Radio World Buyer’s Guide articles are intended to help readers understand why their colleagues chose particular products to solve various technical situations. This month’s issue focuses on voice cloning and synthesis.
LKCM Media Group operates four FM stations in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, including 95.9 KFWR(FM), licensed to Jacksboro and nicknamed “The Ranch.” Even as it expands its digital presence, the station maintains a focus on community-oriented radio.
KFWR attributes its consistency to LKCM’s emphasis on local business and customer service, in addition to its programming and connection with listeners. The station broadcasts what it describes as “100% Texas country music.”
Gerry Schlegel, the group’s president, points out that its 12-person sales staff is significant for a company of its size. “We have built relationships with local businesses that go beyond the transactional,” Schlegel said.
The rapid rise of AI prompted Schlegel to consider where the technology could be most valuable. He soon focused on spec spot production, often time-sensitive given the busy nature of LKCM’s production department. ENCO’s AI ad creation service, SPECai, quickly came to Schlegel’s attention.
He was drawn to ENCO’s emphasis on using generative AI for spec spot production, a service developed in partnership with Benztown and Compass Media Networks.
Schlegel said he was impressed by SPECai’s ability to generate multiple scripts simultaneously, all of which are revisable and can be paired with music beds from Benztown.
The ability to customize the AI voice was also important for KFWR’s needs. “We’re in Texas, so a New England accent isn’t going to resonate,” Schlegel said. He praises SPECai’s selection of voices and tones and mentions that ENCO continues to add improvements.
The LKCM team also uses ENCO’s InstaSpot feature, which generates an ad sample by analyzing a website. Schlegel has used this to share previews with clients before prospective meetings.
ENCO says that more than 1,000 stations now use SPECai. Schlegel has a Lone Star-sized amount of enthusiasm for the product.
“SPECai gives you the opportunity to gain a customer’s favorable attention and move closer to the sale,” he said.
