Veteran radio senior executives Steve Smith and Tim Richards and digital marketing strategist Heidi McIvor-Allen announce that they have joined forces to launch a new radio consulting group, the Smith Richards Collective. The Smith Richards Collective brings deep radio operations, programming, and digital marketing experience to radio stations and groups, with a fresh approach and innovative strategies to help stations grow their audience and revenues, while saving money.
Steve Smith, Partner, Smith Richards Collective, said: “At the most comprehensive level, SRC has the ability to assist in programming an entire cluster or group of stations in ALL FORMATS. We’re approaching the industry in a way that fits today’s needs.”
Tim Richards, Partner, Smith Richards Collective, noted: “This is a full-service venture offering a wide spectrum of services that can be tailored to each client’s unique needs with the goal of improving the product while achieving immediate savings.”
In addition to podcast and radio talent coaching services, the Smith Richards Collective offers full-service white glove consulting for radio stations and groups. Services include brand growth and strategy, music strategy and scheduling, production, imaging and talent services – including locating quality tracked talent and station voice talent, audience targeting and contesting, and reviewing and improving ratings through a dedicated team focused on ratings analysis and tactics to market to the listeners that matter most.
The Smith Richards Collective also includes an embedded full-service digital marketing agency, McIvor Marketing, which offers stations and groups a full spectrum of digital resources and support, including email marketing, podcast development and support, social and digital advertising, website development, and creative support, as well as training for sales and programming, led by partner Heidi McIvor-Allen.
Tim Richards’ successful radio career spans over 30 years, with stops in Tucson (KRQ), Boston (WBMX), Detroit (WKQI), Chicago (Q101) and Phoenix (KZZP, KALV, KMLE). He has worked with many of the industry’s best talent and brands, including Mojo in the Morning, Johnjay and Rich and The Morning Mess.
Steve Smith has more than 34 years of major market radio experience, and he has left a trail of success everywhere he goes. During Steve’s 11-year run as VP of Programming at Cox Media Group, the company enjoyed close to 70% of their full signal stations in the top 5 among 25-54 adults in all formats. Prior to Cox, Steve was SVP of Programming for Clear Channel/iHeart Media, SVP of Programming at AM/FM, and VP/Programming at Emmis Broadcasting. He is also a two-time Billboard Consultant of the Year. Smith has extensive experience coaching and developing top-tier, award-winning morning shows and talent, including Ryan Seacrest, Bigboy, Johnjay and Rich, Brooke and Jubal, Miguel and Holly, Rickey Smiley and more.
Digital marketing strategist Heidi McIvor-Allen, owner of McIvor Marketing, has been in the digital marketing space for over 13 years. She spent five of those years working on the digital side of radio in both Saginaw, MI, and Atlanta, GA, followed by eight years in the agency world. McIvor-Allen has worked extensively in sales and execution with significant expertise in automotive, events, hospitality, e-commerce and more. From training to execution, McIvor-Allen’s team brings proven marketing prowess to the table that guarantees client growth and success. McIvor-Allen is an expert in SEO, SEM, Branding, and Social Media Marketing. She also offers expert website design and development and high impact digital ads. An active leader in her industry, she is a member of ForbesWomen Forum, Meta’s Leaders Network, and serves on the marketing board for Northwood University. She is also a trained brainstorm facilitator, a founding member of a Global Women’s Collective, and is certified in Wellbeing in the Workplace.
Tim Richards’ separate service, Audience Targeting Strategy, continues to be available to stations through Benztown.
This story first appeared on radioinsight.com