Two L.A.-based organizations have teamed up to produce a conference on a phenomenon known as “audio-anchored advertising,” with six chief executives from major broadcasters in attendance.
Audio-anchored advertising refers to messages presented in traditional radio formats, but which increasingly reach consumers through technology such as mobile phone, satellite, Internet or iPod.
ThinkLA, a local advertising trade group, and the Southern California Broadcasters Association will organize the Jan. 31 event at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Admission is free; the SCBA will underwrite the costs.
“Ad agencies want to know what established media are doing to provide new media opportunities to ad agencies and clients,” said Mary Beth Garber, president of the SCBA. “We are bringing to the advertising community the people who can and must answer those questions people who run six of the corporations that own radio stations in the Los Angeles market.”
Radio chief executives scheduled to attend include John Hogan of Clear Channel Radio, Alfred Liggins III of Radio One, Dan Mason of CBS Radio, Jeff Smulyan of Emmis Communications, Gary Stone from Univision Radio and Farid Suleman of Citadel Broadcasting.
“It is astounding that not merely one or two, but six CEOs from competing companies would agree to appear on this panel,” said Paul Ratzky, president of thinkLA. “It is the kind of groundbreaking event we strive to provide to our members and to the advertising community in Los Angeles.”
Wanted: Mothers
N.Y.-based Southard Communications has opened a West Coast office in Santa Monica. But unlike most Easterners who come to L.A. looking to win a few glamorous movie studio clients, Southard has a different focus: reaching mothers and families.
The PR agency hopes to add L.A.-based toy, technology and consumer product companies to its client list, which already includes Babies ‘R’ Us, Knowledge Learning Corp., Hooked on Phonics and the Ohio Art Co.
“Part of the growth plan for the agency is to offer our grasp of marketing to families to more companies on a national basis,” said Chief Executive Bill Southard.
Rick Dees’ Rep
Famed radio announcer Rick Dees has hired firm Ronning Lipset Radio to sell advertising on his Rick.com music site.
Burbank-based Rick.com has three streaming versions of the Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 songs. Ronning Lipset plans to sell audio, video and graphic ads on the site.
“Rick Dees embodies the transition from traditional media to online media,” said Eric Ronning, co-managing partner. “He brings name-brand recognition, comfort and professionalism to the listeners and the advertisers.”
Based in New York, Ronning Lipset already represents AOL Radio, Yahoo’s Launchcast and a selection of independent radio stations around the country.
“The convergence of Internet, digital content and broadcast media allows for engaging new entertainment experiences that are available to anyone, anywhere, for free,” Dees said. “With Andy Lipset and Eric Ronning on board to focus on advertising opportunities, the sky is the limit to the fun and interactivity that we can bring to the online audience.”
Dees continues to host his show every weekday morning on Emmis Communication’s KMVN-FM (93.9).
Agencies & Accounts
Brandware Public Relations in Agoura Hills has signed on with Malibu-based CurtCo Media to handle its publications, which target affluent readers. Brandware will develop new media opportunities for the Robb Report, ShowBoats International and Art & Antiques. PR firm Blaze has won two accounts in its hometown of Los Angeles. The agency will handle the Sheraton Universal hotel and the Tutto Tutti frozen yogurt brand. Current clients also include 7-Eleven stores, Fitness Inc. and many upscale hotel properties. Fraser Communications will take over media planning and buying for Wendy’s restaurants in Las Vegas; San Antonio; and Hartford, Conn. These markets include operations owned by three franchise groups and Wendy’s International Inc. Karen Helweg-Larsen has joined Santa Monica-based Hamon & Associates as director of interactive services. Prior to joining Hamon, she managed the Honda motorcycle and Pioneer accounts at RPA. Ad shop Ignited in El Segundo has hired Kim Haskell as vice president of business development. Previously, he worked at KSL Media, TBWA/Chiat/Day and Colby & Partners. Multicultural Internet agency Sensis will redesign the Web site for L.A. Care Health Plan. “Los Angeles County is the perfect example of a major consumer market where Hispanic, African-American, Asian-American and other minority populations combined outnumber the general market,” said Sensis Chief Executive Officer Jose Villa. The new site will launch in English and Spanish in March.
Staff reporter Joel Russell can be reached at
[email protected]
, or at (323) 549-5225, ext. 237.
