RAB, in conjunction with the Georgia Association of Broadcasters (GAB), GAB Education Foundation and Illinois Broadcasters Foundation, has completed a pair of distinct broadcasting talent incubator programs.
The GAB Radio Talent Institute returned to Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, on May 12-17, while the inaugural Illinois Broadcasters Foundation’s Audio Media Career Academy took place at the Hilton Doubletree hotel in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, May 12-17.
Both programs are a part of the National Radio Talent System, a division of RAB that focuses on discovering and preparing the next generation of broadcasters. The talent incubator spans six days and is led by media and advertising professionals who bring their real-world industry knowledge, expertise and passion to the program.
“The one-of-a-kind immersive experience is designed to empower and educate college students on the many opportunities available to them as they begin to think about their career path,” the RAB says. “It is an unmatched introduction to broadcast radio, digital, podcasting, content creation, talent coaching, media sales, advertising and social media.”
Each attendee gets initial RAB sales certification.
“One of our key objectives at RAB is around workforce development – specifically supporting initiatives to attract new talent to the industry while impacting talent retention through resources and shared best practices,” shared Mike Hulvey, president and chief executive officer, RAB. “The National Radio Talent System is an example of our efforts around this focus and with strategic partners like GAB and IBF, and we were able to evolve our programming and test out new elements.”
“The 2025 GAB Radio Talent Institute was an incredible culmination of aspiring broadcasters with dedicated industry professionals,” said Randy Gravley, president, GAB, and the underwriter for the institute.
National Radio Talent System, a division of RAB, produces Radio Talent Institutes across America. It is the first and only program of its kind in the world, discovering and preparing the next generation of broadcasters. For more information, log onto https://www.nationalradiotalentsystem.com/ .
“The Illinois Broadcasters Foundation is committed to developing future broadcasters and we were just delighted to see our vision come to fruition and we look forward to seeing the program grow,” said IBA and IBF President/CEO Dennis Lyle, representing the underwriter for the institute.
Since acquiring the talent system in 2020, RAB has assembled an NRTS Board Committee chaired by Seven Mountains Media head Kristin Cantrell and a workforce development committee chaired by Lenawee Broadcasting’s Julie Koehn focused on helping the organization to develop and plan for future initiatives, recruiting new talent into broadcast radio and retention.