Podcast
Chachi Loves Everybody
Hosted by Benztown · EN
Chachi Loves Everybody is hosted by Dave Chachi Denes, President of Benztown, and features candid conversations with some of the most respected and influential voices in broadcasting.
Each episode dives into how top industry professionals got their start, the pivotal moments that shaped their careers, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. From behind-the-scenes stories and industry insights to honest conversations about leadership, creativity, and longevity in media, Chachi Loves Everybody offers a rare, inside look at the people who help shape broadcast radio.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep. 76 Lesley Visser
Dec 1900:59:04Tap to summarizeEPISODE SUMMARY: Lesley Visser is the most highly acclaimed female sportscaster of all time. She shares her journey to becoming the first woman to achieve numerous recognitions, the people who helped get her there, and many great stories from along the way.Visser was honored as a Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2025 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony.On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Lesley Visser about:Growing up with a love of sports and getting a Carnegie Foundation scholarship to go into the male-dominated field of sports writingThe terrifying but exciting honor of being the first woman to cover the NFL Beat at The Boston GlobeTransitioning from writing to broadcasting on TV at CBS SportsGetting to present the Lombardi TrophyTraveling the world to report on major news such as the fall of the Berlin WallWorking with other legendary sports figures like Greg Gumbel and Terry Bradshaw, and riding on John Madden’s busThe greatest events she’s covered from Super Bowls to Final Fours to The Olympics and moreWhat it means to be a trailblazing woman, how sports reporting is evolving, and the progress that must still be madeThe role of technology in sports journalism, and her advice to future journalistsAnd More!ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Lesley Visser is the most highly acclaimed female sportscaster of all time. Across numerous accolades, she has been the “First” – the First woman enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame; the First woman to win the Lifetime Achievement Sports Emmy and the First woman to win the Broadcasters Foundation of America Lifetime Achievement Award; the First woman on the Network broadcasts of the Final Four, the NBA Finals, the Super Bowl and the World Series. She is the First and only woman to have presented the Championship Lombardi Trophy at the Super Bowl. She was the First woman to cover the NFL as a beat, the First woman on Monday Night Football and the First female NFL analyst in both Radio and TV. She was the First female sportscaster to carry the Olympic Torch and the only winner of the Billie Jean King “Outstanding Journalist Award.”Visser is the only sportscaster – male or female – to have worked on the network broadcasts of the Final Four, the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, the Olympics, the World Series, the Triple Crown, the World Figure Skating Championship and the US Open Tennis.Visser was voted the No. 1 Female Sportscaster of All-Time by the National Sportscasters of America. Her career began at the Boston Globe in 1974 after she won a Carnegie Foundation grant, given to only 20 women in the country who wanted to go into jobs that were 95% male. The Boston Globe made her the First woman to cover the NFL as a beat, at a time when the credentials said, "No Women or Children in the Press Box." She was elected to the National Sports Media Hall of Fame for her writing at the Boston Globe, magazines and CBS.com, and she was voted to the Sportscasters Hall of Fame for her work at CBS, ABC, ESPN and HBO. Visser has been named a Muhammad Ali “Daughter of Greatness” and won the Newseum Award for Lifetime Achievement – First given to Walter Cronkite. She reported from the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, focusing on how sports would change in East Germany after reunification, and had the privilege, in 2013, of throwing out the First pitch for her beloved Red Sox. In October 2024, she was honored with the Vin Scully Award for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting by Fordham University’s public media service, WFUV.A graduate of Boston College, which awarded her an Honorary Doctorate in 2007, she served on the Board of the V Foundation for Cancer Research for more than 20 years, while also serving on the Board of NYU’s “Sports and Society.” Visser has mentored young women for decades, while speaking at colleges and businesses around the world – from Doha, Qatar, to Charleston, South Carolina, where she delivered an address at the Renaissance Weekend, founded by President Clinton. Her book, Sometimes You Have to Cross When It Says Don’t Walk, is a memoir of breaking barriers. It has been optioned for both a movie and a TV series.The Hall of Fame sportscaster has spent more than 30 years at CBS and more than 45 in the business. She is a contributor to the only all-female network sports show, We Need To Talk, on CBS, and had a podcast, In Conversation with Lesley Visser, on SiriusXM. Visser has been voted one of the “Women we Love” by Esquire magazine and one of the “Five Ideal Dinner Guests” by GQ.She and her husband, Bob Kanuth, a former captain of Harvard basketball, live in Bay Harbor Islands, Florida.ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.ABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.Web: benztown.comFacebook: facebook.com/benztownradioTwitter: @benztownradioLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztownInstagram: instagram.com/benztownradio Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →
Ep. 75 Rick Dees
Nov 501:11:01Tap to summarizeEPISODE SUMMARY: Rick Dees is an radio legend, entertainer, comedian. He shares how he created one of the most iconic countdowns in history and redefined what it means to connect with the audience in this hilarious career retrospective.Dees will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2025 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony on November 14th at Gotham Hall in New York City.On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Rick Dees about:His early misadventures in radio as a high school and college student in North CarolinaThe story behind creating Disco Duck, how it became a hit, and how it got him firedGetting tapped by Dick Clark to go on air in Los Angeles, and becoming a household name in LA and beyondThe entertainers and unlikely sources that inspired him as a performer and storytellerLearning to invest after people tried to steal from him, and his financial adviceWhy he bought a farm in KentuckyCreating the Weekly Top 40 and how it became the longest continuously running countdown ever.Starring in a late night show opposite Johnny Carson His other ventures including his farm, his own app, cookbook, and launching Home Living which became the Cooking ChannelAnd More!ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Rick Dees is a radio legend, comedic genius and multi-talented entertainer, known for his captivating enthusiasm and quick-witted humor, which continue to leave an indelible mark on the entertainment world.With an extraordinary career spanning decades, Dees has entertained and delighted millions across the globe, solidifying his place as one of the most influential and beloved figures in broadcasting history.Best known for his internationally syndicated radio show, The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40, Dees’ familiar voice and unforgettable characters are heard by more than 70 million listeners each weekend, spanning virtually every city in the United States, 125 countries, 27 massive ships at sea, and the Armed Forces Radio Network. His show even broke barriers by becoming the first English-speaking radio program to entertain listeners in Beijing, China, making history in the process.Rick Dees rose to prominence when he took over the top-rated morning show on KIIS-FM Los Angeles in July 1981, turning it into the number one revenue-generating radio station in America and making him the hottest property in radio. His unprecedented success earned him Billboard’s Radio Personality of the Year Award an astonishing ten years in a row. Further cementing his legacy, Dees was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame and the National Association of Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame and was honored with the prestigious Marconi Award.Dees embraced the digital age with the same pioneering spirit that defined his radio career. His innovative music streaming platform, BYOChannel, offers users the ability to “build their own” personalized channels from a library of over 40 million tracks. He further extended his brand’s reach with the Rick Dees Hit Music app, delivering The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 and Daily Dees directly to millions of Apple and Android devices worldwide.In 2025, iHeartMedia launched two new iHeartRadio Original Streaming Stations in partnership with Rick Dees Entertainment — Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 and Classic Rick Dees Top 40. The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 station features the current Weekly Top 40 program, while Classic Rick Dees Top 40 goes back in the archives to feature complete countdowns from the original shows that aired in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, many of which haven’t been heard in years.ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.PEOPLE MENTIONED:Paul AllenLarry AllenBilly GrahamTom MillerRalph LambethGlenn PowersKen LoweSam & DaveIsaac HayesEstelle AxtonRobert StigwoodAl CoreyWolfman JackDick ClarkBill MurrayElmer BernsteinJonathan WintersJohnny CarsonPaul DrewChuck MartinLynn AndersonDon BensonBarbara StreisandMadonnaMichael JacksonWally ClarkRoger ClevelandCharlie TunaRobert W. MorganDon SteeleBernie CarnielSandy GallinDolly PartonNeil DiamondBarry DillerMichael EisnerMadeleine PughLucille BallCary GrantAva GardnerJohn StewartRobin WilliamsJulie McWhirter-DeesPeter SimoneJerry EdelsteinBette MidlerJon Bon JoviKevin DeesPaul JosephEllen KLiz FultonRachel DonahueRoy LoughlinNick VerbitskyCasey KasemLisa CanningEd WhiteShohei OtaniLesley VisserDavid MuirGary SandyABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.Web: benztown.comFacebook: facebook.com/benztownradioTwitter: @benztownradioLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztownInstagram: instagram.com/benztownradio Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →
Ep. 74 Gary Sandy
Nov 500:51:43Tap to summarizeEPISODE SUMMARY: Acclaimed actor Gary Sandy reflects on his remarkable career in television and theater, sharing insights from his TV and Broadway experience including his iconic role as Andy Travis on WKRP in Cincinnati. Sandy will be honored as an LABF Giant of Broadcasting this November.Sandy will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2025 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony on November 14th at Gotham Hall in New York City.On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Gary Sandy about:Growing up in Dayton, Ohio and aspiring to be an actorMoving to New York and working odd jobs before becoming getting his break playing soap opera bad boysWhat it was like broadcasting live for 50 million people in As the World TurnsHow he landed the role of Andy Travis on WKRP in CincinnatiWhat went on behind the scenes of WKRP and his favorite moments from the showThe demanding but fulfilling life acting on Broadway and national toursPerforming a one man show at the Grand Ole OpryAdvice for breaking into the TV businessAnd More!ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Gary Sandy is a gifted and beloved actor whose extraordinary career has spanned stage, screen, and television, earning him a lasting place in the hearts of audiences across the country.Born on Christmas Day in Dayton, Ohio, Gary attended Wilmington College of Ohio and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. He began his professional career in daytime television with a role created for him on As the World Turns, which launched a successful seven-year run of memorable performances in Another World, Somerset, and his personal favorite, The Secret Storm. The impact these roles played on his later career cannot be underestimated. According to Sandy, “The pressure of performing in front of a live audience or live tape made everything else a little easier. Ït was 40 or 50 million people RIGHT NOW! You were not allowed to make a mistake. Nothing else could be more terrifying.”Best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Andy Travis, America’s favorite Program Director, in the classic sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. Gary brought life to the role of a young leader navigating the unpredictable world of a struggling radio station with charm, wit, and authenticity. His natural charisma and comedic instincts helped make WKRP a cultural touchstone and a beloved part of American television history.Beyond WKRP, Gary received acclaim for his role in Norman Lear’s All That Glitters and made memorable guest appearances on many hit shows, including Murder, She Wrote, F.B.I: The Untold Story, The Young Riders, L.A. Law, and Diagnosis Murder. His television film credits include Melvin Purvis: The Kansas City Massacre, Shell Game, For Lovers Only, and Nashville Grab.On the big screen, Gary’s range shone through in films such as Hail to the Chief, Some of My Best Friends Are, Troll, and The Last of the Cowboys, where he starred alongside the legendary Henry Fonda. He also appeared in the Oscar-nominated film The Insider, further establishing his reputation as a skilled and versatile actor.A dedicated stage performer, Gary has starred in more than 100 theatrical productions. He made his Broadway debut in Saturday, Sunday, Monday, directed by Franco Zeffirelli, and went on to take on leading roles in Broadway productions like The Pirates of Penzance (as the Pirate King) and the Broadway revival of Arsenic and Old Lace (as Mortimer). His stage credits also include standout performances in Barnum, Sweet Bird of Youth, The Foreigner, and A Streetcar Named Desire.His musical theater work has been equally impressive, with standout roles as Billy Flynn in Chicago, Albert Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie, and Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd opposite Ann-Margret in the national tour of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Gary’s performance as Harold Hill in The Music Man has become a signature role, earning praise in seven different productions.Gary’s Off-Broadway and regional theater work includes The Children’s Mass (produced by Sal Mineo), and innovative adaptations such as Sheba (based on Come Back, Little Sheba), Luv, and Windy City (a musical version of The Front Page). In recent years, he’s received acclaim for his work in live radio drama, bringing a fresh energy to a classic medium.From his unforgettable turn as Andy Travis on WKRP in Cincinnati to his commanding stage presence in theaters across the country, Gary Sandy’s body of work reflects a lifetime devoted to storytelling, craft, and connection with audiences.ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.PEOPLE MENTIONED:Henry FondaDeborah ParentiJohn Cameron SwayzeRobert RedfordJean ArleyJoe ManettaDavid MuirAlexander ScourbyMary Tyler MooreGordon JumpLonnie AndersonHoward HessemanFrank BonnersRichard SandersTim ReidJan SmithersKevin KleinAnna MargaretShirlee Mae AdamsJane FondaErnest ThompsonLois NettletonChuck McCannNorman LearJoe AllenFrank BonnerLoni AndersonStacy KeachTootsie BessDolly PartonLesley VisserRick DeesDick FergusonRoy ScheiderGene HackmanABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.Web: benztown.comFacebook: facebook.com/benztownradioTwitter: @benztownradioLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztownInstagram: instagram.com/benztownradio Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →
Ep. 73 Steven Portnoy
Sep 2501:17:21Tap to summarizeEPISODE SUMMARY: Steven Portnoy is a national correspondent for ABC News Radio. He has covered Congress and the White House and served as president of the White House Correspondents’ Association. He shares his journey to becoming an iconic storyteller and receiving the 2025 Excellence in Broadcast Preservation Award by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation.On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Steven Portnoy about:His young life in South Brunswick, NJ, and the news legends who inspired himHis involvement in college radio at Syracuse University, then landing roles at local TV and radio stationsReporting on major events including 9/11, the war in Afghanistan, and Hurricane KatrinaGetting selected for the prestigious ABC News White House Internship and moving to D.C.Working his way to network news and becoming a credentialed White House correspondent and a brief history of White House press coverageHow he became president of the White House Correspondents’ Association while covering the Trump and Biden presidencies for CBS, and why he decided to return to ABCWinning an Edward R. Murrow Award for his coverage of Osama Bin Laden’s deathHis greatest stories from Air Force One and beyondBeing selected for the LABF’s Excellence in Broadcast Preservation Award and the importance of preserving broadcast materialsAdvice to aspiring journalists and the necessity of working across platformsAnd more!ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: With more than two decades of experience reporting from Washington, Steven Portnoy is one of America’s preeminent audio storytellers. From every major dateline in D.C., he has brought listeners to presidential inaugurals, congressional debates, State of the Union addresses and Supreme Court oral arguments. A past president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, Portnoy spent seven years covering the Obama, Trump and Biden administrations from the second row of the White House briefing room. Portnoy returned to ABC News — where he began his career – in 2023 after more than eight years at CBS News, where he served as a congressional correspondent before reporting from the White House.At CBS, Portnoy was part of the team that broke the news of the prisoner swap that resulted in Brittney Griner’s safe return. He also covered the criminal trials involving former President Trump. In the spring of 2023, Portnoy reported extensively on the murder of a legendary broadcaster for the three-hour network CBS radio documentary,“Who Killed George Polk?” Portnoy has vast experience covering national politics, having reported for ABC through the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections and for CBS in 2016 and 2020. His reporting has won both networks Edward R. Murrow awards for breaking news, continuing coverage and overall excellence. Portnoy is an accomplished live broadcaster. He was on the air for more than eight hours on January 6th, anchoring CBS News Radio’s award-winning live coverage of the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. He served as CBS News Radio’s election night anchor in 2020. He anchored ABC Radio’s coverage of the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011.Steven Portnoy first joined ABC in 2002, as an intern for the White House unit of World News Tonight with Peter Jennings. A year later, he joined ABC-owned station WMAL-AM in Washington, where he reported on local news. In 2006, Portnoy joined ABC News as a correspondent.In 2008, Portnoy was named a Peter Jennings Fellow by the National Constitution Center. He was honored with the Bayliss Horizon Award by the John Bayliss Broadcast Foundation in 2005 and took first place in the radio competition at the Hearst Broadcast News Championships in 2001.While he was a student at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Portnoy produced television newscasts at WIXT-TV (now WSYR-TV) and WSTM-TV and reported for WSYR-AM.He lives in Washington with his husband, Ryan.ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.PEOPLE MENTIONED:Doug LimerickAnne ComptonVic RatnerPeter MayerMark KnollerHarley CarnesDeborah RodriguezPaul HarveyPeter JenningsHoward SternJonathan WolfertJohn BascomBettina GregoryDavid MuirJeff GlorJerry FalwellTara HowardAaron KuturskyEd BlissWalter CronkiteEd MurrowMervyn BlockElizabeth VargasVija UdenansRobin SproulJohn MatthewsChris BerryWayne CabotChris QuimbyScott HermanSteve JonesRick DeesPam CoulterJohn Charles DaleyHarvey NaglerMark KnollerGwen IfillLesley VisserDavid MuirDavid GleasonGeorge PolkEd BradleyCraig SwaglerMatt ShearerABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.Web: benztown.comFacebook: facebook.com/benztownradioTwitter: @benztownradioLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztownInstagram: instagram.com/benztownradio Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →
Ep. 72 Tim Dukes
Sep 2501:23:09Tap to summarizeEPISODE SUMMARY: Tim Dukes is the president of Hope Media Group. He shares his radio journey including leadership roles at Jacor, Emmis, Tribune and Clear Channel, and the lessons he learned along the way. On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Tim Dukes about:Growing up in Louisville, KY, and the host who inspired him to work in radioExaggerating his credentials to get his first radio job at Y107How his mentors taught and supported him throughout his careerMoving to Tampa and helping to build the Power Pig brandTransitioning to PD in Louisville, Cincinnati, and San DiegoNavigating Jacor’s sale to Clear Channel and joining EmmisWhy leading with creativity makes for great radioReevaluating his career and transitioning to nonprofit radio in Dallas How he became President of Hope Media GroupHow he gives back to the community-And more! ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST:Tim Dukes spent 24 years in secular media and markets that include Chicago, Atlanta, San Diego, and Tampa before answering God’s call to vocational ministry in 2011. He joined WayFM as General Manager of its new station in Dallas-Fort Worth in 2015 and added regional responsibility in 2019 for Way Media properties in Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, and Indiana. In 2020, Tim was promoted to Chief Operating Officer and added interim CEO responsibilities a year later. When Way Media and Hope Media Group merged in May 2022, he became the new organization’s COO, and assumed the role of President in August 2024. Tim and his wife Susan were married in 1989 and live in Dallas, as does their adult daughter, Macy.ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.PEOPLE MENTIONED:Art VuoloGary BurbankMark ChaseTom SteeleJason PullmanScott ShannonCoyote McLeodRhett WalkerBo WoodRandy MichaelsJack EvansGary EdensJohn AnthonyBJ HarrisJeff KapugiDave MannJeff LawrenceDon CarpenterJack HarrisMike AlblTom OwensBrad HardinCarolyn GilbertVin ScullyJeff and JerGreg SummsTracy JohnsonJagger and ChristieBooby LawrenceRick DeesJean RomanoBill PughJeff SmulyanRick CummingsPat McDonaldMike SternJimmy SteelJonathan BrandmeierSam ZellSean ComptonMike O'ConnorFrank ReedJoe PauloABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.Web: benztown.comFacebook: facebook.com/benztownradioTwitter: @benztownradioLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztownInstagram: instagram.com/benztownradio Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →
Ep. 71 Deborah Parenti
Jun 18, 202501:40:42Tap to summarizeEPISODE SUMMARY: Deborah Parenti is a broadcasting trailblazer who currently oversees some of the industry’s most respected brands and events, including Radio Ink, Radio + Television Business Report, Forecast, and the Hispanic Radio Conference. She shares stories of how she broke through barriers throughout her career, culminating in her induction into the Radio Hall of Fame.On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Deborah Parenti about:Falling in love with radio as a child growing up in Dayton, OhioMoving to LA to help syndicate Wolfman JackHow she overcame her shyness and learned to put herself out there and go for itThe value of marketing and research in radio and the importance of knowing where statistics come fromOvercoming gender discrimination and how she was held back by some and supported by many othersBecoming the first female GM in Dayton, and how she climbed up the sales ladderWhat makes for a strong company culture and good teams, and the importance of communityMoving to Philadelphia and the challenges of being a leader in a larger marketPutting together the Hispanic Radio Conference and Forecast, then publishing RadioInkHer advice for future radio professionalsAnd more!ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Radio Ink President and Publisher Deborah Parenti is a distinguished executive in the radio industry, having held roles in marketing and research and sales prior to several management positions. Later in her career, she assumed the Publisher role of Radio Ink and Radio + Television Business Report, two influential industry publications. Deborah’s career including years of success in both Dayton, OH, and Louisville, KY, working with WING-AM and WWSN-FM and WDJX -FM. She became the first female General Manager in Dayton, overseeing WMMX-FM’s success with both ratings and revenue. She went on to become the VP/GM of American Radio Systems group of stations in Dayton, one of the first managers of a consolidated group of radio stations in a single market. In 1997, she joined Broadcast Group in Philadelphia to become VP/GM of WXTU-FM, a premier country-formatted station.A decade later, Deborah Parenti joined Streamline Publishing in 2007. Her accomplishments are many, including leading Radio Ink’s editorial and management staff to recognize radio industry leadership in management, sales and programming in a variety of formats and management genres. The expanse and influence of the set of publications has allowed the industry a forum for conversations at multiple annual meetings organized by the publication to further the industry’s evolution of new programming, new technology and more.Deborah’s efforts and industry impact have been recognized by the Broadcast Foundation of America and the Dayton Area Broadcasters Hall of Fame, among others. In 2023, Deborah Parenti was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.PEOPLE MENTIONED:Ray SparWolfman JackChris ForgyGlenn BellMichael J. FoxJim BennettMaddie ShriverPierre BouvardBill BurtonSteve DodgeEric RhodesAlan GrayBill CampbellChris SheebleBrad FuhrSteve DodgeDave PerlmanTom StonerGlen BellAvis EckelGarth BrooksTrisha YearwoodMike McVayPat PaxtonFrank SinatraSteve LawrencePiolinShoboyEd KrampfJim CarnegieAdam JacobsonABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.Web: benztown.comFacebook: facebook.com/benztownradioTwitter: @benztownradioLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztownInstagram: instagram.com/benztownradio Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →
Ep. 65 TJ Taormina
Nov 26, 202401:31:56Tap to summarizeEPISODE SUMMARY: TJ is the host of the TJ Show which is syndicated on over 75 stations nationwide. He shares his journey from high school radio fan to successful radio host and more.On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to TJ about:Becoming obsessed with radio while growing up in New Jersey and working at his first station, WFDU.Getting to intern at Z100 in New York right out of high school and what he learned at the biggest CHR station in the U.S.Getting to produce and co-host with Elvis Duran and how his production experience translated to on-air success.How Elvis saved his job, inspired him, and taught him the value of positive relationships in broadcasting.Making the leap to launch his own show in Boston on AMP and what the transition was like.The impact of COVID and remote broadcasting on his life, career, and the radio industry.Finding strength in faith and humor after being laid off.How he built a great team and created his successful syndicated show.His thoughts on the future of radio.And More!ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: TJ was the kid who walked to school with his headphones plugged into his radio. Having discovered morning talk shows as a 13 year old while growing up in Hillsdale, NJ, he became hooked. In high school, he started working in radio as a volunteer. He held many positions at his first official radio job including answering phones, producing, and eventually becoming a co-host on Elvis Duran’s nationally syndicated radio show. TJ began hosting his own morning radio show (The TJ Show) in Boston in early 2013. TJ is married to his wife, Jess. They have 3 girls and a Labrador retriever named Luna.ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.PEOPLE MENTIONED:Howard SternScott ShannonJim KerrDavid BrodyElvis DuranTom PullmanMark CubanSharon DesterDanielle MoneroRick DeesKidd KraddickBert WeissElliotTom JoynerRoy LaughlinHeather CohenJosh KolodnyDan Mason Jr.Nate MarinoLauren RayMatt ShearerMichael MartinSteve SalhaneyMark HannonSeth GodinLamont and TonelliCharles SteinhauerScotty MeyersJohn TeshJhani KayeDick ClarkMark and KimBuddy ShulaJBo MarieKenny O'BoyleHeather ConnorJosh MaloneJeff SmulyanRick CummingsABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.Web: benztown.comFacebook: facebook.com/benztownradioTwitter: @benztownradioLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztownInstagram: instagram.com/benztownradio Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
Transcribe →
Ep. 64 David Junk
Nov 26, 202401:31:17Tap to summarizeEPISODE SUMMARY: David Junk is a music executive who lived in Russia for 15 years working to fight piracy and grow the legitimate music industry there. He is joined by author Fred Bronson who cowrote Rockin' the Kremlin with David.On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to David Junk and Fred Bronson about:Growing up in Ohio during the Cold War and listening to rock radio to distract from fears of nuclear war.Traveling to Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall to see Pink Floyd and being inspired by the onset of capitalism to move to Russia.Moving to Moscow and gaining the trust of his Russian coworkers while working at a diamond company.Facing investigation by Russian prosecutors for years for a crime he didn’t commit.Getting his start in the Russian music industry where he witnessed rampant piracy and a lack of copyright protection. Going from accountant to CEO of Universal Music in Russia.Discovering and signing Russian acts like t.A.T.u and Alsou and helping them gain global recognition.Helping Alsou place second at Eurovision and tour Russia and America.Introducing Eminem to Russia and his influence on the hip-hop scene there.The current political situation in Russia, including the invasion of Crimea and the war in UkraineAnd More!ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: After the fall of the Soviet Union, David Junk was one of the first idealistic young Americans to move to Russia to live, work and build a cultural bridge between former superpower enemies. He eventually became the first CEO of Universal Music, based in Moscow. For a decade, he promoted international artists in Russia, including such huge names as Elton John, U2, Sting, and Bon Jovi. He introduced hip-hop music to Russian youth. David also discovered and signed multiple Russian artists to Universal, including t.A.T.u, who would become the biggest-selling Russian act in music industry history. David also did some things that no other music executive in the United States has ever done. Music piracy in Russia was rampant, and the market for cheap, counterfeit compact discs was so pervasive that it threatened the legitimate Russian music industry's ability to gain a foothold. So on behalf of Universal's stable of artists and the Russian music industry, he participated in law enforcement raids of pirate factories and testified in court against the criminal gangs who operated them. David has been extensively interviewed about this subject on television, radio, and print and wrote an editorial about it that appeared in the Wall Street Journal. He also wrote about it for the American Chamber of Commerce and submitted written testimony to the US Congress on the topic of piracy and intellectual property rights in Russia.David is an authority on this topic because of his deep understanding of Russia. He lived and worked there for fifteen years, and raised a family in Moscow. In addition to starting the record label in Moscow, David opened the first showroom in Russia for the iconic American brand Gibson Guitars. David has extensive knowledge of Russian-Ukrainian relations, having opened the first Universal Music office in Kyiv and having developed music reality shows for Ukrainian TV.ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.PEOPLE MENTIONED:Boris YeltsinRoger WatersMikhail GorbachevElton JohnBon JoviMalcolm McLarenJulian LenaJimmy IovineTrevor HornEllen DeGeneresAlsouSteve LevineSimon Napier BellBritney SpearsEnrique IglesiasJulio IglesiasRihannaLear CohenJay-ZDonald TrumpEdgar BronfmanEminemSnoop DoggDr. DreABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.Web: benztown.comFacebook: facebook.com/benztownradioTwitter: @benztownradioLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztownInstagram: instagram.com/benztownradio Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
Transcribe →
Ep. 63 Al Roker
Nov 6, 202400:37:51Tap to summarizeEPISODE SUMMARY: Al Roker is the award-winning weather and feature anchor of The Today show on NBC News as well as a best-selling author, radio host, and Broadway star. Roker reflects on the challenges and excitement of working in broadcasting throughout his legendary career. Roker will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony on November 12th at Gotham Hall in New York City.On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Al Roker about:Growing up in Queens with an early fascination with broadcasting How his stops in Washington, DC, Cleveland, and NYC shaped his experienceThe importance of being yourself in broadcasting and showing your personalityTransitioning from local news to national broadcasting with NBC and The Today Show.Creating Al Roker Entertainment and producing a variety of content across multiple networks and his current animated projectThe central role of family in his life and how it influences his writing and cookingHow he and his wife, Deborah Roberts, support each other's broadcasting careersWhat it’s like to broadcast major events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day ParadeThe significance of hard work and his advice for aspiring broadcastersAnd More!ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Al Roker is an institution. As the weatherman on NBC’s TODAY Show and co-anchor of the 3rd Hour of TODAY 3rd Hour of TODAY, presenting universally resonating lifestyle segments, Al has the undivided attention of the nation – over 30 million viewers per week – every weekday morning as America prepares for school and work.Spanning more than 40 years on TV and 14 Emmy awards, Al conducts interviews with celebrities and newsmakers around the world and does a wide variety of segments on every imaginable subject. According to a The Hollywood Reporter/Morning Consult Poll (2024), Al is the most trusted morning show anchor in America. You can also catch Al Roker on TODAY.com/allday and on Off The Rails on TODAY Show Radio, Channel 108 on SiriusXM radio.As an award-winning television producer and CEO of Al Roker Entertainment, Inc. (ARE) Al has executive produced numerous TV programs for network, cable, digital, and streaming channels. Not only will you find an Al Roker-produced TV show on your favorite channel, Al Roker Entertainment also produces trusted social impact video content, commercials, and branded entertainment for a wide array of sponsors and non-profits.Al is also a prolific author with 13 acclaimed books to his credit – from cookbooks to true life historical narratives, and his book, “You Look So Much Better In Person – True Stories Of Absurdity and Success” is a humorous and highly personal collection of essays based on lessons for living a happy life and achieving success through the power of saying “yes!”“ Al’s mystery novel, “The Morning Show Murders” (Book 1 of his popular Billy Blessing multi-book mystery series with Dick Lochte) was developed into a successful TV mini-series for Hallmark Movies.Recently, “America’s Weatherman” added his name to the long and notable list of TED speakers when he talked to the TED Countdown Summit in Detroit, Michigan about the knock-on effects of extreme weather due to climate change.As an avid social media contributor, Al regularly tweets on X @AlRoker, shares photos from his travels (and his amazing cooking) on Instagram, and talks with his audience on Facebook. He also has a book page on Facebook for fans of his writing.Al lives in New York City with his wife, ABC News correspondent Deborah Roberts, and has three kids.ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.PEOPLE MENTIONED:Willard ScottMerv GriffinDennis KucinichMike McVayChris OstrovskyBob DavisFrank FieldChuck ScarboroughSue SimmonsJack CaffertyPat HarperMarv AlbertSue LevineDon PardoBryant GumbelJane PauleyTom JoynerHolly Robinson PeeteLevar BurtonSheryl Lee RalphCourtney Roker LagaNick RokerTom PapaStephen A. SmithWendy McMahanPatsy SmullinSteve JonesWendy McMahonDeborah RobertsLou O'DonnellABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.Web: benztown.comFacebook: facebook.com/benztownradioTwitter: @benztownradioLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztownInstagram: instagram.com/benztownradio Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
Transcribe →
Ep. 62 Patsy Smullin
Nov 6, 202400:56:29Tap to summarizeEPISODE SUMMARY: Patsy Smullin is the owner and president of California Oregon Broadcasting as well as the host of the successful TV interview series Up Close and Personal. She shares her insights on leadership, family dynamics, philanthropy and the changing media landscape.Smullin will be among those honored this fall as Giants of Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation at the 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony on November 12th at Gotham Hall in New York City.On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Patsy Smullin about:Growing up in Eureka, California and how her the influence of her father, legendary broadcaster Bill Smullin, shaped her career path.Working in just about every facet of cable TV until she began running cable operations throughout Oregon and CaliforniaThe value of every single subscriber and doing whatever it takes to make them happyHer belief in fair, unbiased journalism, and giving her reporters autonomyJoining KOBI and starting her interview series Up Close and Personal where she helped viewers get to know interviewees as peopelTaking over her father’s company and her expectations as his daughterServing on the NAB and NBC boardsimportance of community service and philanthropy and the organizations she supports including SMART and Community 101And More!ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Patsy Smullin is the owner and President of California Oregon Broadcasting, the longest, continuously operated, independent broadcast organization in the West. Its holdings include five television stations serving California and Oregon, three cable systems and a digital HD video production company.Over the years, Patsy’s commitment to community is evident every day personally and through her TV stations. She has consistently given back to the communities her broadcast company serve. She has been an active member of the NBC Affiliate Board, National Association of Broadcasters Board, The World Affairs Council of Oregon, Oregon Children’s Foundation, Southern Oregon University Board and Willamette University Board.Two of her “hands on” favorites are being a SMART reader and Community 101 supporter, which teach children philanthropy at a really young age. She has been recognized with countless awards including the 2007 National Broadcasters Foundation Pioneer Award and the 2008 Oregon Association of Broadcaster’s Tom McCall Award for outstanding service to the state and to the nation and most recently the Governor’s Gold Award for service to Oregon. ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.PEOPLE MENTIONED:Hillary ClintonLester HoltJay LenoJeff ZuckerWalter CronkiteScott BurtonBill SmullinJFKBibby KennedyRonald ReaganTed TurnerJohn MaloneTom BrokawBarbara BushDick ClarkHillary ClintonElizabeth DoleWayne NewtonDr. OzDr. PhilBarbara WaltersJeff ZuckerLester HoltOak Ridge BoysJenna BushCurtis LeGeytBrandon TartikoffLaura BushAl RokerMike McVaySteve JonesRupert MurdochTed TurnerABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world- class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown’s Audio Architecture is one of the only commercial libraries that is built exclusively for radio spots to provide the right music for radio commercials. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now & Then, Hey, Morton, StudioTexter, The Rooster Show Prep, and AmeriCountry. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: IEX: Boxes and Lines and Molecular Moments.Web: benztown.comFacebook: facebook.com/benztownradioTwitter: @benztownradioLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztownInstagram: instagram.com/benztownradio Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review!
Transcribe →