The NAB Crystal: One of Radio's Most Special Awards

I’m a fan of meaningful awards (meaningful being the key word). 

Ideally, they showcase the ‘best of the best,’ those who have risen above their peers. And as such, they not only shine in the spotlight themselves, they give the industry they represent that same opportunity as well.

Country is coming off a great night of awards Sunday; the Academy of Country Music Awards Show was a record setter in terms of audience.

Today the Country Music Hall of Fame announced three inductees.

A number of stations and personalities won awards at February’s Country Radio Seminar, April's ACMs, and last year's CMAs.

Terrific awards, all of them and a heart-felt ‘well-done’ to the winners and inductees.

Yesterday a special award was presented in Las Vegas: The NAB Crystal Award. The Crystal recognizes radio stations for their “outstanding year-round commitment to community service.”

Let that just sink in for a minute. 

Not once or twice a year, but year-round.

Not a special ratings or revenue-generating sales promotion, but something a station does freely with no expectations of financial or ratings gain. It’s something that when undertaken says, "We believe we live in a great community, among equally great people, and we want to use our resources to improve and enhance life here for all."

The Crystal is certainly one of the ‘meaningful’ awards. 

Congratulations to this year’s NAB Crystal Award winners including country stations KUZZ/Bakersfield and WYCT/Pensacola.

You make our industry and format proud. 

Read an earlier blog about the advantages of entering your station in an awards competition here.

Effective Emails Start with Strong Subject Lines

The likelihood of listeners opening up one of your emails is improved with a great subject line.

Here’s a good one from 3-time ACM Station of the Year winner (and long time A&O partner), Cat Country 98.7 in Pensacola, FL.

Subject: OPEN this email and you might win Zac Brown Tickets

A subject line like this plays to a key reason why listeners join radio “Insider” clubs: access to special privileges especially concert tickets – from winning them to being able to buy them early.

The body then reinforced the subject line and the value of being a Cat Country Insider:

Just because you are a Cat Country Insider you have also scored a chance to win General Admission tickets to Deluna Fest to put your "Toes" in the sand with Zac Brown. The Cat Pak will announce the Winner on Wednesday Morning at 840a, but you can only win if you are a reading this email!

This was followed by a “thank you,” an invitation, and signature:

Thanks for being a 'full-time' listener to The Cat. Follow the Cat on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/catcountry987.                              Brent and Candy, The Cat Pack Morning Show

At the very end there was a pitch:

PS: You can buy single day tickets to Deluna Fest at http://www.delunafest.com

How effective was this campaign?

Cat Country’s Brent Lane says it was, “…pretty great. Considering the average 'good' campaign is about 10-15%, this one did 23% as of last check."

Presslaff Interactive’s Ruth Preslaff shared that when open rates jump, “(it) means listeners are just waiting for something to capture their attention and when it hits their inbox, they respond."

Here are six ways to improve your subject lines.

We'd love to hear some of your lines and your techniques.