What's Happening?
Eastlan Ratings, a company experiencing rapid market expansion projected to continue into 2027, has augmented its client training and support team. The company announced the addition of two seasoned radio professionals: Jay Kelly and Tommy Ehrman. Jay Kelly joins
Eastlan with decades of media expertise, having served as a nationally recognized broadcast and digital consultant. His background includes extensive experience as a major market radio drivetime talent and Program Director in cities such as Seattle, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and Kansas City. Kelly's previous work with Wet Fish Digital is noted for equipping him to assist radio sales teams in developing strategies for selling digital services and competing effectively in the contemporary cross-media landscape. Tommy Ehrman, another veteran, brings a deep, hands-on radio background, particularly in small and medium markets. His career began as a part-time janitor at a radio station in Modesto, CA, and he advanced through various roles, including an 18-year tenure with Citadel focusing on sales and sales management. Ehrman is recognized for his proficiency in constructing high-performing radio schedules.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of Eastlan Ratings' team with experienced professionals like Jay Kelly and Tommy Ehrman is significant for the U.S. radio industry, particularly for small and medium markets. Kelly's expertise in digital consulting will be crucial in helping radio stations adapt to the evolving media landscape, where digital services are increasingly vital for revenue generation and audience engagement. This move addresses the challenge radio sales teams face in integrating digital strategies to remain competitive against other media platforms. Ehrman's deep understanding of radio sales and his ability to build effective radio schedules will likely enhance Eastlan's support for clients, potentially leading to improved advertising effectiveness and revenue for local stations. The commitment by Eastlan President Mike Gould to provide direct human support, rather than relying on automated systems, underscores a client-centric approach that could differentiate Eastlan in the market and foster stronger relationships with its radio station clients across the U.S.
What's Next?
Eastlan Ratings plans to announce further staff additions and new market expansions in the coming weeks, indicating a continued growth trajectory. This suggests that the company is actively investing in its infrastructure and human capital to support its accelerating market presence. The integration of Jay Kelly and Tommy Ehrman into the client training and support team is expected to immediately enhance the resources available to Eastlan's clients, particularly in navigating digital transformation and optimizing sales strategies. Their roles will likely involve direct engagement with radio stations, providing guidance and training to help them leverage digital platforms and improve their competitive standing. The emphasis on 'real humans who listen and respond quickly' by Eastlan President Mike Gould suggests a focus on personalized client service, which could become a key differentiator in the ratings and media consulting sector. This strategic expansion aims to solidify Eastlan's position as a leading provider of radio ratings and support services in the U.S.
Beyond the Headlines
The strategic hiring by Eastlan Ratings reflects a broader trend within traditional media industries to adapt to the digital age. The inclusion of digital consultants like Jay Kelly highlights the imperative for radio, a long-standing medium, to embrace digital services not just as an add-on but as an integral part of its business model. This shift is critical for the long-term viability of radio stations, especially in local markets, which often face intense competition from digital-native platforms. The focus on human-centric support, as articulated by Eastlan President Mike Gould, also points to a recognition that technology alone cannot replace the value of experienced guidance and personalized relationships in a complex industry. This approach could foster greater trust and loyalty among clients, creating a more resilient business ecosystem for radio. Ultimately, Eastlan's moves could serve as a model for how traditional media companies can evolve, combining deep industry knowledge with modern digital strategies and strong client relationships to thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape.
