Doing what is right

Each of our News Division networks has only so many commercials each week.  For example, there are 90 commercial minutes each week during those Brownfield programs--one for each program.  Normally, that's plenty "availabilities" to handle the sales our account executives sell.  But during election years the flood of candidates greatly increases the demand on this inventory. So what do you do?  Well, in the early years we "double spotted".  That is, we ran two minutes of commercials in every program instead of one effectively doubling our weekly inventory during those few weeks to 180 each week.  WOW.  This greatly increased revenues and our bottom line. 

But it wasn't right.  First, it was contrary to the agreement we had with our affiliate radio stations which said we had 90 minutes per week, not 180!  And, it screwed the advertisers in two ways:  first more clutter during each program.  And, second, IF an affiliate for some reason didn't carry a program, it "made good" the commercial--ONE commercial--during other programming.  Surely the advertiser was hurt.  Worse, we didn't make an effort to inform either the advertiser or the affiliate radio station.  We kinda knew it was wrong, but heck; all that revenue!

We fixed it.  We started doing what was right.  It has been over 15 years since we've "double spotted". Yes, it hurt revenues, but it was the right thing to do.  Doing what is right is one of Learfield's values.  Always, always, always, do what is right.  Admit when you're wrong. Turn around. Do what is right!

Be Bold and Courageous

Clyde