Radiodays North America and Canadian Music Week invites the broadcasting industry to nominate their colleagues for the Pat Grierson Radio Sales Person of the Year Award, sponsored by Slaight Music, until April 22. The winner will be recognized at the Radiodays North America President Reception at the Corus Building on June 3, 2024, and receive a $5,000 cash award.
“Pat Grierson was a true original in the Canadian Radio industry and a legend in the development and growth of radio advertising sales in Canada,” said Gary Slaight, President and CEO of Slaight Communications. “The Slaight Foundation is proud to present this award to a Canadian radio sales professional who represents the best in class, is an industry innovator and has Pat Grierson’s one of kind flair.”
Pat Grierson was an icon in the Canadian radio broadcast sales sector known for his unique flair. The 1st Annual Allan Slaight Radio Sales Person of the Year honour was awarded in memory of Pat Grierson in 2023, and will now be known as the Pat Grierson Radio Sales Person of the Year Award. This annual award sponsored by Slaight Music will recognize a Canadian Radio sales professional for best-in-class performance, such as someone who loves radio sales, embraces new technologies and innovation, and leads by example.
Pat Grierson Radio Sales Person of the Year Award Nominee Criteria:
• A top sales leader for existing and new business in their organization
• Motivated to innovate and create new revenue streams or packages
• Show leadership skills within their sales team
• Embraces new digital audio sales revenue streams
• Can define their clear vision about the future of the radio sales industry
• Works with a Pat Grierson-esque flair in their day-to-day work life
Industry members are invited to submit a maximum of six paragraphs with clear examples and evidence of how the nominees meets each of the six categories above.
Submissions should include the name, bio and market of the submitter, plus a letter from their sales lead/manager stating they have reviewed and approved the submission as an accurate reflection of the nominee’s work.
Submissions can be made until April 22, 2024 at: cmw.net/radiodays/pat-grierson-radio-salesperson-of-the-year-award
Pat Grierson, a luminary in the radio industry, left an indelible mark through his innovation, leadership, and passion. Born in Cape Town and having lived in London before moving to Toronto in 1972, Pat embarked on a storied career in radio that spanned several decades starting from the 1970s. His early years in the industry were with Standard Broadcasting, which led to his role as president of the Standard Broadcasting Sales Radio division after its acquisition by Slaight in 1985.
In 1987, Pat was pivotal in the creation of United Broadcast Sales, a merger that amalgamated Western Broadcast Sales and Standard Broadcast Sales, showcasing his vision for collaboration and growth within the sector. His pioneering spirit was further exemplified in 1993, when he founded Canadian Broadcast Sales (CBS), a powerhouse that, under his leadership as president, would come to handle 60% of all national radio sales in Canada. CBS represented an impressive portfolio of 43 broadcasters and over 400 stations across 221 Canadian markets, demonstrating Pat’s significant impact on the industry.
Pat Grierson’s contributions were not limited to his professional achievements; he was a beloved figure known for his love for radio, a passion that was evident in every facet of his career. His legacy will live on through the Pat Grierson Radio Sales Person of the Year Award, an accolade that honours excellence in radio sales, reflecting the values and standards that Pat held dear.
Pat passed away on May 13, 2022, at the age of 77, leaving behind a loving family and a professional community that deeply respects his contributions. His journey from Cape Town to becoming a respected figure in Canadian radio sales is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and the profound impact he had on the radio industry. The Pat Grierson Radio Sales Person of the Year Award seeks to uphold the standards of excellence that Pat represented, inspiring future generations to aspire to greatness in their careers.
ABOUT RADIODAYS NORTH AMERICA
Now in its second year, Radiodays North America (RDNA) is a joint venture between Radio Days Europe and Canadian Music Week. Radiodays North America is the first continent-wide radio, podcast and audio conference with an international line up of over 120 speakers in 60+ sessions over two and a half days. RDNA focuses on the future of radio, podcasting and audio, while also sharing experiences from the best of today – success stories, digital advances, journalism, new research and business models from across the globe. In addition, RDNA features an exhibition with exhibitors showcasing services for broadcasters.
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ABOUT CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK
Now in its 42nd year, Canadian Music Week is Canada’s leading annual entertainment event dedicated to the expression and growth of the country’s music, media and entertainment industries. Combining multifaceted information-intensive conferences; a trade exposition; awards shows and the nation’s largest new music festival. All conference functions occur at The Westin Harbour Castle at 1 Harbour Square in Toronto.
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ABOUT SLAIGHT MUSIC
Slaight Music was established in 2011 by Allan and Gary Slaight (Allan Slaight is known as Canada’s broadcast pioneer, music leader and a prominent Canadian philanthropist), with a mandate to support the Canadian music community through a variety of initiatives and to develop Canadian talent via strategic partnerships with industry peers. Slaight Music works with artists from across the country and the musical spectrum, helping to further careers and get great music heard. Slaight Music is also invested in the technology sphere, helping Canadian music entrepreneurs develop the next generation of digital platforms and services. The company also supports a variety of music-related events, causes and charities.
Media Contact: Damien Nelson, damien@wantandable.ca