2009 Kellar Institute Update
New photo gallery of the successful 2009 Kellar Radio Talent Institute!
2009 Program Information and Application 
The third annual Kellar Radio Talent Institute (formerly Radio Farm System Institute) will be held July 13-22 on the campus of Appalachian State University. This program, the first of its kind in the country, is a talent incubator for future radio broadcasters designed to attract, teach and create opportunity for talented students who have a passion for the broadcast industry and even station ownership.
The two previous Institutes received rave reviews from the students, as well as from the 45 professionals who came to speak the first two years. Receiving much national press, the program has met and exceeded expectations. Students who completed the program have been hired by CBS and Clear Channel in Charlotte, Beasley Broadcast Group in Fayetteville, Entercom in Greenville, SC, Capital Broadcasting in Wilmington, Cumulus Media in Shreveport, La and others. Every student loved being part of the Institute. Those who returned as seniors after the Institute experience were even more educated, informed and focused on what area of broadcasting they want to pursue, and more energized than ever in preparing for a career upon graduation.
The Institute brings in industry professionals from around the country to teach during this 10-day program. Last year’s participating professionals praised Appalachian State and embraced the Institute as a “go to” place to find bright, talented young broadcasters entering the industry.
Institute founder Dan “Vallie” Hill speaking at broadcast industry events including the National Association of Broadcasters’ Radio Executive Group Owners fly-in, in Washington, DC, and in various industry publications, states “THIS is the future of the radio industry”, referring to the students in the program. Industry professionals agree as well and most will agree with Art Kellar’s comment to Vallie as this program began: “There are plenty of people in the industry who want to help young people enter the industry and be successful.” It appears he was right.
Applications can be downloaded, or picked up on the ASU campus at the college radio station offices on the third floor of Wey Hall and the offices of the Department of Communication in Walker Hall.
2008: Continued Success!
The second annual Kellar Radio Farm System Institute was held July 14-23 on the campus of Appalachian State University. This program, the first of its kind in the country, is a talent farm system for future radio broadcasters designed to attract, teach and create opportunity for talented students who have a passion for the broadcast industry and even station ownership. This year's program built on the success of last year's inaugural program.
The Institute brings in industry professionals from around the country to teach during this 10-day program. All of the participating professionals praised Appalachian State and embraced the Institute as a “go to” place to find bright, talented young broadcasters entering the industry.
For more details, check out the 2008 Program News.Industry recognition: RadioandRecords.com featured the 2008 graduates on their Big Shots news page.
Program Background
Hosted by the Department of Communication
On the campus of Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608
The Kellar Radio Farm System Institute is an intensive 10-day summer program designed to attract, train and create opportunity for talented students who have a passion for the broadcast industry and ownership. Juniors and seniors with a communication major or minor who are accepted into the program stay on campus and participate in activities in and around the Boone, North Carolina campus.
The Kellar Radio Farm System Institute prepares students to excel in entry-level positions upon their graduation and to better ensure they get a start in and have a successful career in broadcasting. The students work through the intensive institute to gain a greater understanding of each aspect of the industry including:
- on air
- news
- writing
- sales
- traffic
- programming
- management
- ownership and many other aspects of the industry.
“Broadcasters at the highest level understand the importance of bringing new talent into the industry, even so, we have never developed an organized and systemized farm system until now,” stated Dan Hill AKA Dan Vallie, Director of the Institute, who now serves as general manager for WASU, Appalachian’s radio station. “I am excited that Appalachian State has embraced this innovative concept and is teaming with the industry to find, train, coach and develop fresh young talent in every area of broadcasting. I expect other leading broadcasters will want to support this innovative radio farm system as well.”
For More Information
For more information about the Kellar Radio Farm System Institute or the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University, contact:
Dan “Vallie” Hill, Institute Director
(828) 262-7621
valliehill@appstate.edu
Dr. Janice Pope, Interim Chair, Department of Communication
(828) 262-2221
popejt@appstate.edu
