New man leads state broadcast association
BY SCOTT BONERTZ
J Alumni News staff
G. Martin (Marty) Riemenschneider has done every job imaginable at a radio station.
"I got into broadcasting because I saw how much fun people seemed to have in the business," he said. "I took some classes and found that I had developed a real interest in the business, especially the creative side - production, news, etc."
Riemenschneider started out as an account executive and has worked as a station manager for more than 30 years.
He is now the general manager of Mediawebworks Inc. in Omaha, a company that develops Web sites for radio stations.
Riemenschneider is also the president and new executive director of the Nebraska Broadcasters Association. He was chosen for the position by the association's board of directors in June 2002, succeeding the late Dick Palmquist.
Riemenschneider became the sixth executive director since the association was founded in 1934. This is his second term as president of the broadcasters.
The association represents Nebraska's radio and television stations. Its primary mission is to serve its members while improving the broadcasting industry and the state of Nebraska.
"My experience and knowledge of the broadcast industry are two big reasons why I was chosen," Riemenschneider said.
He said he accepted the position because it gave him the opportunity to help other broadcasters become more successful.
Riemenschneider knows the importance of his position to the broadcasting industry.
"Someone needs to represent our industry to the state government, and look out for broadcasting's interests in the community," he said.
"I want to give the members more services for the membership, whether it's a legal hotline, better sales training, copywriting workshops and engineering workshops. I want to strengthen membership, get members more involved and help them increase their bottom lines," Riemenschneider said in an e-mail.
Riemenschneider said broadcasters could save money by increasing Internet usage, e-mails and Web site information.
Another way Nebraska broadcasters can save money, he said, is by buying insurance and employee benefits through the association rather than individually.
Dwight Lane, the general manager of KEFM-FM in Omaha, said Riemenschneider was chosen for his ability to build relationships and his grip on contemporary broadcasting issues.
Riemenschneider said he was not sure how well he was doing so far.
"I am still learning the nuances of the job right now," he said.
Riemenschneider said he was learning when projects need to be done, how to deal with unplanned events, like candidate debates and the Amber Alert, and the day-to-day operation of the association.
But Lane gives Riemenschneider the highest rating possible.
"Marty really took the ball and ran with it. He came to the association at a difficult time and has done an excellent job," Lane said.
The executive director position is not a term position, so Riemenschneider can stay in the position for as long as the broadcasters allow.
Riemenschneider plans on its being his last position.
"I hope to retire when I leave this job, which means I hope to improve my golf game someday!" he said.
