Over the years, one of the most consistent winners in radio has been Sam Weaver. His attention to detail, content, and the ability to grow and nurture talent puts him in a class by himself.
— Joel Denver, AllAccess.com, President/Publisher
Sam Weaver has been a valuable resource since the very beginning of my career and years later his still a source of information and inspiration. After many coaching sessions with Sam, I became a better on-air personality and a smarter programmer. Sam takes radio theory makes it actionable and practical. Additionally, he ensured that i had a clear understanding about the total business operation of radio and digital media, which is important for survival in today’s broadcast landscape. His experience in radio has been my best teacher. Additionally, there’s always a personal touch working with Sam because he’s always one phone call or email away. Often in my day to day management duties I ask myself “What would Sam do?”
-Chris Malone, Program Director/PM Drive, Entercom WKAK (97.7)/Boston, MA
I contacted Sam Weaver seven years ago to help me with my syndicated radio shows. Sam listened to my ideas on how I wanted to build my network. Sam has been able to bring out the announcer to compete in the syndication world. Today this day Sam has been a very instrumental part of my shows with the sound of the shows. I currently produce two weekly shows (Top 40 3 hour show, Retro 2 hour show) heard in over 6 countries with 40 affiliates and growing.
— Mike Mann, DJ Mike Show, www.djmikeshow.com, A Chris-Mar Studio Production
I unequivocally learned the most about jocking from Sam Weaver! He had a way of getting to the heart of the problem with my break and guiding me to how I could fix it and still maintain my personality. I later became a PD after working with Sam; I hope that I was able to pass on 1/10 of what he taught me!
—Shay Moore, Host of “The Morning Grind with Shay & Shyne,’ KPRS/Kansas City
I have known Sam Weaver for the better part of both of our careers. I was his program director in San Francisco and Chicago. During that time and since, I have observed Sam, both as an air-talent and as a programmer. He excelled at both. Prior to his programming career, Sam was an excellent air-talent. He developed the discipline that very air-personalities have. He knew where to place the elements within the format. He knew how to sell the music and really knew how to handle contest phone segments. There was no doubt that when Sam became a programmer, he would be a strong one and he would pass on secrets to those personalities who worked for him. I watched him groom and develop several morning shows, including “The Breakfast Brothers” and BJ Murphy. Not only has he developed a web site dedicated to individual and group talent development, you can be assured that Weaver’s deep commitment to teaching, which grew out of his role as an instructor at Columbia College in Chicago, make him uniquely qualified to assume this role. Sam Weaver is highly motivated, analytical, research oriented and persuasive with strong skills in both teaching and writing.
— The late Radio Doctor Jerry Boulding
Sam Weaver has the ability to take something hard and make it seem easy. No matter what it is. He takes things that others feel is hard to understand and simplifies it make it easy to learn. I learned more in 5 minutes talking with Sam then other Program Directors taught me in a year! He has vast knowledge of radio, music and talent. But most importantly he knows how to treat, teach and coach people!!
— Jimmy Knight, PM/PP WMEE (97.3) & WQHK (K105)/Ft. Wayne, Indiana
Sam was a great air talent who learned first-hand the importance of the right coaches. He is creative and takes a broad strategic view of all radio.
— Sean Ross, Vice President, Music and Programming Edison Research
Sam, Sam, the good advice man! As a part-timer just out of Hampton University; I met Sam when he was PD at WQMG-FM in Greensboro NC, my hometown. I remember telling Sam my dream was to be a PD. Sam told me “then tell people that’s what you want, eventually someone will give you a shot after you get a little experience”. This bit of advice paid off years later in New Orleans. I was doing nights at WYLD-FM soon to be sold off to Clear Channel’s former Snowden Communications. Jim Snowden was the owner and we met by chance at a night club just days before he was to take over the station. He asked a bit about me and I mentioned I wanted to move up from air talent to PD. He was impressed that I was asking for something more considering I knew my current position wasn’t secure. Anyway, we talked further and he offered me my first PD job the next week. I later learned that he had planned to blow everyone out and it was our chance meeting and the sharing of my dream that helped jump-start my career.
— Skip Dillard Program Director, WBLS/WLIB, New York
Sam Weaver has a vast body of experience in multiple formats and locales, which has been instrumental to his success. What I appreciate about Sam is his willingness to share this experience with those wanting to get to that elusive ‘next level’ in their broadcast careers.
— Derrick Brown, Director of Urban Programming/Program Director, WGCI/WVAZ, Chicago
My name is Angelique Perrin. I am a TV/radio personality, announcer and actress. Sam would love me to run down my resume, but I’d rather talk about the man who started me on my career in radio. I had zero radio experience when fate brought me to WQMG/Greensboro. What I did have was raw talent and drive which was all Sam Weaver needed to teach me. Everything I learned about radio, I learned at WQMG was from Sam. He has this way of guiding and steering you while still letting you fly free. He allowed us the room to be creative, try new things and explore where our interests and strengths lie. It’s no wonder so many great careers were forged at WQMG under Sam. We are all grown up now and successful, but we can still count on Sam’s encouragement, advice, honesty and jokes.
— Angelique Perrin, TV/Radio Personality, Actress, and Writer
Over the course of my years in writing about the Broadcast Industry, at trade publications such as Billboard Airplay Monitor, Billboard Magazine, Radio and Records, and Radio-Info, I have come to know and trust Sam Weaver as one of the most passionate and knowledgeable programmers in the industry. His experience has crossed many formats, from San Francisco, to Chicago, to Dallas. He has an ability to take each situation and improve on it in some way, whether that be in increased ratings, increased revenue, or implementing better management styles. He’s an incredible talent coach, who has much to share and offer to those aspiring to be in radio, and those who want to be better in radio. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for Sam Weaver, and would be happy to work with him on any future endeavors.
— Dana Hall, Broadcast Journalist and Radio Industry insider
Sam has worked numerous formats, honed his craft brilliantly and is a patient broadcast professional. His willingness to be a conduit of this knowledge guarantees one the opportunity to gain valuable insight as a radio personality in this competitive medium of communications.
— Earl Boston – Business Owner, Earl Boston Inc., Computer Music Rotation
Sam Weaver was the key person in my development as a morning personality. I have been a student of His for 18 years.
He is the best I know for getting the best out of his talent. I was so fortunate to have Sam Weaver early in my career to help me and guide me. I owe my foundation in morning drive success to him.
— BJ Murphy, Station Manager & Morning Personality, WAAV (Shout 94.7)/Augusta, GA
While I never worked with Sam directly, I competed against him in Kansas City for several years. He did a phenomenal job programming and keeping the station relevant to both adults and younger demos. His station was a ratings and revenue leader throughout Sam’s tenure.
— Jon Zellner, EVP/Programming Operations, iHeartMedia
Sam has taught me countless things about radio and broadcasting over the years…and I know FOR A FACT, that I would not be as successful as I am in my personal career if not for him. Sam’s advice and knowledge is incredible, and essential in today’s cut-throat industry. There have been times where I wanted to give up… get out of the business altogether, but Sam’s positive influence helped me to continue trying.” The radio business is not an easy one, but if you can mold your talent and understand office policy, you can be successful. Sam Weaver teaches you how to do all this and more… in an easy to understand, straight to the point fashion.”
— Heather Jordan, Reporter/News Anchor, KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO, Los Angeles, CA
What can I say about Sam Weaver? Sam is one of those rare radio professionals who has seen and done it all! With more than 30 years of big market experience, Sam has been a leader in radio through innovative and cutting edge programming. He has guided and developed young air talent into seasoned radio performers. Sam continues to help me professionally with radio bit concepts and creative features.
He has great vision and insight and he knows what works! Sam has been nationally recognized by industry pros and for good reason. He is a winner with the class, integrity and experience to excel in any capacity in the broadcast industry. As a talent coach, Sam will work for you too! I truly believe in Sam and his ability as a radio pro.
— Jeff Foxx, Air Personality WBLS, New York & SiriusXM
Sam is not my first radio coach, but he will be my last. Sam’s approach to radio talent is not to mold them into what he thinks they should sound like, but to enhance their talents and bring out what they do best. Well balanced verbal and written critiques coupled with an extensive knowledge of broadcasting make Sam Weaver the talent coach to employ if you wish to take your career to the next level. I highly recommend Sam Weaver.
— Barry Michaels, Mornings, WIND-FM, Gainesville, Florida
Sam Weaver for years has been my go-to programmer/friend whenever I need to bounce any ideas off somebody and get a programmer’s perspective. There are very few that understand all facets of the industry at the level that Sam does and that’s because he has worn all the hats at some point in his career. He always gives me honest feedback and he’s always spot on. When I was at Westwood One and not sure of all the back logs of R&B concert tapes that we had and whether or not Urban stations would respond to it as a weekly syndicated show, Sam said “Absolutely! They’ll love it trust me” And he was right. Thanks to him we launched the show and in a very short amount of time we got up to 60 affiliates and it became profitable immediately. I feel very lucky to have Sam in my circle of professional friends.
— Debbie Greenbaum, VP, Director Syndication, Good Parts Media, www.goodpartsmedia.com and Partner/Co-Founder, WYM Media Management LLC, www.wymmediamanagement.com
“Sam is wonderful at teaching the art of intra office relationships. As a veteran programmer, Sam knows that a lot of decisions regarding talent goes beyond the microphone. How talent conducts themselves in the office setting, and interacts with other coworkers is a lost art. Sam has pointed out ways a person can have great success before and after their airshift!”
— KJ Carson Morning Drive Entercom WKAF (97.7)/Boston, MA
Sam Weaver is among the countries’ top programmers. I remain impressed by his work in Dallas, Kansas City, New Orleans and a host of competitive markets across America.
— Tony Gray, Consultant Gray Communications
Sam is more than just a talent coach…he’s a “life coach!” His wisdom/direction has been invaluable to my professional broadcast career and personal life.
— Jay Alan, Program Director WPWX Power 92 Chicago
The great programmers in today’s radio landscape have to be able to find, coach, and grow great air talent. Sam Weaver is one of those rare programmers that have an uncanny ability to find, motivate, train, educate, and grow air personalities from both a scientific and artistic perspective helping each talent understand where they are right now and what they need to do to do to get that next level!
— Gary Bernstein, President of Oceanic Tradewinds, Inc.