Clark Smidt

Clark Smidt delivers leading broadcast solutions that drive audience and advertising results.

Clark Smidt grew up in media-rich New York City and earned his first radio job in July 1966 at WBIS-AM in Bristol, Connecticut. While studying at the University of Hartford, Smidt built 3kw stereo WWUH-FM while also working at 6 commercial radio stations and 2 television stations.   Smidt's passion for the industry soon earned him a job and fellowship at Boston Univerisity as Assistant General Manager and Program Director of WBUR. Smidt then joined as Operations Director of WBZ Radio Westinghouse Broadcasting. Smidt started "All Hits, All The Time" on WBZ-FM, the AOR format at WCOZ "Boston's Best Rock," and Album 1260 WEZE-AM. After joining CBS Radio, Smidt introduced the original "Softrock" format in 1977.   In 1982, Clark Smidt founded Broadcast Ideas to deliver leading broadcast solutions that drive audience and advertising results. Since its inception, Smidt has helped business, radio, TV, and cable stations clients throughout New England and the United States.   In addition to Brodacast Ideas, Clark Smidt was the founder, owner, and FCC Licnesee of WNNH-FM, "New Hampshire's Oldies 99." Smidt also rebranded Merrimack Valley Radio 980 WCAP-AM in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Client Satisfaction at Broadcast Ideas

June 1982 - Present | on location

CLIENT SUCCESS INCLUDES: Merv Griffen Radio, Curt Gowdy Broadcasting, Tribune Broadcasting, Hearst Broadcasting, Imes Communications Fuller-Jeffery Broadcasting, Ackerly Communications, The Boston Celtics, University of Massachusetts, Wallace & Washburn Marketing Research, Connecticut Public Television, General CInema, Hall Communications, Close Communications, Makkay Communications, Great Eastern Broadcasting, Galaxy Communications Sage Broadcasting, Southern Star Broadcasting, Martha's Vineyard Communications, Bloomberg Radio

Managing Partner at Broadcast Ideas

April 1982 - Present | Andover, MA.

CLARK F. SMIDT, INC. AND Broadcast Ideas delivers application of all media channels to add positive presence, listeners / viewers top of mind awareness, votes, new business and increased income. Compelling content and local connections attract audience and advertisers. The accountable results are: sustained success and stronger enterprise value. An ascertainment of priorities and "what keep you up at night" helps formulate the customized plan. Specific arrangements with personal attention, since 1982.

Managing Partner at 980 WCAP-AM, Merrimack Valley Radio

May 2005 - July 2012 | Lowell, MA.

Clark Smidt directed the funding, acquisition and turn-around of full-time stand alone 5kw AM station in Lowell, MA. Merrimack Valley Radio became all live and local, tripled cash billing, partnered with WCVB-TV 5, was awarded SBA Small Business of the Year 2009 and developed talent that went on to major stations.

Advertising Director at Long Beach Brewing

April 2003 - October 2004 | Norwood, MA.

Clark Smidt compiled the complete radio ad creative, copy, production, negotiation and placement for "Thin Ice" the new, one-card hard lemonade in 36 US markets.

Regional Market Manager at Tele-Media Broadcasting

June 2000 - February 2002 | State College, PA.

After selling Clark Broadcasting of New Hampshire, Clark Smidt managed and combined the cultures of three acquired FM stations in New Hampshire: WHOB, Nashua; WNNH "Oldies 99" Concord; and WLKZ, Laconia. Clark Smidt increased cost efficiency, sales, new business, client contact and positive presence for Tele-Media.

Managing Partner, CEO & General Manager at Oldies 99 WNNH-FM

June 1987 - June 2000 | Concord, NH

Clark Smidt applied for the FCC license and built "Oldies 99" from a docket 80-90 construction permit. WNNH signed on November 17, 1989, with a live professional sound, full positioning, jingles and The Greatest Hits of All Time. 1990 billing exceeded $700k. Live local, legendary full-service radio station. Award winning service. Partnership with WMUR-TV / 9. Clark Smidt elected for two terms as State Chairman, New Hampshire Assn. of Broadcasters. He sold WNNH to Tele-Media in 2000.

Director of Programming and Promotion at CBS Softrock WEEI-FM

August 1977 - July 1981 | Boston, MA.

Clark Smidt created the original "Softrock" format for CBS/FM. "Sofrock FM 103" presented a relaxed delivery, compelling content and local service. WEEI/FM featured a smooth tempo and flow of familiar, mass appeal album music. Award winning multi-media campaign based on artists played: "The Eagles. Without the turkeys." Joni. Without the baloni." "Steely Dan. Without the heavy metal." TV, print, POP, and outstanding outdoor artwork and placement. Top 3 all demos. WEEI/FM Boston out-billed all other CBS Radio FM stations except NYC and LA.

Boston University

1970 – 1971

Graduate Studies

Concentration: Broadcasting

Activities: As a full-time employee of BU Dept of Public Affairs, Clark Smidt was assigned as Assistant General Manager and Program Director of 20kw WBUR-FM. Clark directed conversation of the award winning public station radio station to stereo and had affiliations with "The Drum" minority training program, NPR, CPB , Pacifica Radio and Boston University Terrier Sports.

University of Hartford

1966 – 1970

BA

Concentration: Speech and Psychology

Activities: Awarded full scholarship for the organization and building of 3kw stereo WWUH-FM, West Hartford. WWUH "Alternative Radio 91.3" signed on July 15, 1968 and remains hugely successful. Student staff has gone on to high level careers at broadcast facilities including: ESPN; WHCN, WDRC, WCCC Hartford; University of North Carolina; WBRU Providence; KDKA Pittsburgh, Dallas, Philadelphia and markets throughout the country.

McBurney School

1962 – 1966

College Prep

Concentration: College Prep

Activities: Student Manager, sports managing, PA announcing, writer for New York Journal American.

Certified BBQ Judge