Behind-the-Scenes

BEHIND-THE-SCENES

In 1998, Rod West was appointed the General Manager of ABC Watermark, the entertainment syndication division of ABC Radio Networks. In this role, Rod oversaw the production of two giants in the world of broadcast syndication: American Top 40 and American Country Countdown. To this day, both shows still hold the records as the longest running, highest revenue producing syndicated programs. While with ABC Watermark, Rod was also responsible for four other national weekly programs and created and produced over fifty special products to extend the revenue potential of these program franchises. These included highly-regarded The Rolling Stones Special and the 50-hour History of Rock and Roll special.

One of Rod West proudest achievements in his career is bringing digital production to radio syndication. Rod spearheaded the very first digital voice editing (now an industry standard) and assembly of ABC’s highly rated syndicated shows, turning analog studios in to a digital facility and changing show distribution to radio stations from vinyl records to compact disc.

Also on Rod’s watch, was the solicitation and negotiation of a synergistic deal with SONY® electronics, that placed top-of-the-line SONY® CD players in ABC Watermark partner radio stations across the country (at no charge to the stations!)

These incredible corporate-level syndication success stories led Rod to partner together with host Blair Garner to create the syndicated overnight country radio show After Midnite, which, after three years and with over 250 top country stations, was sold to Clear Channel. Rod went on to serve as president of Country Radio for Premiere Radio Networks, and co-founded TunEdge Music, serving over 2,000 television and radio stations worldwide. Rod is currently based in Las Vegas, continuing his voice-over and voice-track work.