2011 New Media Seminar - New York City

As in most professions and industries, the major trade organizations host a years conference or trade show.  In the radio and TV business, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) host a large scale conference each year in Las Vegas.  In 2011, over 85,000 people attended.  These large trade shows are great for displaying new equipment and computer software.

For talk radio hosts and radio station management, the real trade show, the place to be is the New Media Seminar, presented by Talkers Magazine.  Michael Harrison, the founder and publisher of Talkers Magazine started hosting the New Media Seminar 14 years ago, after a similar trade show disbanded. 

Michael has been in the radio business for over 40 years and knows the trade better than anyone.  Michael is my inspiration for Life Coach Radio/Life Coach Media.  Hosting your own multimedia entertainment station from your own website, or as Michael calls it, the "media station."

One thing Michael Harrison offers new media pioneers like myself is chance to be recognized for our attempt to change the way media is delivered today.  Michael produces a list each year called the "Frontier Fifty", outstanding talk media webcasters.  Talkers Magazine has even changed their slogan to be "the bible of talk radio and the new talk media."   

This year, on June 10th & 11th, the 14th annual New Media Seminar took place in New York City.  As I try to do each year, I attended this years event and as expected, it was outstanding.  Sometimes educational, sometimes controversial and at one point, even shocking, with the keynote address by Alex Jones.  The keynote address was advertised as "Beyond The Box" and let me tell you, it was way beyond the box, it was a 30 minute rant from the stage. 

I had the pleasure of networking with several of talk radio's superstars.  

Neal Boortz, is an Atlanta home town favorite.  Neal is a gentleman and a scholar.  Neal carries the nickname, the talkmaster, and he sure can talk.  He tells it like it is.  If you are into political talk radio, check out Neal's show at  http://www.boortz.com/ .  The Neal Boortz show is syndicated by Dial Global.

Sean Hannity is a true superstar.  Hosting his own radio and TV show on Fox.  Sean is a household name, especially if you are interested in the tea party.  Each year, Sean hosts a after hours party at the New Media Seminar, with ice cream, sweets and adult beverages.  If you have ever heard me speak, you know that I often comment that Sean has not forgotten what it feels like to be on the other side.  He will always stop and shake hands, visit and say hello.  Learn more about Sean Hannity at  http://www.hannity.com/  .

Stephanie Miller is a riot.  What can I say, she is a stand up comic, as well as a talk show host.  Stephanie is the life of the party and this year, she received the Judy Jarvis Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to talk radio by a women.  Stephanie's show is syndicated by Dial Global.  To learn more, visit  http://www.stephaniemiller.com/

Rusty Humphries is a unique individual.  While he recently made the new when he was held in the middle east, he impresses me the most with his unique marketing tools.  Rusty has created his own line of "beef jerky" and offers it for sale through his local Atlanta advertisers.  This is a very unique marketing concept and gives an extra value to his advertisers.  Rusty stunned the New Media Seminar when he started handing out free Rusty Humphries Beef Jerky to the 525 guests in the audience.  Visit Rusty on line at http://www.talk2rusty.com/

Doug Stephan is a staple in the industry.  Doug has been in the business for many years and he and I shared a moment together walking down memory lane.  Doug remembers the talk radio greats.  Doug and I share the same work ethics and motivation in life, we like to work and we love what we do. 

Doug is a dairy farmer by trade and talk radio host for the love of talk radio.  Take a minute and visit Doug's website at http://dougstephan.com/  and be sure to go to his photo page and see Doug plowing the fields and taking care of his dairy cows.  There is no question why he calls his show, Doug Stephan's Good Day.