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Pat and I arrived in Nashville on Wednesday the 15th, 2006.
The occasion is the annual Country Radio Seminar, of course.
Nashville is one of my favorite cities….there is always
something interesting and new. It is a city with electricity
much like LA and NYC.
For example…here is something interesting. When I was in
Nashville about two months ago I heard some interesting bar
talk. I was at the Palm for a glass of white wine. I
overheard a conversation from a couple of guys I did not
know. One of the guys said, “Fred Thompson is going to
replace Paul Harvey when Paul retires”. WOW. I WAS THERE. I
had no idea whether this was rumor or fact, but I decided to
sit on it, and not mention it to anyone. Two months
later….last week…. we have all read in e-trades that it
might be true. There have been a lot of e-headlines stating
that we will hear a lot more from Fred Thompson.
Speaking of bar talk and rumors and FACTS….Randy Michaels
(formerly Clear Channel President) said more than once as he
pointed to his head, “You have a lot in your memory” or
something like that. He is correct. I have witnessed a lot
of radio happenings….and I probably carry more merger,
ownership, management, and promotion secrets in my memory
than any person alive. I know of big mergers that did not
take place. I know of the real reasons behind some
management shake ups. But, I was sworn to secrecy and will
never tell what I know.
Ah, yes, the Palm…it will probably be the place to be during
the Country Radio Broadcasters meeting. A lot of friends and
stars will be there. Very fun place.
Wednesday evening Keith Urban and Dolly Parton performed,
and a special Career Achievement Award was presented to
Ronnie Milsap.
I’ll check out the panels today and report any new ideas to
you next week.
Meanwhile, I have two very important meetings tomorrow which
might turn out to provide fun for all US country radio
stations. I’ll try to put it together, and if I do you will
know about it from this column.
And speaking of new ideas/concepts…at a Valentines Day
dinner, I sat with a group of investment people. One of them
I know well…and he said he had an idea. He whispered it to
me. It is an idea that I have been thinking about and
silently working on for a decade. Hey, if it happens your
listeners will love it. More in this column if it happens.
OK. I am off to the speeches and panels!!!!
e-mail Kent
kent@kentburkhart.com
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