Ep. 39 Tim McCarthy

EPISODE SUMMARY: Tim McCarthy is an award-winning GM and former SVP of ESPN radio. McCarthy shares his journey in talk and sports radio, and his experiences working with top talent and inking major deals as Tim and Chachi sit down for a chat!On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Tim about:How he got into radio by being a driver for an executiveGetting his foot in the door as an account exec at PLJ and excelling early onWhy selling on talk stations can be easier than on music stationsBecoming a station manager and working with talent like Sean Hannity and Rush LimbaughBeing chosen to head ESPN Radio in NYC and acquiring rights to multiple franchises including The Islanders, Rangers, and KnicksHow he was able to use both his sales and programming experience to improve his stationsNegotiation tips and how to ensure everyones walks away winning somethingWhat being the SVP of ESPN Radio was everyonelike as a sports fan and getting to talk with Bob IgerHis current work as President of the Broadcasters Foundation of America and how the BFA provides support to people in the industry And more!To support the Broadcasters Foundation of America or learn more, visit: https://broadcastersfoundation.orgInformation about events like the Golden Mike Gala, Lombardo Charity Golf Tournament, and Leadership Breakfast can be found here: https://broadcastersfoundation.org/events/ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: Tim McCarthy joined the Disney Group of radio stations in 1990 serving first as an Account Executive with WPLJ-FM, moving across the hall three years later to become Sales Director for both 77WABC and WPLJ. McCarthy became General Manager for legendary News/Talk station 77WABC in 1999 and presided over the acquisition and start up of 1560 AM Radio Disney. He held the dual roles of GM for 77WABC and 1050 ESPN Radio. In 2010, he was named Sr. Vice President of ESPN Radio Group in February 2010 where he drivo the play-by-play business by assessing contracts, increasing revenue and working towards maximizing scheduling opportunities across the stations and network. Among McCarthy’s many industry honors: 2006 News/Talk GM of the Year from Radio & Records; and his selection as one of the nation’s 10 best managers by Radio Ink Magazine in 2005. McCarthy served as Chairman for the 2007 New York State Broadcasters Association.In 2021, he shifted his focus and efforts to raise charitable donations and develop solutions for former broadcasters who experience hardship due to no fault of their own. Many of the worthy beneficiaries of the Broadcasters Foundation of America receive monthly grants to emergency assistance for relief from natural disasters like hurricanes or floods.ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.PEOPLE MENTIONED: Scott Herman, Jim O’Grady, Mitch Dolan, Scott Shannon, Rod Stewart, Bob Grant, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, John Gambling, Mark Simone, Mark Levin, Charlton Heston, Bob Iger, Michael Kay, John Mcenroe, Wallace Matthews, Tom Keegan, Stephen A. Smith, Traug Keller, Greg Ashlock, Larry Kahn, John Barton, Steve Haddad, Jim Thompson, Ed McloughlinABOUT BENZTOWN: Benztown is a leading international audio imaging, production library, voiceover, programming, podcasting, and jingle production company with over 3,000 affiliations on six different continents. Benztown provides audio brands and radio stations of all formats with end-to-end imaging and production, making high-quality sound and world-class audio branding a reality for radio stations of all market sizes and budgets. Benztown was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 by Inc. magazine for five consecutive years as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies. With studios in Los Angeles, New York, London and Stuttgart, Benztown offers the highest quality audio imaging work parts for 23 libraries across 14 music and spoken word formats including AC, Hot AC, CHR, Country, Hip Hop and R&B, Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Rock, News/Talk, Sports, and JACK. Benztown provides custom VO and imaging across all formats, including commercial VO and copywriting in partnership with Yamanair Creative. Benztown Radio Networks produces, markets, and distributes high-quality programming and services to radio stations around the world, including: The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown, The Daily Dees Show, The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Hot Mix, Sunday Night Slow Jams with R Dub!, Flashback, Top 10 Now, AudioLogger, Audio Architecture, Radio Merch Shop, The Rooster Show Prep, AmeriCountry, and Benztown Swag Bank. Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks produces and markets premium podcasts including: The Making of: A National Geographic Podcast, Run It Again, Hot Chicken and Cage-Free Conversation with Byron Kennedy, and Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth.Web: benztown.comFacebook: facebook.com/benztownradioTwitter: @benztownradioLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/benztownInstagram: instagram.com/benztownradio Enjoyed this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody? Let us know by leaving a review! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.