It’s no secret that radio and television stations face an ever-growing amount of competition for ears and eyeballs.  They’re also facing an expanding array of advertising competition – mainly in the digital realm.  What are stations doing to adapt to this new environment? One Cape Cod cluster is meeting this challenge head on by offering their own digital marketing solutions to radio and non-radio clients alike… and it’s more than billboards on their website.

CCB Media, formerly Cape Cod Broadcasting, owns four stations on Cape Cod: 99.9 “The Q,” Cape Country 104, Cape Classical 107.5 and Ocean 104.7.  They also run CapeCod.com a regional information site for locals and visitors.  Two years ago, they made the leap from selling digital strictly on their website to offering a complete suite of digital marketing products from display advertising across the web to remarketing campaigns, social media advertising and everything in between.

The cluster partnered with Vici Media and hasn’t looked back.  Local and Digital Sales Manager Melinda Baker says that offering more than radio spots helps CCB marketing consultants, “it broadens our solutions and enhances our consultative approach with a client” and makes for a better partner for local businesses.

With a graphic designer in the building, able to produce all the necessary graphics for digital campaigns, CCB is set up to be an in-house agency of sorts for their local small and medium sized business clients.  Station General Manager Bev Tilden added that the Cape is a perfect place to offer these services as so little of the radio business comes from large regional or national advertisers.  “Many of the local advertisers have a Facebook page, may have “boosted” a post or two but had little in the way of more complex digital campaigns.  This partnership allows radio to be a great activator for digital as the campaigns blend seamlessly.”

Baker credited an incredible training partner in Vici for their digital success and helping them integrate digital into a true consultative approach.  She also pointed out that the addition of digital advertising has brought in revenue that the group would never have seen with radio alone.  An example being a restaurant owner on the Cape who used digital advertising for his other restaurants in Westborough and Foxboro – areas not served by CCB’s over-the-air signals.

As we head into 2017, we encourage all MBA members to innovate and think outside the box.  The future of radio and television depend on it!  Doing something above and beyond?  Let us know about it!  Email jordan@massbroadcasters.org.

CAPE COD BROADCASTING MEDIA CELEBRATES WQRC’S 45 YEARS ON CAPE COD

Summer 2015 –– Celebrating 45 years as one of Cape Cod’s heritage radio stations, over the years WQRC evolved to reflect the times and tastes of Cape Codders. 99.9 WQRC began as a local news, weather, information and beautiful music station in 1970 and is now 99-9 the Q, “Cape Cod’s Fresh Mix” of contemporary artists and their music and part of CCB Media’s family of four locally owned and operated radio stations and CapeCod.com, the Cape’s community news and information website.

While still known to most on the Cape as the “go to” place for local information, especially storm coverage, today the music is geared to the 25+ audience that loves the new music of artists like Adam Levine, Maroon 5, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars and Kelly Clarkson.

“We play today’s hits,” said Program Director, Jerry McKenna, “but we also play the hits of the last 15 years or so, too, so songs don’t get as repetitive. It appeals to young and old alike. We also believe the station should reflect the fun life of Cape Cod with contests and ‘music that picks you up and makes you feel good.’ That’s what the Q is all about!”

Reflecting today’s information world, the Q news is briefer headlines and supplemented on-line at CCB Media’s local news website, CapeCod.com. “Today listeners get their news in lots of ways,” explained CCB Media General Manager, Beverly Tilden. “There are so many news sources. People want news where they want it, when they want it and we strive to meet the demands of our audience on-air and online. You can even subscribe to daily news updates so you never miss an important local Cape story.”

“CapeCod.com has a foundation in local news, but also connects residents and visitors to all that’s happening on the Cape…and it’s free,” Tilden continued. “We brought back Matt Pitta as News Director to focus on more extensive newscasts on Ocean 104.7 and add a comprehensive hour of news at 6am on WFCC 107.5.”

Gregory Bone, owner since 1979, has been an influential champion of WQRC’s evolution and Cape Cod Broadcasting’s growth and ongoing commitment to the community over the years.

“I have been working alongside Greg for almost 20 years and have seen our company expand from one radio station to four stations and CapeCod.com,” said CCB Media Operations Manager, Wayne White. “Through it all, one thing has never changed and that is Greg’s commitment to local and quality. Our company is constantly recognized for its role in the community, providing important and relevant news and information surrounded by quality music programming.”

Gregory Bone credits the staff of 99.9 the Q (WQRC) and Cape Cod Broadcasting for its past and continued success. He notes, “The local staff has consistently reflected the original vision of our company. Cape Cod is such a vibrant, active, and involved community that it is critical to have a staff that is as engaged in the community as much as our station and company names.” Bone went on to say simply, “It’s our “good neighbor” approach and it works, especially in a community as connected as Cape Cod.”

Cape Cod Broadcasting is locally owned and operated. CCB Media includes:
99-9 the Q, Cape Cod’s Fresh Mix; Ocean 104.7, Crafted for the Cape; Cape Country 104, Today’s Country and the Legends; and Cape Classical 107.5, Something Finer; are the radio stations along with CapeCod.com, the Cape’s fastest growing local community news site.

CAPE COD BROADCASTING MEDIA ANNOUNCES EDITORIAL TRANSITIONS TO BOLSTER BROADCAST/ONLINE NEWS COVERAGE

April 16, 2015 (Hyannis, MA) – Today, Cape Cod Broadcasting Media (CCB) announces it will broaden its broadcast and online news capabilities by bringing back veteran Cape Cod newscaster Matt Pitta, after more than a decade away from the company, and naming journalist Laura Reckford News Editor of CapeCod.com, the media group’s acclaimed online news site.

Pitta, who has been covering Cape-centric news for more than two decades, will take on the role of News Director at CCB Media. Pitta previously worked at Hyannis-based CCB Media from 1996 until 2002.

As News Director, Pitta will transition his signature news program “Cape Cod This Morning,” formerly heard on 95 WXTK, to CCB Media’s WFCC Cape Classical 107.5 weekday mornings from 6 – 7 am. He will also be heard on CCB Media’s radio morning newscasts on Ocean 104.7, 99.9 the Q, and Cape Country 104. Additionally, Pitta will be responsible for leading the CapeCod.com News Team, and overseeing all news programs for CCB Media.

“I am excited to re-join the team at CCB Media. They have shown a passion for local news and to serving the community that is attractive to someone like me who dedicates my days to the news and happenings of Cape Cod,” said Matt Pitta. “Their commitment to providing news on many channels to satisfy the users’ many habits from radio, to web, to mobile and beyond is both extremely progressive and an inspiring atmosphere for me.”

Pitta’s move from iHeart Radio, formerly Qantum Communications, continues the evolution and growth of CCB Media’s on-air news presence and the CapeCod.com News Center expansion.

Pitta began his career at Boch Broadcasting. Along with his prior tenure at CCB Media, Pitta spent six years as Broadcast Editor of the Associated Press’ Boston-based bureau. A three-time Edward R. Murrow award recipient, Pitta has also served as a professor of journalism at Emerson College and Suffolk University, both in Boston.

Pitta’s return transitions Reckford to the new, full-time role of New Editor of CapeCod.com, where she will add depth, information and additional resources to the station’s on-air reporting.

Reckford’s Cape news background began at Cape Cod Life, where as Managing Editor she launched the publication’s Home Magazine and online editions. Reckford, who began her career with New York editing posts at Good Housekeeping, Viacom and 20th Century Fox, previously served as Editor and Managing Editor at both the Falmouth and Barnstable Enterprise newspapers.

“I am truly excited to take on the role of News Editor of CapeCod.com,” said Laura Reckford. “As a highly regarded source for news throughout the whole of Cape Cod, this company is committed to providing listeners with the sharpest and most engaging content to keep them informed on what’s impacting their respective communities at any given time.”

Reckford is also a freelance writer for Frommer’s travel guides, crafting numerous New England and Cape Cod editions, as well as specific Europe guides. Additionally, she penned the Arts and Artisans Trails of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket 2006 for the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.

A longtime resident of Falmouth, Mass., Reckford is the recipient of numerous awards from the New England News and Press Association.

“Matt and Laura both share experience and strong reporting skills that will be invaluable as we continue to provide the best source of news for the Cape Cod community,” said CCB Media General Manager Beverly Tilden.  “Together, this dynamic duo will bring a new depth of on-air reporting that is sure to attract the ears and minds of residents throughout the Cape.”

With these editorial transitions, CCB Media also announces Cape Wide News will make its own transition to the company by operating through CapeCod.com. Since its inception, Cape Wide News has served as the Cape’s premier police and rescue breaking news online outlet. The website currently receives more than 400,000 unique page views a month and is a complete complementary platform to the on-air and online products made available to consumers through CCB Media.

 

About Cape Cod Broadcasting Media:

Cape Cod Broadcasting is locally owned and operated. CCB Media includes: WQRC, 99.9 the Q, Cape Cod’s Fresh Mix; Ocean 104.7, Crafted for the Cape; Cape Country 104, Today’s Country and the Legends; and WFCC, Cape Classical 107.5, as well as CapeCod.com, the Cape’s fastest growing local community news site.

 

###

Press Contacts:

Marci Tyldesley
mtyldesley@regancomm.com
(508) 317-4345 (cell)

Judith Goetz
jgoetz@regancomm.com
(857) 201-1798

CCB MEDIA INTRODUCES “MORE FUN IN THE MORNINGS”

McKenna reunites Karen Blake and Ralphie Marino on 99.9 The Q

Cat Wilson is “That Girl” on Cape Country Mornings

Hyannis, MA – January 15, 2015 – Monday morning, January 19, will debut an exciting new morning show based on a tried and true concept…that Karen Blake and Ralphie Marino make a great mornings happen on the radio ”Karen & Ralphie Morning Show” reunites this veteran morning duo weekday mornings on 99.9 The Q (WQRC.)    “Our program director, Jerry McKenna first put Karen and Ralphie together on Star 93.7 and it was a huge hit, and Ralphie has been a frequent guest on Karen’s show on the Q, the fun and chemistry flows from the speakers,” said CCB Media General Manager Bev Tilden. “Our listeners tell us they want to start their day on a light and bright note…Karen and Ralph have that playful nature that makes mornings a little better.”

When asked about Karen and Ralphie, McKenna said, “Ralphie and Karen are true professionals.  They each know how to create great morning radio.”  McKenna added, “Listening to Karen and Ralphie is like listening in on a husband and wife, siblings or the best of friends…it is life itself”…The show is destined to be a must listen for the Cape.

In other news at CCB Media, Cat Wilson takes the reins of the morning with her new show “That Girl” on Cape Country 104!  “Cat’s a great personality and really connects with the Cape audience,” said McKenna.  “She’s invested in the music too and her enthusiasm for all things that matter to the Country audience makes her the perfect choice to get our Country audience going in the morning!”  Wilson is a passionate supporter of Military and Veteran causes on the Cape and also hosts local music spotlight program, “The Cheap Seats” on CCB’s Ocean 104.7.

Karen Blake hosted the 99.9 The Q Morning show for the past year and has entertained listeners for decades in the Boston market..  Karen began her career at KISS 108 in Boston and made stops at WZOU, Star 93.7, Oldies 103 and she was nominated for Major Market Radio Personality of the Year while at ZOU.

Ralphie Marino will continue to be heard on Country mid-days after hosting mornings at Cape Country 104 for the past year.  He is a veteran morning host having entertained in New York Mornings at KTU, Boston afternoons at JAMN, Mornings at Star and in the Manchester, NH market.  Ralphie can be found instigating fun on the Cape from the gym, to the beach to the entertainment spots of Cape Cod.

Cat Wilson is That Girl on Cape Country – a Cape Cod native and longtime Cape radio personality having hosted programs on Cool 102, the Rocket and Rock 104.7.  Cat stays involved with some of her passionate projects including the local music community, supporting our Military and Veterans through Big Nick’s Ride for the Fallen and she’s even a Demolition Derby Champion at the Barnstable Fair!

McKenna joined the station at the end of 2013 and has been architecting the new morning shows for months.  “Jerry has been working with our morning shows and news team to make sure that mornings include the news you need and the positive energy listeners need to start the day right,” explained Tilden, “we try to listen to our audience and provide the information and entertainment they want.”

99-9 The Q – Cape Cod’s Fresh Mix core artists include, Pink, The Fray, Justin Timberlake, One Republic, Bruno Mars and Katie Perry.

Cape Country 104 plays Today’s Best Country including artists like:  Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Florida Georgia Line and legends like Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson and George Strait.

Cape Cod Broadcasting is locally owned and operated.  CCB Media includes:  WQRC, 99-9 The Q, Cape Cod’s Fresh Mix; WOCN, Ocean 104.7, Crafted for the Cape; Cape Country 104, Today’s Country and the Legends; and WFCC, Cape Classical 107.5 are the radio stations along with CapeCod.com.

CCB MEDIA LAUNCHES NEW CAPE COD LOCAL SPORTS PAGE ON CAPECOD.COM
SEAN WALSH NAMED SPORTS EDITOR

 

HYANNIS, MA – November 24, 2014 — Cape Cod Broadcasting Media announced this week it has hired Sean Walsh as its new Sports Editor for CapeCod.com to coincide with and augment its growing online news service.  Walsh’s hiring was immediately followed by today’s launch of a new sports section on www.capecod.com.

“It has been our plan to add sports to our growing coverage of the Cape community on CapeCod.com,” said CCB Media GM, Beverly Tilden. “We are excited to have such an accomplished and knowledgeable writer/reporter in Sean Walsh to guide our launch.  Sean’s experience in the community includes sports administration as well as coaching and CapeCod.com readership will benefit from his resources and unique prospective on local sports.”

Walsh has been a career print and digital media journalist and photographer since high school, first covering sports while attending Acton-Boxborough Regional High School where he played varsity football, track and baseball. During his undergraduate days at Ithaca College he wrote for the Ithaca Times and then went on to complete graduate studies at New York University.

CapeCod.com readers can expect up-to-the-minute game scores – updated each day, through the day – great photos, game reports, feature stories and sports columns offering deep insight into the local sports scene. Readers will soon be able to purchase copies of photos that have been published at CapeCod.com at very reasonable prices and will be able to count on CapeCod.com sports to provide everything they want and need to know about local sports.

“I sincerely cannot imagine a greater opportunity or exciting chance to highlight all the great things athletes do here on the Cape,” Walsh said. “So much happens that goes unnoticed it’s what I do best: highlight the good things people achieve on the fields and courts and rinks. Digital news is the future and CapeCod.com is news for Cape Cod.”

Walsh has been a staff writer, photographer and editor for the Falmouth Enterprise, The Register, Old Colony Memorial and the Boston Globe, to name a few, and served as the first official photographer in the Cape Cod Baseball League. He has received numerous regional and national awards for his stories and photos. Most recently, he was the Editor in Chief and Publisher of the Cape Cod Sports Report and a guest editor, writer and photographer for Patch.com. He was also an English Teacher at Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School through this year.

He simultaneously served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves during college and began his coaching career in 1987 in Babe Ruth Baseball. Now in his 28^th season as a baseball coach, Walsh has also coached football, track & field, soccer and basketball. As general manager of the Bourne Braves, his team captured the 2003 Cape Cod Baseball League Western Division Crown. Prior to that, he had served for five years as the Public Relations Director of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

For the past three years, Walsh has been voted the Executive of the Year for District 10 American Legion Baseball and in 2012 and 2013 was voted District 10 American Legion Coach of the Year after winning back-to-back Massachusetts State Championship titles with Barnstable Post 206 American Legion.

The founding president of the Barnstable High School Athletic Hall of Fame, Walsh created www.redraiderpride.com, one of the state’s most popular and comprehensive web sites devoted to high school sports, according to the Boston Globe.

He may be followed on Twitter @coachwalshccbm or emailed directly at seanwalsh@ccb-media.com.