Tony Garcia’s journey through the radio industry over the past four decades provides a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of syndicated content and the changing landscape of the medium. From his early days as an intern at the iconic WNBC in New York during the 1980s, Tony’s enthusiasm for radio was palpable, as he recounted the excitement of being part of the station’s shift from album rock to the burgeoning new wave scene.
This passion led Tony to create his own syndicated show, “Wave Breaker,” while at WNYU. Through sheer determination and a willingness to learn on the job, he navigated the complexities of distribution, leveraging techniques like bulk-erasing tapes to get the show into the hands of eager college radio stations across the country, and in Europe. This laid the foundation for Tony’s deep understanding of the syndication business, which he would go on to apply in roles at companies like Progressive Radio Network and the Wall Street Journal Report.
Tony’s insights into the strategies employed by media giants like Dow Jones, who adeptly repurposed content across their various platforms, underscores the importance of adaptability in an ever-changing industry. The transition from vinyl to CDs, and eventually digital distribution, further highlights Tony’s ability to evolve with the times, always seeking to provide the most efficient and cost-effective solutions for his clients.
The story of Tony’s involvement with the Bob & Sheri show, from the initial challenges to the eventual triumph, exemplifies his knack for identifying and nurturing talent. By enabling ownership of their IP and digital presence, Tony demonstrated a keen understanding of the value of intellectual property in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
As Tony looks ahead to the future, his enthusiasm for the potential of hyper-local podcasts and the continued expansion of Bob & Sheri, and publishing ventures reflects a visionary mindset.
As Tony looks ahead to the future, his enthusiasm for the potential of hyper-local podcasts and the continued expansion of Bob & Sheri, and publishing ventures reflects a visionary mindset.
A video and transcript of the episode can be found on the network website.
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Matt Cundill works with radio groups on digital strategies and talent coaching. He recently started the Sound Off Podcast: The Podcast about Broadcast”
E-mail Matt: ma**@ma*********.com
Twitter: @mattcundill
” The Sound Off Podcast is committed to helping broadcasters find their way through the digital revolution. “
