing for IBA members gives even the smallest broadcasters access to the same tools the world’s largest organizations use. It’s certainly a competitive advantage for our members.”

Through the partnership, Marketron will offer IBA members solutions for: 

• Revenue management and traffic 
• Revenue growth through digital advertising 
• Revenue maximization with pricing and process improvements
• Audience and advertiser engagement 

Member pricing will be available on products across the Marketron portfolio, including traffic products (RadioTraffic, Visual Traffic); digital advertising (Marketron NXT); order management, CRM and dynamic pricing (Marketron REV); and text messaging programs (Mobile Messaging).

“Technology can be the great equalizer or competitive advantage for broadcasters; Marketron is pleased to provide IBA members with a game-changing suite of tools that optimize and generate new revenue streams, scale operations and deliver an end-to-end experience,” said Bo Bandy, vice president of marketing at Marketron.

In addition to providing technology, Marketron is investing in IBA members’ success by delivering valuable educational resources and training around sales and digital advertising.  Members will have access to the Marketron Learning Center, Aspire and exclusive educational material.

More information on the partnership is online at IBA.media or at Marketron.com/IBAmembers.  

About Independent Broadcasters Association

The IBA serves independent radio stations in ways that existing organizations do not. The IBA provides independent operators with ways to drive revenue and achieve cost benefits from scale that they cannot achieve alone. Owners and operators may sign up at www.iba.media.

About Marketron

Marketron empowers innovators in the broadcast and media industry to strengthen their market leadership by delivering more scalable, predictable, and reliable revenue. With Marketron’s products and services, users can successfully propose, price, and execute multimedia advertising campaigns across all revenue streams including television, radio, O&O, and digital media. With 50 years of industry leadership, Marketron serves more than 6,000 media organizations globally and manages $5 billion in annual U.S. advertising revenue representing more than 1 million advertisers. Marketron is owned by Diversis Capital. More information is available at www.marketron.com.

IBA Media Contact
Reneé Cassis
RC Communications Marketing
646-808-6505
cassis2@msn.com

Marketron Contact
Christine Pecher
Director of Marketing
Tel: +1 208.788.6874
Email: hello@marketron.com

Lakeville, MN, February, 18, 2021: The Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA) and Feeding America® have announced the dates for the second annual “Radio Cares – Feeding America” to raise money for individuals and families that are facing hunger in America. The 2021 event will be held on April 14 and produced by Benztown, with assistance from McVay Media and the team at Vipology. Early major sponsors of this year event include GenMedia Partners and Sun Broadcast Group.
 

The Radio Cares team is designing the event with all the tools necessary for participating stations to begin pre-promotion for two weeks, beginning March 31, and to hold the day-long event on April 14. Support of the campaign will continue through Sunday April 18 to give every radio listener time to donate. In addition, Radio Cares will have the support of over 100 artists representing every format.
 

“The Radio Cares drive this year promises to be an event every independent station will want to participate in,” said Ron Stone, Chief Executive Officer of Adams Radio Group and President of the IBA. “Who would have imagined that 14 months after we first heard the word COVID, we would still be dealing with it. So many people have lost so much and for many the end is nowhere in sight. Every family deserves to have sufficient resources for food for their family and no one should be going hungry in America.”
 

“As a result of the pandemic, more and more American families are facing hunger and relying on their local food banks,” said Casey Marsh, Chief Development Officer at Feeding America. “Partnerships with organizations like the Independent Broadcasters Association help provide critical support through nourishing food to our neighbors facing tough times.”
 

Radio Cares 2020 was supported by 3,400 radio stations and provided 5 million meals* for people facing hunger. Based on those incredible first-year results, the team at Radio Cares decided this would be an annual event. Early indications are that 2021 will surpass that number.
 

Dave Denes, President of Benztown noted, “Independent owners of radio stations of every format came together in 2020 to speak with one voice for a cause that all of us embrace — eliminating hunger!”
 

All materials needed for the event, including on-air, websites, and social media, will be provided by the Radio Cares Team. Stations will direct listeners to their individual station web site to donate. The donations will go directly to Feeding America and there will be, like last year, an ongoing accounting of total donations. Feeding America will provide resources, including local contacts for stations to interview.
 

Mike McVay, President of McVay Media, noted, “With stations back to operating in studios, the Radio Cares event will be substantially enhanced with live interviews in every market with people that provide help and people that have needed it.”
 

At the end of the event, local independent radio will all be able to promote the total amount raised by sharing with listeners and advertisers the power of local radio. Stations are welcome to include local sponsors to support the event.
 

“This is our chance to show that radio, specifically independent radio, is very much alive and well and doing what we have always done best, serving our communities,” Stone concluded.
 

Every independent radio station in America is encouraged to participate and support this nationwide event.

• Owners and operators must register their station(s) at:
• All materials will be available for download at that same web address a week prior to the event.
• There will be educational conference calls starting March 15. All registered stations will receive invitations.

FAQS: Answers to some obvious questions about this initial opportunity:

1. Where does the money go and what will it be used for?
   100% of the money raised goes to Feeding America and 100% will be used across the country in local communities where needed. These will be unrestricted funds for Feeding America to help fight hunger in America.
2. Can I tie in a local client?
   Sure…totally your call. It is possible we may secure a national client. 100% of any sponsorship money secured nationally will also go to Feeding America.
3. What if I have already or recently helped my local food shelf?
   That should not keep you away from this event. This is a huge opportunity for independent local radio to work together across the nation. This is the benefit of scale we have been talking about.

*$1 helps to provide at least ten meals secured by Feeding America® on behalf of local member food banks.
 

About Radio Cares:

Radio Cares was founded in 2020 by many interested parties to assimilate as many radio stations as possible to do what radio does best, help local communities. Funds raised from Radio Cares assists people that need help in getting food and nutrition for their families. The annual event falls under the management of the Independent Broadcasters Association. Participating stations do not have to be members of the IBA to participate. All stations are welcome.
 

About Feeding America:

Feeding America® is the largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit , find us on or follow us on.
 

Media Contact:
Renee Cassis
RC Communications Marketing
646-808-6505
 

Lakeville, MN – February 16, 2021 – The Independent Broadcasters Association has announced a National Cash Contest for IBA ember stations to participate in. All current IBA members may participate in the contest. We invite any station not currently an IBA member to participate by joining the IBA on or before February 28 and registering for the contest. Stations may join at www.iba.media
 

IBA members have received instructions regarding registering their stations. Members are encouraged to register as soon as possible, but before February 28.
 

The cost per station to participate in the cash contest is only $250. According to IBA Board member Tony Renda, “this has the potential to be one of the largest cash contests ever in radio”. The IBA now has 1,500 members. According to Renda, “there is anticipation for large participation, based on the survey that was conducted among the membership.”
 

Renda added, “like everything we are doing to help independent operators create more revenue and operate more efficiently, we start by asking the membership what they want. According to the survey, the majority wants a six-week long contest in both the spring and fall.”
 

The contest is designed in a way to sound extremely local and will be fully produced to make it easy to execute by the participating stations.
 

According to Ron Stone, President of the IBA “this is one more item that members said they would benefit from if we could make it happen…and the IBA has delivered again. This promotion will play great on the air and participating stations can generate substantial revenue through the contest with a different local sponsor on each station.” The contest is planned to start on April 14 and run for 6 weeks, depending on the level of participation.
 

About Independent Broadcasters Association
The IBA serves independent radio stations. IBA provides independent operators with ways to drive new revenue and achieve cost benefits from scale of the membership that cannot be achieved alone. IBA members are working together to improve operating results for all allowing them to continue focusing on live and local broadcasting super serving their communities. Stations may join the IBA at www.iba.media. The association now has 1,500 members and a variety of supporting vendors.
 

Press Contacts:
Ron Stone, IBA President | ron.stone@iba.media

Lakeville, MN, February 10, 2021: The Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA) is pleased to announce that renowned marketing guru Chuck Mefford, CEO and founder of BrandsFormation©, has agreed to provide IBA members a year-round series of sales-driven IBA webinars every 3rd (Third) Tuesday of the month entitled ‘IBA BrandKamp™’.

BrandKamp™ is a way to get your sales team around the old campfire with Chuck once a month and learn the secrets of America’s top-producing radio salespeople. Secret #1, top producers never sell radio. Why? Most business owners do not wake up in your city and say, “Wow, I need radio!” What do top producing salespeople sell? Find out next Tuesday.

Chuck Mefford worked his way up the Mid-West Family Broadcasting ranks, becoming its youngest general manager (running flagship Madison, Wi properties) at age 26 and later became Senior VP and launched MWF Sales University. Mefford started his marketing firm in 1995, working with mainly local direct business. His BrandsFormation system has since helped business owners get measurable advertising results. In fact, it works so well, he’s only paid on the results. If his clients do well, so does Chuck. If they are down in sales, down goes Chuck’s pay. Most agencies do not have the guts to bill clients this way. His marketing firm does it every day.

“I’m thrilled with the opportunity to invest time and resources in working with members of the IBA year-round through a series of webinars designed teach your team how to transform good businesses into great brands,” said Chuck Mefford, BrandsFormation© Founder and CEO. Don’t miss the IBA’s first ‘IBA BrandKamp™’ with BrandsFormation© CEO Chuck Mefford this upcoming Tuesday, February 16th at 4 pm Est, and every third Tuesday of the month.

The IBA webinar series provides its members the opportunity to learn from the industry’s brightest influencers. With an aggressive bi-monthly schedule of speakers throughout the year, we will be able to learn about sales, programming, marketing and promotions, business, engineering, employment, and social media platforms. The IBA webinar series is for IBA members only and just one of many free benefits to its members.

“I’m thrilled to have one of the most successful sales and marketing consultants in the industry team up with the IBA for exciting sales webinars each month, FREE to IBA members.” Ron Stone IBA CEO. For more information about BrandsFormation© BrandKamp, go to www.brandsformation.com & www.brandkamp.org.

About Independent Broadcasters Association
The IBA serves independent radio stations. IBA provides independent operators with ways to drive new revenue and achieve cost benefits from scale of the membership that cannot be achieved alone. IBA members are working together to improve operating results for all allowing them to continue focusing on live and local broadcasting super serving their communities. Stations may join the IBA at www.iba.media. The association now has 1,500 members and a variety of supporting vendors.

Press Contacts:
Ron Stone, IBA President | ron.stone@iba.media

Lakeville, Minnesota – January 8, 2021: Legendary program consultant Mike McVay has been tapped to present the IBA’s (Independent Broadcasters Association) 1st IBA Programming Webinar of 2021 with ‘Programming Principles that Win in Ratings & Revenue’ Thursday January 14th at 2pm. The session is designed to share how to easily execute programming strategies that attract an audience and develop revenue generating opportunities. IBA members will hear examples of how smaller companies are competing against the big companies.

Mike McVay said “I’m excited to spend time with thousands of local broadcasters as a partner of the IBA, sharing relevant and critical ‘best practices’ that will positively impact programmers and operators in the largest and smallest of markets”.

The IBA webinar series provides its members the opportunity to learn from the industries brightest influencers, from the sales, programming, marketing and promotions, business, engineering, employment, and social media arenas, with an aggressive bi-monthly schedule of speakers throughout the year. The IBA webinar series is for IBA members only, and just one of many free benefits to its members. If you are not an IBA member and would like to attend, secure your membership on or before the webinar at www.iba.media

Darrell Calton, CEO of Iliad Media and Chairman of the IBA commented “As they say, membership has its privileges, and getting an opportunity to learn from Mike’s experience and years of success is awesome. Being an IBA member is like an ‘all access’ pass to the biggest names in the industry, regardless of market size”.

The IBA (Independent Broadcasters Association) which launched in July of 2020, is dedicated to serve independent radio stations in ways they are not currently being served by existing organizations, providing independent operators with ways to drive revenue and achieve cost benefits from scale that cannot be achieved alone. With over 1,500 member stations, the IBA is committed to bring tools that have not previously been available to independents.

###

Lakeville, MN, January 6, 2021: The THROWBACK BRANDS slate of shows and services have announced a new partnership with the Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA), effective immediately, to provide content, resources, and consulting to IBA member stations.

Throwback Brands, headed by award-winning programmer and on air host Tony Lorino, produces Throwback Nation Radio for Classic Hits, Adult Hits and AC stations, and the new feature Throwback 2K With Chris Cruise, focused on the biggest hits of the early 2000s for Top 40 and Hot AC brands. Lorino, Cruise, and Throwback Brands partner Dan Holiday also provide content, music, and social media consulting for their affiliates.

“Since launching in 2018, we’ve seen a growing need for an independent voice to represent broadcasters who are not owned by a major operator,” Lorino said. “Ron Stone and the IBA founders know that, and this organization is going to make such a difference for owners and operators to serve their listeners, serve their communities, and serve their clients. This is broadcasting at its best.”

Ron Stone, Executive Director of the IBA added: “The IBA is very happy with this partnership. We continue to be embraced by the very best partners in the industry looking to help independent operators with better opportunities from independent sources. We are looking forward to a very successful 2021 with members taking full advantage of opportunities to partner with other independent operations!”

About Throwback Brands
To learn more about the Throwback Brands shows and services, visit www.throwbacknationradio.com or call 414-841-3243.

About Independent Broadcasters Association
The IBA serves independent radio stations. IBA provides independent operators with ways to drive new revenue and achieve cost benefits from scale of the membership that cannot be achieved alone. IBA members are working together to improve operating results for all allowing them to continue focusing on live and local broadcasting super serving their communities. Stations may join the IBA at www.iba.media. The association now has 1,500 members and a variety of supporting vendors.

Press Contacts: Tony Lorino, Throwback Brands CEO | 414-841-3243 | tony@throwbacknationradio.com

Ron Stone, IBA President | ron.stone@iba.media

Lakeville, MN, January 6, 2021: The IBA has established a legal hotline service for the Independent Broadcasters Association with its association legal counsel, Telecommunications Law Professionals PLLC (“TLP”). Through this service IBA membership will be offered the opportunity to sign up for a cost-effective legal hot-line service staffed by TLP.

Ron Stone, Executive Director of the IBA said: “The IBA is excited to be able to offer this service to its members. Subscribing members will now be able to have prompt answers to legal questions that relate to FCC legal matters. For a small annual fee, subscribed IBA hotline service members will be able to seek answers to questions regarding legal and regulatory issues that apply generally to radio broadcasters and the radio broadcasting industry. I cannot imagine any radio station not benefiting from this opportunity. A single call with an FCC legal question will more than pay for the annual fee and will reaffirm the value of IBA membership as well.”

Stone continued that “we are very happy with this partnership. This is an amazing opportunity for the members to save substantial money on legal fees related to FCC matters. We are looking forward to a very successful 2021 with members taking full advantage of all the opportunities the IBA has established for them.”

Gregg Skall, IBA Regulatory Counsel and a TLP Member, said he was pleased to be able to offer this service to the IBA. “With so many new forms of media and legacy industry regulation, radio is at a challenging time in its history. Broadcasters frequently need guidance on the ever-changing regulatory and business landscape during these tumultuous times. Independent broadcasters seldom have in-house counsel to respond to these questions. The hotline can serve to help guide broadcasters as they make important business decisions while remaining in compliance with FCC regulations.”

About Independent Broadcasters Association:
The IBA serves independent radio stations. IBA provides independent operators with ways to drive new revenue and achieve cost benefits from scale of the membership that cannot be achieved alone. IBA members are working together to improve operating results for all allowing them to continue focusing on live and local broadcasting super serving their communities. Stations may join the IBA at www.iba.media. The association has 1,500 active members and a variety of supporting vendors.

About Telecommunications Law Professionals PLLC:
Telecommunications Law Professionals PLLC (www.tlp.law) is a boutique law firm whose professionals all have specialized in communications law for their entire careers. TLP provides legal services to businesses of all kinds within the telecommunications, communications, and media industries. TLP offers the same level and quality of service associated with large elite firms from a client-friendly small firm platform, and represents clients ranging in size from start-up companies to major publicly traded corporations throughout the telecom and media sectors. TLP is highly rated by many of the top legal ranking agencies, including Chambers, Legal 500, US News/Best Law Firms and Super Lawyers. www.tlp.law.

Press Contacts:
Ron Stone, IBA President | ron.stone@iba.media
Gregg P. Skall, TLP | gskall@tlp.law

Lakeland, Florida, December 11, 2020: Stonick Recruitment, Inc. announced a new partnership with the Independent Broadcasters Associations to help members take advantage of the incredible recruitment marketplace that is anticipated to drive substantial recruitment advertising for the foreseeable future for radio. Effective immediately, all members of the Independent Broadcaster’s Association will not have to pay any initial fee for services provided by Stonick Recruitment in 2021. This will save radio stations thousands of dollars in upfront setup costs.

Companies across the nation are struggling to hire and we as radio professionals can help them. Current Stonick Recruitment client markets are breaking sales record for recruitment advertising dollars, even in the middle of a pandemic/recession!

For the very first time in Stonick Recruitment’s 32-year history, they will work with radio stations on a straight commission plan plus expenses. According to Chris Stonick, “I know that most independent broadcasters are feeling the pain of decreased revenues due to Covid. That’s why I am offering to IBA members only, a chance to dramatically increase revenue next year without a fee. It’s reward without risk.” If you have not already joined the IBA, this opportunity alone will provide reason to do so.

Ron Stone, President and Executive Director of the IBA added “I have worked with Chris over the years and have seen the results he can deliver personally. Stations that participate in recruitment marketing, and get after it, will see amazing results in 2021, a year we know will have its own challenges. The IBA is very proud to be associated with Chris”.

There are some limitations as Stonick Recruitment works on a market exclusive basis and the opportunity will be limited to the first 20 clients that sign up due to Stonick’s capacity to serve each station properly. Stonick will conduct a free market analysis to review the viability of each market.

About Stonick Recruitment Incorporated
Founded in 1989, the Stonick Recruitment sales program has generated over $100,000,000 in added radio revenue in all size markets across the country. Stonick Recruitment provides: training, in-market seminars and sales calls, script writing, and consultative services.

About Independent Broadcasters Association
The IBA serves independent radio stations. Their goal is to provide independent operators with ways to drive new revenue and achieve cost benefits from scale that cannot be achieved alone. They are working together to improve operating results for all! You can join the IBA at www.iba.media. The association now has over 1,400 members.

For more information contact:
Chris Stonick at 863-397-5615
Ron Stone at ron.stone@iba.media

Lakeland, Florida, December 11, 2020: AC programming consultant Gary Berkowitz and the Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA) have teamed up to offer programming and content services to IBA Members across America. The partnership is one of several that the IBA has recently formed to help its members through its vendor discount program that provides the industry’s best products and services to IBA members at discounts.

BERKOWITZ stated, “I understand the rating and revenue challenges that independent broadcasters feel. I look forward to working with IBA members to keep their on-air product top-notch. From music management to imaging, on air talent and promotion, I work with stations to make sure they sound great and get the ratings they need to maximize revenues.”

IBA President & Executive Director Ron Stone added “There is no one in the industry that is not aware of Gary’s talents and successes in programming. He has built some of the most successful stations in the country. All of us at IBA are thrilled to be able to welcome Gary into the IBA. His offer to the membership to help them grow is exactly what so many are needing. This is a perfect example of the partnerships that make the IBA stand out from any other organization.”

IBA members should go to www.iba.media, log in with username and password to learn more about this opportunity.

About Gary Berkowitz
AC and Classic Hits specialist Gary Berkowitz works with local station teams to create and improve programming that translates into stronger ratings and higher revenues. Radio stations across the US have increased their market share and rank when working with Gary. Barter is available. For more information call Gary at (248) 737-3727 or email gary@garyberk.com…www.garyberk.com.

About Independent Broadcasters Association
The IBA serves independent radio stations. Their goal is to provide independent operators with ways to drive new revenue and achieve cost benefits from scale that cannot be achieved alone. They are working together to improve operating results for all! You can join the IBA at www.iba.media. The association now has over 1,400 members.

For more information contact:
Ron Stone at ron.stone@iba.media

Lakeville, Minnesota – October 19, 2020 – The Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA) has announced its latest partnership with dk east associates, a media specialty accounting firm, to conduct a financial analysis of independent broadcaster operations. Participation in the financial report is free but stations must be a member of the IBA by October 31 to participate. The financial report is the first independent-only analysis of its type.

“Finally, there will be intelligence that independent broadcasters can use to properly measure performance,” said Ron Stone, Founder, President, and Executive Director of IBA. “We see a lot of information about the industry, but typically it only speaks to larger public companies and it is difficult to use it in a meaningful way for local operations. The IBA was formed to bring shared resources like this to independent broadcasters, along with revenue-generation and cost-saving opportunities.”

The IBA-dk east associates report will allow participating IBA members to compare and contrast their operations to others of similar size. It also will provide data against 2019 by quarter to allow members to gauge their own performance against similar operations during the Covid-19 crisis. Headcount figures will reflect changes from 2019 to reveal how independent operators are weathering the storm from a human resource perspective. In addition, intelligence on Q4 and 2021 will be gathered to determine how independents are feeling about the immediate future.

“This report will be extremely informative to all participants,” Stone added. “It will be helpful internally and perhaps externally when explaining results to others, as stations will have concrete information on similar operations.”

“We have always believed in the power of local radio and are delighted to partner with the IBA to bring this much-needed intelligence to independent broadcasters across America,” said Dorothy Kolb, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of dk east associates.

“To any independent broadcasters who have not already joined the IBA, this report alone will outweigh your membership investment,” Stone continued. “We are encouraging all independent radio broadcasters to join the 1,200 stations that have already signed up and are already benefiting from the deliverables, as promised.”

There are two ways to join the IBA. The first is a barter-based plan to make the membership affordable to any station. It includes a per station $100 annual fee plus one 60-second daily M-F unit. The alternative option is $600 annually per station with no barter.

To learn more about the IBA, please visit https://iba.media/faq/. To join, visit www.iba.media.

About Independent Broadcasters Association:

The IBA will serve independent radio stations in ways we are not being served by existing organizations and provide independent operators with ways to drive revenue and achieve cost benefits from scale that cannot be achieved alone. Owners are operators may sign up at www.iba.media.

About dk east associates:

dk east associates is a boutique firm offering highly personalized comprehensive support in finance and HR to growth-stage and small to midsize businesses.  We specialize in media, media production, sports and marketing services companies. Our founder has over 25 years in finance, operations, production and sales in the broadcasting and sports industries. www.dkeast.com

Media Contact:
Renee Cassis
RC Communications Marketing
646-808-6505
cassis2@msn.com

Lakeville, Minnesota — September 30, 2020 – The Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA) and Gen Media Partners (GMP) announce the formation of IBA Radio Sales, a national sales and marketing team under Gen Media Partners, exclusively for IBA members.

“IBA membership has been growing exponentially, stated Ron Stone, President of IBA. “To date, we have 900 members and more stations are joining every day. The number one request from prospective IBA members from our survey, conducted a few weeks ago while we were gauging interest for an IBA, was ‘we want our own rep firm.’ This opportunity with Gen Media Partners, known for successfully representing independent broadcasters in all size markets, is the ideal national sales partner to represent IBA member stations with this creation of a rep firm dedicated solely to IBA members. Our goal is for every independent operator to join IBA and reap the benefits of being represented by IBA Radio Sales. The Board and I are very excited about working with Gen Media Partners to build our national sales platform and the opportunities IBA Radio Sales will bring to our members.”

“This is an incredible opportunity for Gen Media Partners and for IBA member stations,” said Kevin Garrity, Chief Executive Officer of Gen Media Partners. “Gen Media Partners was built on the strength of independent broadcasters and creating IBA Radio Sales is a natural extension of that. Uniting as members of the Independent Broadcasters Association, owners and operators retain their independence while gaining the advantages of scale, allowing them to compete more effectively with large corporations. I encourage every independent broadcaster to contact Ron about joining IBA to take advantage of the significant benefits that membership provides, including the IBA Radio Sales national platform. We look forward to growing as the IBA grows in membership and scope.”

About Independent Broadcasters Association:

The IBA will serve independent radio stations in ways we are not being served by existing organizations and provide independent operators with ways to drive revenue and achieve cost benefits from scale that cannot be achieved alone. Owners are operators may sign up at www.iba.media.

About Gen Media Partners – www.genmediapartners.com

Lakeville, Minnesota, September 4, 2020: The Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA) announced today that the IBA Membership website is officially “open for business!” Also announced today is a network radio ad sales partnership with New York City-based AdLarge Media to create two new independent radio station networks.

The IBA Board approved the membership offering on August 17. The membership fee is designed so that every radio station can afford to participate and benefit from all the deliverables underway. The cost of membership is $100 per station annually plus one :60 unit of advertising per week, Monday – Friday 6a-7p. Plans are set for an additional network that will deliver network revenue directly to member stations. Broadcasters can go to www.IBA.media to sign up. Stations that have signed up by September 30 will be included on the upfront national network avails for 2021.

There are currently 2,766 stations that have expressed interest in joining the IBA. Ron Stone, President of the IBA said, “We anticipate many more stations to sign up beyond those that have already expressed interest. With the launch of the AdLarge partnership, any station in need of new revenue should be signing up. If you are not a member, your stations will not be able to participate. I honestly cannot imagine any independent station not wanting to see new revenue flow their way. Independent radio will finally have a seat at the table for network revenue.”

AdLarge Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer Gary Schonfeld commented on the partnership, “We are thrilled to work with Ron and the independent radio stations across the country that are joining the IBA. This partnership comes at a most opportune time, giving independent radio groups and stations more power and prominence in network radio advertising. Ron’s industry leadership in creating the IBA will help thousands of radio stations nationwide generate additional revenue, and we are honored to be a part of it.”

“Radio is a powerful reach medium that can influence consumers because it touches their lives in their local communities,” observed AdLarge Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Cathy Csukas. “We look forward to bringing these new opportunities to our network radio advertisers and their agencies, who are looking to connect with consumers on Main Street.”

Stone also made note of several additional deliverables that will be announced soon. Stone said, “We have been working very hard to deliver on many opportunities. One of the big ones that will be rolled out by December 31 is a multi-layered traffic product, currently being tested in multiple markets. This system combines traffic, CRM, yield management and analytic tools to eliminate the redundancy and cost of multiple systems. What will be delivered is a system that will not only handle the back of the house duties, it will help sellers create new revenue and reduce attrition. This system will be available in 2021 at a significant savings to what independent broadcasters now pay for similar services.”

The website will also be evolving quickly, adding elements that will create more opportunities and savings for members including:

Shared Services | Shared Production | Promotions Idea Bank | Sales Idea Bank | Job Bank| News Service | Engineering Question & Answer Board | Networking | Educational Services | Help Line for accounting, traffic, programming, sales, human resources

Stone added, “the heavy lifting will begin soon on the new digital platform that will bring all the independents an opportunity to participate in true digital revenue, previously off limits to us. No more moving money from one pocket to the other. I want to thank Chris Peaslee and the entire Vipology team for all their efforts in getting the IBA website built and launched, and for the vision that they are providing for the new digital platform.”

About Independent Broadcasters Association
The IBA will serve independent radio stations. Our goal is to provide independent operators with ways to drive new revenue and achieve cost benefits from scale that cannot be achieved alone. We are working together to improve operating results for all!

About AdLarge Media:
AdLarge Media is the leading independent ad sales and content company with lifestyle-driven audio environments that span am/fm, podcasting, on-demand, and streaming. Its diverse portfolio reaches 207 million listeners a week across 5,000 radio stations and over 45 million monthly downloads across digital audio platforms. The company was founded by industry leaders Cathy Csukas and Gary Schonfeld in 2010, and its digital division was relaunched as cabana in 2017. AdLarge has offices in New York, Chicago, Detroit, and Denver. For more information, please visit www.adlarge.com.

IBA Contact:
Ron Stone
President
952.232.0588 | ronstone@adamsradiogroup.com

Media Contact for AdLarge Media:
Renee Cassis
RC Communications Marketing
646-808-6505 | cassis2@msn.com

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Lakeville, Minnesota, July 22, 2020: The Independent Broadcasters Association announced today that it has filed articles of incorporation in the State of Minnesota and is officially in business. Ron Stone said “We filed the articles last Friday, on a day where we were 96% of our 3,000-station goal. 2,877 stations had signed up, represented by just under 600 owners / operators. We continue to have additional owners signing up every day.” Stone added “An initial board of Directors has also been selected. 1/3 of Board members will turn over every December 31, starting December 31, 2021.” Board members are, in alphabetical order:

• Deborah Barrera, CPA, CGMA, CFO, R Communications LLC
• Kristin Cantrell, CEO, 7 Mountains Media & Cap City Communications
• Darrell Calton, CEO, Illiad Media
• Allen Dick, CEO, Dick Broadcasting
• Michael J. Flood, Owner, Flood Communications, LLC
• Kenneth Forte, President & GM, R & F Communications, Inc.
• Charles Johnson, GM, Northstar Broadcast
• Kimberly Martinez, VP/GM, All Pro Broadcasting
• Kelly Radandt, GM, Woodward Radio Group
• Tony Renda, CEO, Renda Broadcasting
• Tony Richards, CEO, Kensington Digital Media
• David Stephens, Owner, Stephens Media Group
• Ron Stone, President/CEO, Adams Radio Group
• Cindy Taylor Chesson, GM, River Radio Network/Bridge Media/Ohio Midland Newsgroup
• Dr. Sandi Woodruff, Owner, Northwest Indy Radio

 Stone added “Our first board meeting will be scheduled for next week, to decide mostly organizational matters and to approve our business plan. We will have a conference call with everyone that has signed up on www.radioiba.org schedule shortly after the board meeting to review the business plan and goals of the IBA”. If you have not signed your company up, it is not too late.

Stone expects the membership section of the IBA web site to be operational by August 1. Everyone that has signed up at the link in the above paragraph will receive an email with instructions. Stone says “The IBA will be running at full speed in August. We anticipate delivering substantial parts of the program to our members before the end of 2020. We have some heavy lifting to do, and everyone is excited to get to it!”

About Independent Broadcasters Association
The IBA will serve independent radio stations in ways we are not being served by existing organizations and provide independent operators with ways to drive revenue and achieve cost benefits from scale that cannot be achieved alone. The following reflects what the organization would focus on right away and during the first two years. Revenue Generation, Digital Services, Shared Resources, Proprietary Systems and Services, and Group Employee Benefits.

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Lakeville, Minnesota, July 10, 2020: The Independent Broadcasters Association announced today that it is officially forming the organization within the next two weeks. Ron Stone said “We have 496 owners / operators representing just under 3,000 stations that have signed up supporting the idea of the organization. The next step is the actual formation of the IBA into a legal entity, forming an initial board and getting to work on all the elements we have been discussing that will benefit independent operators choosing to be members of the IBA.” Stone added: “We will see more owners / operators sign up now that the decision has been made to launch, as many have said to me “I will sign up when I know it is real. The IBA will make a significant impact on independent broadcaster’s bottom line. In three years, every member will echo that the IBA was exactly the right organization at the right time to meet the needs of independents.” 

The membership investment is a question many are asking, Stone says expect to have that answered soon as the board will take that up as its first task adding that “membership will be affordable and will not be a burden for any size operation”. 

Bud Walters was one of the early supporters of the concept of the IBA…and here are his comments why he believed the IBA’s time has come:

“Independent broadcasters outside the major markets have a lot in common as we seem to be in a different business than large markets broadcasters. There is good reason to explore this idea of working more closely together.“ Bud Walters, President

Owners / operators are still being encouraged to sign up at this web address: http://radioiba.org/ which will only remain active until the new IBA site is operational. Frequent updates will be emailed to those that have signed up on the site to receive communications. Additionally, those signed up will received specific instructions for membership once the new IBA web site (currently under construction) is launched. There will be a conference call scheduled for all members in the next few weeks with Ron Stone and the initial board to discuss the mission and goals of your new IBA. 

About Independent Broadcasters Association
The IBA will serve independent radio stations in ways we are not being served by existing organizations and provide independent operators with ways to drive revenue and achieve cost benefits from scale that cannot be achieved alone. The following reflects what the organization would focus on right away and during the first two years. Revenue Generation, Digital Services, Shared Resources, Proprietary Systems and Services, Group Employee Benefits.
 

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Lakeville, Minnesota, June 19, 2020: The IBA continues to move closer to its goal of 3,000 stations, adding an additional 600 stations in the past week, a 33% increase since last week. Ron Stone says “The momentum we are seeing is incredible. We are now up to 424 owners and operators and 2,395 stations! It takes time to build any organization as we all know. To see this kind of growth every week it screams volumes of how much independents need the help this association can deliver. We are going to hit our goal for sure…and very few independents will shy away once the organization is formed and they realize the benefits. It would not surprise me to ultimately have most of the 7,000 independents participating. Our future is in our own hands and we have to make the right choices now”.

Tony Renda is one of the 2,395 station owners that has signed up…and here are his comments why he believed the IBA’s time has come:

“Recently I learned about the IBA and my response was, thank God. What took so long? I have personally seen how an association like this benefited the auto industry. Independent radio owners need this kind of association. As an owner of stations in six markets I know my strength is limited, but if I am part of a group of 3,000 plus stations, I am stronger, I have a voice. If I am part of a group that can offer a sophisticated national digital buying opportunity for advertisers…I am stronger. If I am part of a group that can create its own unique programming…I am stronger. If we can reduce my expenses and increase my revenue…I am stronger! I have been assured that IBA is not a replacement for the NAB, or RAB, or any organization but rather one that will enhance the tools we have now, and by doing so enhance our bottom lines.”
Tony Renda, Renda Broadcasting

Owners / operators are encouraged to sign up without any commitment at this point at this web address: http://radioiba.org/ Weekly updates will be directed to those that have signed up on the site to receive the communications. “Our mission continues” Stone says. “If you have signed up, don’t stop there. Contact every independent you know and send them to the site. Together we can grow new revenues to improve our top lines and we can improve our bottom line with more efficiencies and shared services only achievable by a membership organization like the IBA. I am very excited to host a call in a few weeks to share more on key elements that I believe we can achieve in the first couple of years, and what can be done beyond that. I think you will get excited too!” 

About Independent Broadcasters Association
The IBA will serve independent radio stations in ways we are NOT being served by existing organizations and provide independent operators with ways to drive revenue and achieve cost benefits from scale that cannot be achieved alone. The following reflects what the organization would focus on right away and during the first two years. Revenue Generation, Digital Services Group, Shared Resources, Proprietary Systems and Services, Group Employee Benefits.

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Lakeville, Minnesota, June 12, 2020: Stations showing interest in the Independent Broadcasters Association continues to surge with week 2 of Ron Stone’s campaign delivering another 500 stations. Stone says “I am convinced now more than ever that the IBA will become a reality. As of today, we have interest from owners and operators representing 1,850 stations, up from 1,300 last week. We are now 62% of where we need to be to officially form the organization. With 7,000 independent stations needing all the help they can get I am certain we will secure the 3,000 stations we need to commit to make the IBA a reality. I believe every independent will ultimately embrace the IBA once they see what it can do for their bottom line. We have chance to make things better for the independents and it is time we do”. 

Owners / operators are encouraged to sign up without any commitment at this point at this web address: http://radioiba.org/ Weekly updates will be directed to those that have signed up on the site to receive the communications. “Our mission continues” Stone says. “If you have signed up, don’t stop there. Contact every independent you know and send them to the site. Together we can grow new revenues to improve our top lines and we can improve our bottom line with more efficiencies and shared services only achievable by a membership organization
like the IBA. I am very excited to host a call in a few weeks to share more on key elements that I believe we can achieve in the first couple of years, and what can be done beyond that. I think you will get excited too!”

Lakeville, Minnesota, June 4, 2020: Adams Radio Group CEO Ron Stone provided an update today on the IBA initiative. Stone says he has been very encouraged by the phones calls and conversations he has had with many operators and owners about forming the association. “As of today, the IBA has received interest from owners and operators representing 1,360 stations. These are people that have taken the time to go to the site and sign up. This is significant for the first week. We still have a long way to go given there are 7,000 independent stations. But this is a very good start. I believe as information continues to spread about the organization throughout the industry and what our mission is, we will continue to see independents embrace it. We all know we can accomplish far more success together than we can alone”.

Owners / operators are encouraged to sign up without any commitment at this point. We are only gauging the interest level and keeping everyone updated. Here is the link: http://radioiba.org/ Stone says all future correspondence from the IBA will be directed to those that have signed up on the site to receive the communications, though he will continue to personally reach out to independents that have not signed up. “We are on a mission. We need this organization. The fact is we have needed it for years. We need the revenue it can bring to smaller companies…we need the cost savings it can create…and we need the shared resources it can provide. I cannot think of a single independent operator or small company that will not benefit from the IBA or a single reason they would not want to participate in it”.

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Lakeville, Minnesota, May 29, 2020: Adams Radio Group CEO Ron Stone announced today in an email to over 4,000 broadcasters that the IBA can and will become a reality if it is something they want and will support. Stone first brought up the idea of the IBA in April when he asked independent stations to come together and support RadioCares to help raise money for Feeding America. That effort ended with 3,400 individual stations participating along with several major networks.

Stone says “there has never been a time in radio history when this organization has been needed more. If we cannot pull this together now, then when? All independents need the help this highly focused organization will bring in revenue generation, cost savings and shared resources. We have just under 1,000 stations already signed up on the site in two days. There are 7,000 independents. I believe more of the independents than not will see the value of this organization. The next two weeks will determine how interested the industry is in this concept as the recipients of my email have time to digest it and respond.”

Here is the landing page for owners / operators that are interested to sign up without any commitment, allowing the IBA to continue to account for the interest level and keep interested parties updated: http://radioiba.org/ Stone says all future correspondence from the IBA will be directed to those that have signed up on the site to receive the communications.

Here is Stone’s complete letter:

I hope this note finds you well and your stations have begun to operate again under more normal conditions than what we have been challenged with over the past several weeks.

A few weeks back when I reached out regarding RadioCares, I mentioned more communication would be coming your way on the idea of creating an Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA). I cannot imagine a better time than now to begin discussing this idea.

The concept is to serve independent radio stations in ways we are NOT being served by existing organizations and provide independent operators with ways to drive revenue and achieve cost benefits from scale that cannot be achieved alone. Below reflects my thoughts on what the organization would focus on right away and during the first two years.

• Group Employee Benefits – better coverage and lower prices, and potentially add additional benefits for our employees.
• Revenue Generation – An unwired network & digital platform supported by a national sales team to monetize for us.
• Digital Services Group – This would enable continuity across independent stations giving us the opportunity to accomplish double digit digital revenue through Web, Mobile, Alexa, & Streaming
• Shared Resources – A system that allows sharing of that talent in non-competitive situations and reduces our dependence on national syndication that requires cash, barter and sometimes both.
• Proprietary Systems and Services – Under the umbrella of a member owned association, we can create proprietary systems that we control and eliminate some of the costly monthly per station fees for traffic, accounting, CRM, Yield Management, even automation and music scheduling.

This will of course take time, like eating an elephant, one bite at a time. But as independents, we are 7,000 stations strong, and multiply what each of us pay for any one service, it becomes crystal clear that through a membership owned organization, we would have the wherewithal to accomplish this, and the revenue growth and savings would be astronomical.

I encourage you to visit http://radioiba.org/ and provide some limited information if you are interested in participating. Providing your information does not commit you to anything, but will allow us to know if interest is strong enough to move forward with the formation of a board and a 501(c)(6) organization and get to work on behalf of independent radio.

Sincerely,
Ron

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