Formerly known as the Kellar Radio Farm System Institute, the newly christened Kellar Radio Talent Institute is a cooperative project with the Department of Communication of Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C. It is designed to teach the future broadcasters of tomorrow; the latest class is underway at present.
The “Institute” takes place each year on the school campus, this year July 13–22. Broadcasting pros visit the campus to teach a select group of students. A field trip to Charlotte is included. The courses cover many radio broadcast aspects including on-air performance, news writing, traffic, sales, programming, management and ownership. This year’s class numbers 15.
Guest faculty includes working radio show hosts from various formats, sports announcers, radio station management, broadcast executives and industry consultants. Companies represented include Beasley, Clear Channel, Entercom, Greater Media, Saga Communications, CBS Radio, Performance Radio Network, Charlotte Panthers (football team), ESPN, Charlotte Bobcats (basketball team) and Curtis Media.
Graduates of the institute have gone on to employment at CBS, Cumulus Media, Clear Channel, Entercom and Beasley. Enrollment is limited to ASU students but plans include making it available to other college students. The institute was created by a grant from the Kellar Family Foundation, the foundation supported by the late broadcaster Art Kellar.
