BU Set to Host Third Annual Radio Institute This Summer
Students interested in working in the radio industry, whether that be on the air, behind the scenes or in sales, have a great opportunity to learn more about the industry and network with professionals at Bloomsburg University.
The Confer Radio Talent Institute is a ten-day professional development summit for students looking to get into the radio or mass communications industry. This is the third year in a row that BU has hosted the event, and it will be taking place July 5 through 14 this summer.
The institute was created by broadcaster Kerby Confer, owner of Forever Broadcasting. Confer is a well-respected broadcaster who has owned and operated well over 200 radio stations during his accomplished career. Confer is also an inductee into the Pennsylvania Radio Hall of Fame.
The institute is a part of the National Radio Talent System, which is run by Dan Vallie. Vallie is not only the innovator and founder of the National Radio Talent System and the Radio Talent Institute, but he has been in the radio industry for over 40 years and is
dedicated to preparing the next generation of radio professionals.
At the institute, students will get to learn first-hand from industry professionals. Last year, some of the guest speakers included:
- Barry Drake – Private Consultant to radio stations & media personal and author of “40 years, 40,000 Sales Calls”
- Colby Colb – Vice President of Programming – Radio One – Washington, DC
- Pat Garrett – Pat Garrett Creative
- Kim Reis – Director of Digital Audience Engagement – Entercom Communications – Boston, MA
And many others.
Along with the guest speakers, some on-air professionals may come and do their show live from Bloomsburg University. And guess what? YOU would be in the audience listening! Last year, Doc and Andie from “The Doc and Andie Show” on 92.5 WXTU in Philadelphia, and RJ Harris from “The RJ Davis Show” on WHP 580 in Harrisburg came to Bloomsburg for live shows.
Not only will you be listening to these professionals give you career advice, but you will also be working on your on-air craft and these professionals will hold sessions to give you feedback on your air-checks. Also, as part of the institute you will receive your Radio Marketing Professional Certification from the Radio Advertising Bureau – a great resume booster.
Did I mention that this institute includes a day trip to Philadelphia? That’s right. Last summer institute students had an amazing opportunity to travel to Philly to get a tour of Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. The day included a tour of the dugout, broadcast boxes and locker rooms. After the tour, institute students got to meet some of the Phillies’ broadcasting team including:
- Rob Brooks – Broadcasting Manager
- Jim Jackson – Philadelphia Flyers play-by-play and pregame / post-game host for the Phillies
From my experience at the institute last summer, I highly encourage you to attend the institute if you are looking to get into the radio industry. Opportunities like this are not handed out regularly. Take advantage of this and start your career off right, the institute is a perfect way to do just that.
If you are interested, please apply on the institute website. The deadline to apply is March 25.
If you have any questions, please tweet at me on Twitter and I will give you my email.
Do not wait, apply today!
