Linda McErlain

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We have the pleasure of introducing the newest member of our Radio Trailblazers’ steering committee, Linda McErlain!

This media gal is a mother of 2 grown boys, a loyal and loving friend, change agent, mentor/coach, aspiring writer, fitness fan, golf flunky, cook, dog-loving optimist.

A few professional firsts …

  • 1st place in Long Documentary category for CBS Telefest Awards, 1985 – Producer
  • Job out of Radio Television Arts @ Ryerson as Gary Miles’ EA at the Radio Marketing Bureau.
  • female radio sales rep at CHFI, 1989
  • person to complete the Rogers Sales Manager’s Understudy Program, 2000
  • sales manager of The Fan590 for Rogers, 2002
  • sales manager to get 680News to the #billing radio station in the country, 2011
  • first female VP Sales for Rogers Radio, 2016

Linda launched her career at the Radio Marketing Bureau in 1985, first as Executive Assistant to the President and then Retail Product Manager.  Her first commissioned sales job was with Armadale Communications in Hamilton selling CKOC/CKLH.  Toronto came calling a little over a year later with a new sales role at Rogers for CHFI.  12 years and 2 kids later, she was promoted to General Sales Manager of the newly acquired (by Rogers) Fan 590.  After 3 years, she was promoted to GSM of 680News where the team scaled to number 1 in revenue.

In 2013 Rogers restructure Media Sales and Linda was appointed, VP Agency Lead under the new Rogers One Call banner.  More change came under a new CEO in 2014. Her next role was as VP Media Sales, Ontario until returning to Radio full time as VP Radio Sales in early 2016.

What do Radio Audiences Really Want?

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Mark your calendars, folks!

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Radio Trailblazers has partnered with the Allan Slaight Radio Institute at Ryerson University for this event.

What Do Radio Audiences Really Want? 

A panel discussion with audience research experts Debra McLaughlin and Jeff Vidler

Tues. Nov. 15th

Allan Slaight Radio Institute, Ryerson University

80 Gould Street

5:30pm: reception

6:00pm: discussion and Q&A

This is a free event. All are welcome.

Thank You For Coming to the Speed Mentoring Event!

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Hello everybody!

On Thursday, May 5th and Friday May 6th, the Radio Trailblazers hosted a Speed Mentoring event at Canadian Music Week. Delegates and aspiring media professionals were able to sit down with industry veterans for quick bursts of mentorship.

Radio Trailblazers would like to thank everyone who came out to the Speed Mentoring event. Everybody had a fantastic time, and there was a great turn out.

Congratulations, Jo-Ann Silverstein!

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A big congratulations to Jo-Ann Silverstein, the 2016 recipient of the Rosalie Award honouring radio trailblazers in Canada. Included down below are pictures from the Rosalie Award cocktail reception with Jo-Ann receiving her award and giving her speech.

As you read in our last post, you would know that Jo-Ann is a retired radio sales executive with more than 35 years of experience in the radio industry. Jo-Ann’s reputation grew as she was known for being reliable, creative, compassionate, tenacious, fiercely loyal, a team player and an exemplary Account Executive. Clients would request her as their media representative through her reputation as one of the best.

Today, Jo-Ann continues to be one of the greatest radio ambassadors of our time.

Jo-Ann Silverstein is the 2016 Rosalie Award Winner

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The 2016 Recipient of the Rosalie Award is Jo-Ann Silverstein

Congratulations to Jo-Ann Silverstein, the 2016 recipient of the Rosalie Award honouring radio trailblazers in Canada.

Jo-Ann is a retired radio sales executive with more than 35 years of experience in the radio industry. A native of Albany, New York, Jo-Ann moved to London, Ontario and embarked on a career in radio. Her first career was a registered nurse where she developed caring ways and a sense of humour which were the core attributes to her success in building relationships with her future colleagues and clients.

She started at CKSL in London, the number three station in a three-station market, but undaunted Jo-Ann enjoyed great success, and after three years moved to Toronto to join CKO radio.

In the early days in Toronto radio, a woman sales executive was a unique commodity, and Jo-Ann led the way for many. She achieved her budget year after year and raised three children alone.

Throughout the years Jo-Ann advanced progressively to CFGM, CKEY, CJCL and finally arrived at her goal station CFRB. Jo-Ann’s reputation grew as she was known for being reliable, creative, compassionate, tenacious, fiercely loyal, a team player and an exemplary Account Executive. Clients would request her as their media representative through her reputation as one of the best.

Jo-Ann’s dedication and passion created long standing relationships with her clients who over years became some of her closest her friends and still hold her in very high esteem. Jo-Ann’s unique insight to the business of radio demonstrated her ability to create results-oriented strategic media campaigns for her clients. Her strong relationships translated into significant sales success where she was a Top Biller for six years, and received the New Business Award in 1986, 1987, 1989, 2003 & 2003. During her tenure at CKEY and CJCL Jo-Ann was a Diamond and Gold Award Winner.

Through this significant success, Jo-Ann had speaking engagements at radio sales conferences for five years. She was a sought after speaker on “Retail Selling” with other industries; however a spinal cord injury impacted her ability to pursue this further.

Jo-Ann’s success and recognition in the radio business inspired both her daughter, the late Renee Roth, and grand-daughter Rachel Roth to follow in her footsteps. Huffington Post wrote a story covering this dynamic three-generation sales force that was published in Canada and the U.S.

Jo-Ann’s commitment to give back was not only felt in her career but also in her community. Jo-Ann gave back through volunteering at numerous fundraising events. Today, Jo-Ann continues to be one of the greatest radio ambassadors of our time.