MIKE STERN 3636 N. Fremont St #1 • Chicago, IL 60613 773-549-0525 (h) / 312-735-0226 (c) •
[email protected]
Summary Statement Experienced writer and editor with expertise in generating content that is appealing to readers and beneficial to advertisers. Strengths include effective research, good interviewing skills, and the ability to grasp a subject’s intricacies and explain it in a compelling, informative format.
Professional Experience Radio & Records Magazine/Los Angeles, CA News/Talk/Sports Editor
2007 – 2009
Reporter and columnist responsible for covering news and trends in the radio industry.
Generated and formatted all content for daily email newsletter that grew from 400 subscribers to over 1200 in less than one year. Wrote, managed and prioritized news stories posted on the Radio & Records Web site to maximize page views. Participated in twice-weekly editorial call to prioritize stories for inclusion in print magazine. Advanced news stories with further detail and interviews to maintain relevance for weekly print magazine. Conceived and wrote weekly columns and long-form features for weekly print magazine that resulted in increased advertiser revenue. Responsible for all aspects of developing and promoting the annual three-day Talk Radio Seminar with attendance in excess of 2000 people. Worked closely with sales to enhance revenue by building client relations and creating new sponsorship opportunities.
Emmis Radio/Chicago, IL Vice President/Programming
2003-2007
Responsible for all aspects of on-air programming for two Chicago radio stations including audience research and the resulting development of product strategies.
Coached airtalent including veteran hosts like Mancow and Jonathan Brandmeier and young talent such as Electra resulting in increased ratings for all shows. Managed off-air staff of approximately 20 including the programming and marketing departments. Generated and administered annual budgets of over $1 million including negotiation of talent and vendor contracts. Developed both station’s online presence increasing traffic and database membership resulting in over $1 million in interactive revenue. Worked closely with sales to build client specific programs such as Budweiser’s ‘Last Band Standing,” which netted over $250,000 incremental media dollars.
Mike Stern, 773-549-0525
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Saga Communications/Milwaukee WI Emmis Communications/Denver, CO CBS Radio/Detroit, MI, Las Vegas, NV, Dayton OH Program Director
1994-2003
Improved the ratings performance of radio stations in Detroit, Denver, Las Vegas, Milwaukee, and Dayton by revamping or re-launching their on-air product.
Utilized research tools including focus groups, phone surveys and web applications to create more targeted products. Created successful new branding campaigns that were adopted by other stations across the country. Developed marketing campaigns utilizing television, outdoor, direct mail, email and other media leading to increased ratings. Managed the creation and execution of events such as Q101’s Twisted Christmas that sold upwards of 10,000 tickets three years in a row. Established several successful annual fundraising events including “Greg and Bo’s 36 Hours for Kids,” which raised over $700,000 for Children’s Hospital in Denver in its first year.
Education Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Bachelor of Arts – Telecommunication
Creative Resources
Atlanta, GA
Trained Brainstorming Facilitator
Bovine Metropolis Theater
Denver, CO
Completed year long Improv training class
Comedy College
Milwaukee, WI
Completed stand-up comedy courses.
Technical Skills Quark Publishing System
Content Management Systems
Microsoft Office
AP Style
