CLEVELAND, Oh. (Radio & Records PR) - After three days' worth of fun events and informative debate, it can now be said: R&R Rocked Cleveland! The just-concluded R&R Convention 2005, held here at the Renaissance Hotel from June 23 - 25, featured a rollicking party at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, intimate performances from top artists and an awards ceremony to honor both industries' top talents.
Not only was Clear Channel Radio CEO John Hogan honored as Group Executive of the Year when the 2005 R&R Industry Achievement Awards were presented, but Clear Channel managers swept the national Market Manager/GM of the Year awards, with trophies going to CC/New York's Andy Rosen (markets 1-25); CC/Monterey's Kim Bryant (markets 26-100); and CC/Chattanooga, TN's Sammy George (markets 101+).
The Premiere Radio Networks-syndicated Bob & Tom took home the national award for Syndicated Personality/Show of the Year, breaking the string of wins racked up by Howard Stern. Dianna Jason of Emmis' KPWR & KZLA/Los Angeles was named Marketing/Promotion Director of the Year, while Jacobs Media's Fred Jacobs was selected as Radio Industry Executive of the Year.
National trophies were given on the records side as well, with Universal being named Label of the Year (Platinum), while Curb was honored as Label of the Year (Gold). RCA Music Group's Richard Palmese was celebrated as Sr. Promotion Executive of the Year, and RCA Music Group/Southwest's Ray Vaughn was honored as Local Promotion Executive of the Year. Awards ceremony host Kidd Kraddick, who won for top CHR/Pop Personality, joked that the award was his "speaker appearance fee" for the evening.
During the ceremony, Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell stepped up to the podium to thank the crowd for coming to her town and giving Cleveland a chance to impress them. "It may be hard to get people here, but when they come they find there's more to Cleveland than they knew about," she said. "I'm grateful that R&R chose Cleveland for its convention this year."
During the course of the convention, panels focused on the challenges and opportunities facing radio's top formats - and the industry overall - were vetted by some of the smartest people in the business. Among the hottest topics were how the burgeoning high definition (HD Radio) format will shepherd radio into the digital age, and how radio can extend its reach through podcasting, Internet streaming, and, down the road, though cell phones and other audio-enabled portable devices.
Big3 Records artist Jon Secada headlined the convention's opening night reception at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum with a high-energy performance, capping off an exciting evening that blended heirlooms from rock 'n' roll's history with some of today's best new music.
Speaking with R&R after his performance, Secada said he was thrilled to be connecting with the industry crowd, and believes the radio and record industries are as strong as ever. "I see a lot of people who believe in the music," he said. "It's exciting."
