KSON’s GM is president of local radio trade group

Rick Jackson, senior vice president and general manager of Lincoln Financial Media Company of California, which operates three radio stations in San Diego, including KSON-FM 97.3 and 92.1, KIFM Smooth FM 98.1 and KBZT FM 94/9, has been elected to serve as the 2013-2104 president of the San Diego Radio Broadcasters Association (SDRBA). Jackson will serve a two-year term as president of the local industry trade group that promotes the use of radio as a primary advertising medium.

In addition to his general manager duties and volunteer efforts on behalf of SDRBA, Jackson is the host of “Rick Jackson’s Country Classics,” a three-hour weekend radio show syndicated by United States Radio Stations and heard on more than 150 stations. The show features classic country music from the greatest stars and songs in country music history. Each show features a theme which brings a dynamic feel to each show. Previous themes have included the Sun Sessions on Rockabilly, Country Crime, Million Sellers, Silverscreen Country and Country Crossovers. Holiday shows are especially enjoyable and Rick ties everything together with just the right blend of story and song. Rick's friendly, entertaining style and uncommon knowledge of the music and its legacy give him the perfect blend of style and substance to bring his listeners the most unique country music show in radio. His sincere interest in, passion for, and love of country music is matched only by his listeners.

Jackson arrived in San Diego in 2009 from Charlotte, North Carolina, where he served Greater Media Radio as senior vice president and general manager of WBT AM and FM and the Bob and Sheri Radio Network. Also in Charlotte, he served as president of the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters (NCAB), based in Raleigh, N.C., and the Charlotte Area Radio Managers. He was honored in 2005 with the Earle Gluck Distinguished Service Award from NCAB. He also received in 2003 the Radio Advertising Bureau’s General Manager of the Year award.

Jackson has enjoyed a 39-year working man’s career in radio, both behind the microphone and in management. Behind the microphone and on stage, he has met nearly all of country music's brightest stars. He started his career in country radio in 1974 at KBRN in Brighton, Col., as the afternoon personality. From 1975 to 1979, he worked at KERE in Denver as the afternoon personality. From 1979 to 1980, he worked at KLAK in Denver as the morning personality. Also in Denver, he was the first morning personality for KYGO-FM, and was also KYGO’s program director and music director. He served at KYGO from 1980 to 1992, before relocating to Charlotte.

Jackson resides in Misson Valley with his wife Gina. They have two daughters and five grandchildren.

Also serving with Jackson on the SDRBA executive board: Robert Hughes, vice president of Compass Radio Group and Radio San Diego, will serve as vice president; Melissa Forrest, president and market manager for Clear Channel Media + Entertainment San Diego, will serve as secretary; Peter Moore, senior vice president and west regional manager for Univision Radio, will serve as treasurer; and, Bob Bolinger, vice president/market manager for CBS Radio, will serve as past president.

SDRBA, founded in 1983, is a coalition of 27 local radio stations that serves as a resource for current information about radio in today's dynamically changing media environment and effectiveness as a primary advertising medium. SDRBA also is active in support of civic and charitable causes that benefit the San Diego community.