I must admit that when I was telling my elementary school-aged children a little about this cover story for Associations North, I had to do some extra explaining about what AM radio is. They, like many of their peers, prefer to stream most content on-demand.
Side note: if you ever want to feel old, just start a discussion with a kid about the technology you had growing up compared to now. They will stare at you blankly when you try to describe what a cassette player or landline telephone are, and they cannot fathom that you could only watch your favorite TV show at a certain day and time – with commercials! You will make their heads explode when you tell them there was no internet.
It got me thinking that as exciting as new technologies like smartphones, podcasts, and artificial intelligence are, they are just some of the resources in our toolboxes. We need a blend of all types of media to reach various audiences with our message.
I enjoyed speaking with Wendy Paulson, the President of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association, as I was gathering information for this article. Local radio and TV broadcasters still play an important role in our communities. Even as a (nerdy) teen, I often had my car radio tuned to 830 WCCO to listen to the news. Ah, good memories.
If you have time, please check out the rest of the new Focus North issue too! In my role as managing editor, I loved connecting with the other authors about the stories they shared. A few highlights:
• Preparing for the Generational Shift: How Associations Can Cater to the Growing Gen Z Workforce – By Kim Davis
• The Power of AI in Storytelling for Associations: Lessons from Lumi – By Emilia DiFabrizio
• The Joy of Missing Out in a World of FOMO – By Angi Farren
Spring Creek Consulting, LLC 