The Local Radio Newsletter was launched as The Small Market Radio Newsletter in 1983 by Bob Doll, a small-town station owner who felt there was a need for a publication to serve radio broadcasters in smaller markets. “Most trade magazines and associations cater to the larger-market broadcasters who provide most of their support,” Bob said at the time. “The small market guys are forgotten.”
There are still broadcasters around the country who remember Bob and his wife Barb pulling up in their trusty Buick on his nationwide tour of small-market stations. “Whenever I saw a tower I stopped in to visit the station, talking up my newsletter idea.” After three rocky years, the Small-Market Radio Newsletter became a solid hit.
In 1993, Bob sold the publication to Jay Mitchell, himself a small market station owner and consultant. Jay recalls, “We wanted to make the transition as smooth and unobtrusive as possible; we didn’t want to mess with the success that Bob had built.”
However, over the years the newsletter has evolved to reflect the changes in the radio landscape and the shifting priorities of radio operators. But one thing that hasn’t changed is Bob’s original mission: to provide operators in small rated and unrated markets – and those in larger markets who rely on local direct business – the tools they need to serve their listeners, advertisers, and communities better, and enjoy greater profitability in the process.
Our New Mission Statement
With our new name comes a restatement of who we are:
We’re here for every broadcaster for whom local business is a priority and community service is a passion.
How can we help you?
- Take advantage of our free trial offer simply by giving us your name and email in the box at the top right.
- Give us feedback about what you like and what you want.
Thanks for sharing our passion for local radio!