Erik Deatherage
West Fargo,ND
Summary
Dynamic Radio Program Manager with a proven track record at Prairie Public Broadcasting, excelling in audience engagement and talent development. Skilled in orchestrating multi-platform operations and fostering a positive team dynamic, I leverage critical thinking, industry experience, and effective communication to enhance programming and elevate on-air sound, driving and deepening listener connection and happiness. Driven to create community connections and a positive, diverse working environment.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Radio Program Manager
Prairie Public Broadcasting
Fargo, ND
10.2023 - Current
- Oversee and enhance the on-air sound of a multi-platform public radio network.
- Select and develop programming to meet the informational needs of listeners.
- Develop, co-host, and produce a regional news podcast.
- Manage and develop on-air and production talent to create meaningful content, and connect with listeners.
- Manage traffic logs and station automation.
- Help the on-air team improve their hosting skills with air checks.
- Write and present quarterly reports to the Community Advisory Board.
- Analyze listener numbers, and develop and implement strategies for improvement.
- Host and produce a daily talk show when the regular host is away.
- Create a positive and collaborative environment for staff.
- Ensure compliance with broadcasting regulations and industry standards.
Radio Operations & Traffic Manager
Prairie Public Broadcasting
Fargo, ND
04.2015 - 10.2023
- Produce promotional, imaging, and fundraising audio spots.
- Produce a weekly radio variety show.
- Record, produce, and ingest underwriting announcements.
- Manage underwriting logs, and merge them into daily automation.
- Create and manage on-air playlists using ENCO automation.
- Write scripts and shape messaging for on-air fundraising campaigns.
- Download and ingest national and local programs.
- Ensure compliance with broadcasting regulations and standards.
Assistant Program Director & Morning Show Host
WTMD/Towson University Public Media
Towson, MD
01.2012 - 12.2014
- Assist program director in choosing and scheduling new music and heritage collection.
- Participate in directing entire on-air tone, sound and theme of a major market AAA non-com station.
- Assist in overseeing the promotion and execution of all station events.
- Assist PD in scheduling talent.
- Assign, review, approve promotion and underwriting spots created by air staff.
- Write, edit and conceive on-air components of promotional campaigns including media partnerships, special events and fundraising campaigns.
- Develop new program and feature ideas for station.
Morning Show Host/Production Manager
WTMD Radio
Towson, MD
03.2005 - 01.2012
- Host popular weekday morning drive program as well as Saturday morning live music program.
- Conceive, develop and produce on-air features.
- Conduct interviews with national, international and regional musicians.
- Interview creatives in local arts community.
- Host and interview well-known actors and filmmakers.
- Emcee concerts, festivals and other public events.
- Ready content for air via ENCO & Wide Orbit automation systems.
- Schedule music using Power Gold & Music Master systems.
- Record & produce underwriting, promotional, and imaging spots.
- Host weekly Live Lunch program.
- Write and anchor live local news and music news broadcasts.
- Prepare, record, and produce national shows and local content features.
- Emcee major concerts and festivals.
- Attended local events to increase fan base and provide publicity for show.
Reservation Sales Agent
Northwest Airlines
Hanover, MD
01.1998 - 01.2005
- Arrange reservations and sell airline tickets in a high-volume call center.
- Assist customers in restructuring travel while preserving a positive customer experience.
- Successfully resolve customer complaints, and ensure a mutually beneficial resolution.
- Conduct training classes on new policies and changing technology.
- Provided corrective feedback and coaching to other employees on improving customer outcomes.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Aeronautical Studies, Communication
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, NDSkills
- Fundraising and donor relations
- Public radio hosting
- Multiplatform operations
- Public persona management
- Critical thinking
- Training and development
- Organizational skills
- Writing proficiency
- On-air production
- Audience engagement
- Traffic management
- Audio editing
- Content scheduling
- Media strategy
- Promotion planning
- Fundraising campaigns
- Team leadership
- Effective communication
- Problem-solving skills
- Creative collaboration
- Time management
- Reporting skills
- Work delegation
- Performance analysis
- Attention to detail
- Influencing skills
- Performance monitoring
- Relationship building
- Event planning and execution
- Team development skills
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Broadcast coordination
- Project coordination
- Recruitment and hiring
- Regulatory compliance
More About Me
I am focused on keeping public radio relevant to the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds. I'm driven to meet them where they are and create content that informs and connects. My energy and fairness make talented staff feel valued and utilized. I'm a proud father of a special needs child and have the bandwidth to juggle multiple projects at the same time. Public radio is my heart and soul and I dream to work in a diverse and dramatic environment.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Radio Program Manager
Prairie Public Broadcasting
10.2023 - Current
Radio Operations & Traffic Manager
Prairie Public Broadcasting
04.2015 - 10.2023
Assistant Program Director & Morning Show Host
WTMD/Towson University Public Media
01.2012 - 12.2014
Morning Show Host/Production Manager
WTMD Radio
03.2005 - 01.2012
Reservation Sales Agent
Northwest Airlines
01.1998 - 01.2005
Bachelor of Science - Aeronautical Studies, Communication
University of North Dakota