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SDS Gold Sponsor of Ontario Association of Broadcasters' annual conference, CONNECTION 2024

Specialty Data Systems (SDS) Inc. is proud to be the Gold Sponsor of the Ontario Association of Broadcasters (OAB) CONNECTION 2024 Conference taking place November 6-7, 2024, at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel in Toronto, Ontario.

CONNECTION 2024 will feature discussions on AI, Digital Revenue, Monetizing Promotions, Sales Training and more. Opening this year's conference is Duncan Stewart, Director of Technology, Media and Telecommunications Research for Deloitte Canada, who will offer a sneak peek at Deloitte’s 2024 topics of special interest and relevance for the Canadian broadcast industry. Matt Mise and Peter Farfaras will open the Sales Session discussing Digital Sales, and will feature RAB training, “The New Breed of Salesperson” with SVP, Professional Development, Jeff Schmidt.

Leadership and Sales sessions will be held Thursday, November 7th. The OAB Conference Awards program celebrates the best in broadcasting, with this year’s winners announced at the OAB Conference Awards Luncheon featuring a FACTOR Artist performance. The Ontario Association of Broadcasters serves the common interests of radio and television station operators in the province, promoting local radio and community support.

For more information or details contact memberservices@oab.ca.

ABOUT OAB

The Ontario Association of Broadcasters (OAB) was established in 1950, originally as the Central Canada Broadcasters Association, to serve the common interests of privately owned radio and television station operators in the province. Membership is open to Radio and Television stations licensed in Ontario. Post-secondary schools, businesses and organizations with an interest in the broadcast industry are eligible for associate membership.

Introducing SDS Traffic's Invoicing 2.0

Invoicing 2.0 is designed to simplify and streamline the month-end process, allowing finance departments to focus on more critical tasks. Developed in collaboration with the SDS user base, Invoicing 2.0 offers features such as easy editing of invoices, creation of EDI invoices for all stations, dynamic searches, and the ability to run invoices across all media properties with one click. With Invoicing 2.0, finance teams can access crucial information at a glance, such as outstanding amounts and by whom and when an invoice was last printed or emailed.
Commenting on the launch, SDS's COO Jim Anderson said, "We are thrilled to introduce Invoicing 2.0 to our valued clients. Invoicing 2.0 offers a range of features that enable businesses to manage their invoicing needs with ease and efficiency. We believe this new module will be a game-changer for our clients, saving them time and effort while improving their overall financial management process."
Invoicing 2.0 is part of SDS's ongoing commitment to providing innovative software solutions that meet the evolving needs of media companies. With a focus on customer satisfaction, SDS is dedicated to delivering software that is user-friendly, reliable, and efficient.
Invoicing 2.0 is now available to all SDS Symphony customers.

SDS Symphony and Vendasta to increase efficiency in Digital Sales

SDS is delighted to announce a partnership with Vendasta, an end-to-end platform for broadcasters to market, sell and fulfill digital solutions to small and medium businesses.
Vendasta is an end-to-end Agency Management Software that helps sell marketing solutions to local businesses. Vendasta is a Canadian company located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
SDS and Vendasta understand the concept of “less is more” and together developed a seamless exchange of customer data. This two-way communication exchange for passing client information means that datasets remain in sync across different revenue-tracking platforms while eliminating time-wasting data entry and preventing duplicates.
This information sharing means that digital campaigns can be tracked through Vendasta’s robust digital sales solution while harnessing the power of SDS’s invoicing platform, which offers the efficiency of a single invoice across digital and broadcast platforms along with the ease of automated Moneris payments. The best of both worlds.
This is yet another example of SDS’s commitment to meeting the changing needs of media companies by partnering with other innovative and agile visionaries.

Introducing new enhancements to Pay Now

Pay Now, a feature of SDS AR, has been expanded to include email receipts, automated notifications for declined payments, and customizable reminders for soon-to-expire credit cards. With these new features, SDS Pay Now continues to simplify the payment process by eliminating guesswork and enhancing transparency.
SDS Pay Now has added a feature to automatically send custom receipts via email, complete with all the necessary payment details so that advertisers no longer need to manually track their receipts or interact with the credit card processor. This not only streamlines the payment process, but also eliminates the risk of lost or misplaced receipts.
If a payment is declined, an email notification will be sent to both the advertiser and the AE so that everyone is in the loop. This allows for quick and efficient resolution of any payment issues, ensuring that the payment process is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
This version also includes automated email reminders of expiring credit cards. Both advertisers and AEs receive reminders of expiring cards via email, making it easy to stay one step ahead.
This latest round of enhancements is an excellent example of SDS's commitment to improving workflow processes for its partners.

SDS introduces streamlined Digital Co-op invoicing, with SDS Creative

SDS is thrilled to unveil a Digital Co-op feature, which allows users to easily attach images to digital co-op invoices. In response to the growing demand for Digital products, this one-step solution not only saves valuable time at month end, but also showcases the digital creative directly on the invoice.

"We are excited to bring this feature to our clients," said Jim Anderson, COO at SDS. "The ability to attach images to digital co-op orders not only streamlines the billing process, but also adds a professional, visual dimension to the invoices, themselves."

With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, SDS continues to redefine industry standards and empower broadcasters in the digital age. This latest feature exemplifies SDS's dedication to continual enhancements and user-centric design.

ChatGPT now available to all SDS Creative clients

Specialty Data Systems (SDS) Inc. is delighted to announce the integration of ChatGPT, a cutting-edge language model developed by OpenAI, to SDS Creative. This exciting new feature will enable both AEs and writers to write scripts more efficiently.

Draft scripts can be produced within seconds, at the click of a button using copy points, spot length, and the Advertiser's name as prompts. If you're not happy with the first draft, simply click again for a re-do! Edit the draft script as desired, then save all in one screen.

The integration of ChatGPT is part of SDS's commitment to providing cutting-edge technology solutions that save media companies both time and money.

This feature will be rolled out in the third quarter to all SDS Creative clients.

SDS Payments

Tired of processing individual credit card payments? SDS has partnered with BaSys Processing in the United States and Moneris in Canada to provide a 100% secure process to make your organization 100% PCI compliant, with no client credit card information stored at the station level.

Once you activate SDS Payments, it will reduce your monthly recurring credit card fees and the amount of time it takes to process invoices.

Invoices can be processed across multiple stations at once on current invoices or partial payments can be applied on an individual or group basis. Payments are processed and applied directly to the selected invoices reducing keystroke errors and allowing focus on more important areas.

SDS Payments is a new feature within the SDS A/R component of SDS Symphony.

New additions to the SDS Symphony family

Specialty Data Systems (SDS) Inc., a leading North American provider of innovative broadcast management software, continues to expand its market presence with the addition of the following broadcast groups:

After an exhaustive search, Dimes Media Corporation chose SDS Symphony as the solution to meet their needs. Operating five stations in San Luis Obispo County, California and recently expanding to include an additional two stations in King City, California, the switch to SDS helped streamline processes and centralize operations.

Byrnes Communications Inc. brought their three Ontario stations - 104.7 The Heart serving Woodstock and Oxford County,105.1 The River, and 101.1 More FM in Niagara Falls, Ontario - online with SDS Symphony's flexible and cost-effective Cloud solution.

SDS Introduces Flexible Cloud Solutions

Specialty Data Systems (SDS) Inc., a leading North American provider of innovative broadcast management software, introduces flexible Cloud-based options.

Your organization can now access the suite of broadcast management software, SDS Symphony, using your corporate LAN/WAN or from the comfort of their remote offices via browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari) or via Azure Virtual Desktop, which provide multi-monitor access, printers, and mapped drives. MFA authentication is optional.

Instead of purchasing and maintaining expensive complex infrastructure and replacing physical servers every 3-5 years, why not harness the security, speed, and agility of SDS Symphony's Cloud solution? You will reduce IT expenses, ongoing system maintenance, and the need for local network expertise.

SDS Cloud, backed by Microsoft Azure, is a SaaS platform that provides a secure environment optimized for your SDS applications without the maintenance headaches and costs of managing it within your organization or from a third-party vendor.

SDS Symphony's Cloud solution also provides for a hybrid approach, where Cloud infrastructure is managed by your local IT. Either way, SDS Symphony's Cloud solution combines a fully mobile desktop experience with the peace of mind of automated backups and multi-location data redundancy.

Easy scalability and optimal speed outputs are provided via instant automatic capacity adjustments to disk size and memory.

The Cloud is here to stay, and the flexible Cloud options offered by SDS can be tailored to meet the operational and end-user needs of any operation.

The Miracle Channel chooses SDS

Far longer than anyone cares to admit, The Miracle Channel was broadcasting without the aid of a traffic solution, but they had developed a routine to manage the workflow. As a small independent broadcaster, they realized that they needed to change. After a failed rollout from a different provider, a chance meeting with SDS at a WAB Conference, was the impetus to select SDS Symphony. “I understood the hesitancy that Miracle was feeling” says Jim Anderson of SDS. “I cut my teeth in broadcasting with manual systems and with promises not fulfilled on a previous rollout, we worked closely with them to ensure that all of their needs were met.”

“The SDS team provided us with well-rounded knowledge of how every piece of the software worked together—even down to the front-line, day-to-day tasks. The software is well laid-out and user-friendly in a way that you can tell their developers utilized common sense. Jim and the SDS team were dedicated to helping us understand the system—we were able to make this decision with confidence.” said Tom Lister, Director of Operations for Miracle.

Miracle Channel is television with purpose. We are reaching people with the hope of Christ through contemporary, life-changing programs. We air programming from popular ministries such as Joyce Meyer, Leon Fontaine, and Joel Osteen. As well as documentaries, talk shows, movies, Canadian news, live programs, and children's shows. “Something for everyone” really sums up the variety of programming offered by Miracle Channel in Canada since 1996 as the first and still only all-Christian broadcaster.

JAZZFM 91 Toronto is now humming with SDS Symphony

More than just a radio station, JAZZ.FM91 is an organization that is dedicated to enriching the culture, education and community experience of their audience. When the station reviewed their current software applications they realized that a change was required that would allow them to not only continue their mandate but expand it. Their search led them to Specialty Data Systems (SDS). With its intuitive design and scalable model, SDS Symphony was the best solution to help bring the sweet sounds of jazz to the listeners throughout the GTA, Canada and around the world.

“We needed a system that could be tailored to our needs and SDS Symphony fit the bill. Our employees had used SDS in the past and I was constantly being told that we needed SDS,” explains Lorie Russell, Managing Director of JAZZFM.91. “There was too much duplication of work and with SDS that is eliminated, and we can work with greater efficiency. The industry is changing and we need to be able to change with it. SDS allows us to do that. The fact that they are located in Toronto and are 100% Canadian makes us proud of this partnership.”

SDS’s streamlined workflow and flexible design makes it the perfect solution for the experimentation and agility required by broadcasters to compete in today’s dynamic environment. “Whether broadcasters have a single radio station, television station, or a multiple of each across the country, SDS Symphony provides broadcasters with the tools to operate more efficiently, manage their data, reduce redundancies and easily adapt to changes challenging our industry.” said Jim Anderson, Chief Operating Officer of SDS.

“We are honoured that JAZZ.FM91 selected SDS Symphony and that the desire to upgrade was enthusiastically supported by the users. We take pride in our support and we’ve always believed that in today’s fragmented world, support is the cornerstone of success. From Traffic, CRM, Sales, Creative Production, and Finance, SDS Symphony enables all staff to work together in concert to an unprecedented degree, enabling the maximization of every avail and every dollar, every day.”

SDS Symphony’s Programming Module Updated for new CRTC TV logging requirements

SDS, the leading Canadian supplier of Broadcast software in the Canadian marketplace, continues to expand its software to meet and exceed the needs of their Canadian clients.

The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunication Commission (CRTC) has revised how Canadian Television Stations are to submit their monthly program logs. Licensees are required to submit, in a form acceptable to the Commission, a machine readable record of programming, which is collectively known as a program log.

“The CRTC changes were effective as of September 1, 2018”, said Jim Anderson, COO of SDS “We modified SDS Symphony’s Programming module to ensure that the changes required by the CRTC would not result in extra hours of work for our users. If every TV program started as of September 1st, the changes would have been simple. However most programs existed prior to September 1, so we had to ensure that our users could resubmit earlier logs under the previous set of rules without having to extra work. Prior to joining SDS, as a broadcaster I submitted program logs to the CRTC so I understand their complexity and the importance of ensuring that they are correct.”

The changes to SDS Symphony didn’t end with simply updating the rules. SDS designed a beautiful new software interface for the users that interactively displays each and every program code logging error. The module also keeps track of the users’ Conditions of License to ensure that there are no surprises when the Licensee appears before the Commission.

SDS Symphony is a uniquely unified suite of enterprise software for Radio, TV, and Internet Broadcasters. Built atop a centralized database, SDS Symphony delivers Clarity, Control, and Results by focusing on efficiency and giving all departments instant, easy access to information across all markets, stations, and media properties.

SDS Introduces SDS Creative

Specialty Data Systems (SDS) today announced the release of SDS Creative, an advanced media production module. SDS Creative joins the existing components of SDS Symphony: SDS Sales, SDS Traffic, SDS CRM, SDS Programming, SDS Reports, and SDS A/R, in providing media companies with a complete media management system.

SDS Creative works across radio, television, and digital platforms in any environment, from large multi-market broadcast groups to locally-operated stations. As a unified component of SDS Symphony, SDS Creative is uniquely able to integrate the commercial production process with other media departments including Traffic, Sales, and Management. SDS Creative is fully scalable, with customized workflows and multi-tiered security.

“SDS Creative is the latest offering in SDS’s mission to anticipate and deliver the most powerful tools possible. Based largely on input from our current and prospective client base, SDS Creative was built to be dynamic enough to suit any media environment,” said Dave Cole, President of SDS. “SDS Creative closes the loop, fully integrating the activities of production personnel with their colleagues in Traffic, Sales, and Management.”

With SDS Creative, everyone is on the same page, eliminating the need for 3rd party solutions. Deadlines are flagged and tasks are managed for everyone: writers, producers, talent, traffic, and sales. Electronic approval routing allows creative to get to air faster, while automated email notifications and transparent workflow tracking encourages departmental accountability. SDS Creative features a rich script editor and every revision of a script is stored for a truly paper-less experience.

SDS Symphony is a uniquely unified suite of enterprise software for Radio, TV, and Internet Broadcasters. Built around a centralized database, SDS Symphony delivers Clarity, Control, and Results by focussing on efficiency and giving all departments instant, easy access to information across markets, stations, and media properties. Established in 1993, SDS is a leading North American provider of broadcast management software, specializing in the development of a proven, unified approach to media management. With more than 500 television, radio and digital station clients representing a billion dollars in advertising revenues, SDS is independent of broadcaster ownership and remains a responsive, agile, and customer-focused company.

SDS Sales Introduces Seamless, Real-Time Access to Nielsen Respondent-Level Data for Radio

Specialty Data Systems (SDS) announced the release of SDS Sales’ fully integrated access to Nielsen respondent-level data. SDS Sales now has a direct link to the Nielsen data engine, enabling real-time updating of sales proposals and bookings with Nielsen audience data.

Now, when building an order in SDS Sales, line-level edits directly query the Nielsen data to automatically update rating, audience, CPM, CPP, and reach/frequency numbers. As days and hours are customized and spot times are adjusted, the audience data reflects these revisions in real-time. The introduction of this feature establishes SDS Sales as a one-stop solution for building pitches, estimating audience reach, and entering buys, eliminating the need for multiple systems or redundant data entry.

Harnessing the power of Nielsen’s data engine is yet another example of SDS’s dedication to help clients save time and make more money by maximizing every spot and every dollar. “SDS strives to consistently deliver the tools broadcasters need to stay one step ahead in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace. We are committed to continuously enhancing our products with time-saving features to optimize the user experience,” said Dave Cole, SDS President. “SDS’s integration with Nielsen speaks directly to our ongoing commitment to providing effective, powerful business software to our clients.”

Group Attraction Radio Inc. partners with SDS

Centralized radio station operations was what leading Canadian broadcaster Group Attraction Radio, was looking for to increase the efficiency of its operations. The Quebec based company found the solution in an innovative, unified broadcast management system provided by Specialty Data Systems (SDS).

Group Attraction Radio has installed SDS’s flagship broadcast management software, SDS Symphony, at all of its radio stations. The software centralizes information, across all departments and all markets.

“We had been working in a semi-manual system previously which made it very difficult to work efficiently”, explained Marc Thibault, Director of Finances, Radio Division. “Redundancy of data entry and effort was commonplace, so we needed a better way.” Thibault said.

SDS Symphony provides broadcasters with the ability to instantaneously share information between various markets, stations and departments – from CRM, sales, traffic and programming to operations and accounting – eliminating the need for data re-entry and cross-verification.

“Now with Group Attraction joining SDS, over 425 stations across North. America have partnered with SDS and we are proud to have the team from Group Attraction as a customer. With our bilingual support team, the users at Group Attraction have been able to learn SDS in their language. This is another commitment that SDS has to our partners in French Canada. I am confident that our SDS Symphony product will yield better clarity and control of their business,” said Dave Cole, President of SDS, explaining that the result is a more efficient and streamlined operation.

“Now, with SDS, we have streamlined administration, simple and efficient enterprise reporting and rapid process improvement,” Thibault said.

2015 was a year of Growth for SDS Symphony

Specialty Data Systems (SDS) Inc., a leading North American provider of innovative broadcast management software, continues to extend its market presence with the announcement of additional station launches in both television and radio throughout North America

“I’m pleased to announce the following additions to the SDS family,” said Dave Cole, president of Toronto, Ont.-based SDS, adding that the company is on target to increase its installed base to more than 500 radio and television stations across North America by fourth quarter 2016.

The new accounts include:
Corus Entertainment Inc. (3 stations) and the launch of Disney, Disney XD, and La Chaine Disney in November 2015. Corus Entertainment has been using SDS since 1993. Proving that SDS understands the Canadian marketplace better than anyone else.

Accessible Media Inc. and the launch of AMI-Tele in January 2015 in Quebec. Launch in January 2015, AMI serves more than five million Canadians who are blind, partially sighted, deaf, hard of hearing, mobility or print restricted. AMI has been part of the SDS family since 2008.

Roundhouse Radio launched in January 2015. After reviewing all the choices available in the marketplace, Roundhouse Radio selected SDS Symphony to assist in reaching its mandate of hyperlocal content and urban presence.

“American General Media (6 stations), Summit Media LLC (8 stations), Results Radio (2), Harvard Broadcastings (2) also expanded with ease” Cole noted. “The process is not intrusive to the users at all and stations can be added and launched within a matter of weeks with no additional costs!”

In addition to station launches, SDS also has expanded its VOD offering to Canadian television clients. “As the BDU offer more options to the viewer, this has required additional features within the VOD spectrum, often at a moment’s notice. We have been able to deliver these modifications to our clients with ease” said Sarah Smithies, SDS’s Project Director. “That’s why they chose SDS. We have been there for them every step of the way. From changes in the reporting system at the CRTC to the Numeris Program Names Collection Solution. We add these features at no charge to the system so our clients are not using Excel or manual reports.”

“Over the past year, SDS has been working on a new feature we call SDS IM or Inventory Management,” commented Jim Anderson, COO of SDS. “As the industry changes, so too does our software and the ability to see as much or little information as the user demands. SDS IM allows them to do that. It allows them to see as far into the future as they dare to look and manage the inventory as they want.”

Sherri Clark, the Corporate Traffic Director from Summit Media says this about SDS IM. “I’m able to handle the logs for 15 stations across the country from wherever I am. I travel from site to site, we have 6 in total, and everyone thinks I’m sitting in their location doing the logs, moving spots, etc. I couldn’t live without it!”

Equipped with a common database to integrate sales, traffic, programming, finance and operations data, SDS Symphony gives broadcasters the ability to instantaneously share information between stations and across departments, regardless of location. Its automated approach eliminates the need for re-entry and cross-verification of data, and formats information according to specific user needs, whether they’re programming airtime, booking orders, scheduling promos or producing sales and commission reports.

SDS Sales Introduces Fully Integrated, Real-Time Access to Numeris Diary and PPM Level Data for Radio

Specialty Data Systems (SDS) announced today the release of SDS Sales’ fully integrated access to Numeris audience data in Canada. The latest version of SDS Sales taps directly in to the Numeris data engine to dynamically update sales proposals and bookings with Numeris audience data.

Now, when building an order in SDS Sales, line-level edits directly query the Numeris data to automatically update rating, audience, CPM, CPP, and reach/frequency numbers. As hours and days are narrowed and spot times are adjusted, the audience data reflects the changes in real-time. This version of SDS Sales also includes a comprehensive and fully customizable Ranker, which allows the inclusion of spill markets, the creation of station groupings, and dynamic printing options. The introduction of these features makes SDS Sales a one-stop solution for building pitches, estimating audience reach, and entering buys, eliminating redundant data-entry and the need for multiple systems. Harnessing the power of Numeris’ data engine is yet another example of SDS’s dedication to help clients save time and make more money by maximizing every spot and every dollar.

“SDS is committed to continuously enhancing our products with time-saving features to streamline the user experience. We strive to constantly deliver the tools broadcasters need to stay one step ahead in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace,” says Dave Cole, SDS President. “SDS’s decision to integrate the power of the Numeris data engine speaks directly to our commitment to providing effective, powerful business software to our clients.”

SDS unveils new Mobile-friendly website

Specialty Data Systems (SDS) announced today the release of its new mobile-friendly website, featuring a more contemporary design and user-friendly menus that allow visitors to easily navigate through each section. The updated pages at www.sds.ca contain the latest information on the SDS Symphony system, the company, team members, product news and recent press releases.

Many new enhancements have also been made to improve the user-experience for all broadcasters; radio, TV and internet. The site details the many advantages of partnering with SDS to save time and make more money by maximizing every spot and every dollar with the SDS Symphony system.

The mobile version of www.sds.ca resizes to each user’s screen, regardless of the device, to deliver the same user-experience as a Web browser on a PC.

“SDS is committed to expanding our market share with an optimized end-to-end approach of doing business and a second-to-none dedication to our customers. We strive to constantly deliver the tools broadcasters need to stay competitive in today’s changing marketplace,” says Dave Cole, SDS President. “Our newly enhanced website is part of our commitment to do just that.”

Summit Media chooses SDS

One-stop access to all the data at each of its radio stations was what leading U.S. broadcaster Summit Media, LLC was looking for to increase the efficiency of its operations. The Birmingham, Alabama-based company found the solution in an innovative, unified broadcast management system provided by Specialty Data Systems (SDS).

Summit Media has announced that it has installed SDS’s flagship broadcast management software, SDS Symphony, at all 23 of its radio stations, based in Alabama, Virginia, S. Carolina, Hawaii and Kentucky. The software centralizes information, across all departments, in real time.

“The SDS system completely eliminates the information silos that are so prevalent in radio,” said Darryl Grondines, CFO of Summit Media, explaining that the company previously had separate databases for each of its stations and each market it services. “Now, with SDS, all our stations are in a common database which enables simple and efficient enterprise reporting, rapid process improvement and streamlined administration, which will play a vital role in the growth and development of our company.”

“We wear a lot of different hats around here and we needed a software vendor that would help us work smarter, not harder”, Grondines explained. “SDS is a long-time, privately-owned company that very much resembles our own, so cultural fit played a large role in our partnering decision.”

SDS Symphony provides broadcasters with the ability to instantaneously share information between various markets, stations and departments – from CRM, sales, traffic and programming to operations and accounting – eliminating the need for data re-entry and cross-verification.

“Now with over 400 stations across N. America partnered with SDS Symphony, information is always up-to-date and broadcasters have better clarity and control of their business,” said Dave Cole, President of SDS, explaining that the result is a more efficient and streamlined operation. “The technology’s two-way flow of data allows for faster implementation, and reduces redundancies and costs, enabling the system to grow and adapt as broadcasters grow and the market evolves.”

First-of-its-kind CRM Solution Targets Unique World of Broadcasting

Specialty Data Systems (SDS) Inc., a leading North American provider of broadcast management software and creator of SDS Symphony, has launched a first-of-its-kind customer relationship management (CRM) solution for broadcasters. Called SDS CRM, the product differs from other commercially-available CRM products by zeroing in on the unique challenges of broadcasters and arming them with real-time access to the critical information they need to make better decisions, increase sales, manage inventory and maximize revenue.

“SDS CRM resulted directly from client feedback,” said Dave Cole, President of Toronto-based SDS, noting that the decision to develop a custom vertical solution was achieved following an extensive market review of other CRM offerings on the market combined with a comprehensive survey of customer needs.

“We’re delivering an end-to-end software solution that puts real-time customer information into the hands of broadcasters – literally via email, PC or mobile device – helping them to manage the everyday business of broadcasting, from generating sales leads to managing active accounts,” he said.

Unlike standalone CRM systems that are often fragmented, SDS CRM provides a comprehensive and unified view of customer information that is accurate and up-to-date. It takes account management to the next level by supplying continuously updated alerts and reports on everything from revenue, accounts receivable, inventory and pacing, to budget, key performance indicators and sales projections.

Whereas other CRM products rely on third-party reporting software or manual consolidation of data from disparate markets and silos of information, SDS CRM delivers a consolidated view of critical reports, alerts, and performance indicators from across an entire organization. This is particularly important for broadcasters as they continue to move towards more centralized operations as a way to do more with less, Cole explained.

“SDS CRM keeps me on track,” said Mike Cheney, Local Sales Manager at Bend, Oregon-based Horizon Broadcasting. “It brings all of my account information right to my phone so that it’s available whenever I need it.”

Trila Bumstead, CEO at Seattle, Washington-based Ohana Media, added that: “Using the built-in performance alert feature, I get real-time notification of potential problems so that I can ‘course correct’ while I still have time to do something about it.”

SDS CRM is a fully unified component of SDS Symphony, the company’s flagship product for automating routine broadcast-related tasks such as airtime programming, sales and traffic workflow, order booking, promo scheduling and credit rule enforcement. Among the new component’s functionality and features are: CRM dashboard, an overview of operational information including access to drill-down reports; CRM Alerts, a feature that sends automatic notification whenever pre-determined conditions are met, such as missing copy, expiring contracts or past-due receivables; CRM Account Brief, a summary of client information to support sales calls; and CRM Push Reports, an automatic way to receive custom reports. All features are customizable.

Operating on Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Microsoft SQL Server, SDS CRM is included as part of the unified SDS Symphony suite at no cost.

Rawlco Radio centralizes operations with SDS

Centralized radio station operations was what leading Canadian broadcaster Rawlco Radio, was looking for to increase the efficiency of its operations. The Saskatchewan-based company found the solution in an innovative, unified broadcast management system provided by Specialty Data Systems (SDS).

Rawlco Radio has announced that it has installed SDS’s flagship broadcast management software, SDS Symphony, at all 18 of its radio stations, based in Saskatchewan and Alberta. The software centralizes information, across all departments and all Rawlco markets.

“We had been working in a semi-centralized manner before, but each station functioned in its own database which made it very difficult to work efficiently”, explained Ian Koturbash, CFO of Rawlco Radio. “Redundancy of data entry and effort was commonplace, so we needed a better way.” Koturbash said.

SDS Symphony provides broadcasters with the ability to instantaneously share information between various markets, stations and departments – from CRM, sales, traffic and programming to operations and accounting – eliminating the need for data re-entry and cross-verification.

“Now with Rawlco Radio coming on board, over 400 stations across N. America have partnered with SDS and we are proud to have the team from Rawlco as a customer. I am confident that our SDS Symphony product will yield better clarity and control of their business,” said Dave Cole, President of SDS, explaining that the result is a more efficient and streamlined operation.

“Now, with SDS, all our stations are together in one database which enables streamlined administration, simple and efficient enterprise reporting and rapid process improvement, which will play a vital role in the growth in the efficiency of our radio operations and employee morale”, Koturbash said.

SDS Adds 49 Canadian Radio Stations to its Growing Customer Base

Specialty Data Systems (SDS) Inc., a leading North American provider of innovative broadcast management software, continues to extend its market reach in Canada with the announcement of four new broadcasting accounts totaling 49 radio stations.

“After focusing our growth strategy in Canada for much of 2012, we’re pleased to announce that our efforts have paid off,” said Dave Cole, president of Toronto, Ont.-based SDS, adding that the company is on target to increase its installed base to more than 500 radio and television stations across North America by fourth quarter 2014.

The new accounts include: Acadia Broadcasting Ltd. (10 stations), based in Saint John, N.B.; Harvard Broadcasting (11 stations), based in Calgary, Alta; Maritime Broadcasting System (24 stations), based in Halifax, N.S.; and Fabmar Communications Ltd. (4 stations), based in Melfort, Sask. All four selected the company’s flagship product, SDS Symphony, for its unique ability to unify disparate business systems, allowing broadcasters to work better and faster. They will also benefit from a newly-launched Customer Relationship Management (CRM) component of the SDS system, called SDS CRM, which delivers a consolidated view of critical reports and performance indicators across an entire organization, including support for mobile devices and smart phones.

“Choosing SDS Symphony and SDS CRM has enabled us to streamline our operations,” said Jim MacMullin, Vice-President of Acadia Broadcasting. “Before, we had three separate systems that didn’t talk to each other – Sales, Traffic and Corporate Reporting – and our reporting was entirely manual. Now, we have one unified, automated process for accessing the critical information we need to run our business and anticipate the addition of SDS CRM to take it to the next level.”

With SDS, we’re working smarter, not harder,” said Ken Singer, Vice-President, Broadcast Operations at Fabmar Communications. “Previously, our sales reps in three markets spent a great deal of time handling paper orders that were handled again by our traffic managers creating a lot of unnecessary processing time. Thanks to the remote capabilities of SDS, that’s no longer the case.”

Equipped with a common database to integrate sales, traffic, programming, finance and operations data, SDS Symphony gives broadcasters the ability to instantaneously share information between stations and across departments, regardless of location. Its automated approach eliminates the need for re-entry and cross-verification of data, and formats information according to specific user needs, whether they’re programming airtime, booking orders, scheduling promos or producing sales and commission reports.

New in 2013 and included as part of SDS Symphony at no additional cost, the SDS CRM component takes account management to the next level by supplying continuously updating alerts and reports on everything from revenue, accounts receivable, inventory and pacing, to budget, key performance indications and sales projections. Features include a dashboard of key operational data with drill-down reports, automatic notification whenever pre-determined conditions are met, such as missing copy or past-due receivables, client summaries and customizable reports.

Blackburn Radio Unifies its 14 Radio Stations

Blackburn Radio Inc. announced today that it has installed SDS Symphony, a flagship broadcast management system by leading North American provider Specialty Data Systems (SDS), at each of its 14 radio stations across Ontario.

The London, Ont.-based broadcaster – which has radio stations in Chatham, Leamington, London, Sarnia, Windsor and Wingham – explained that it chose SDS’s broadcast management solution because it met the company’s need to unify its operations, increase efficiency and avoid duplication.

“Our goal was to not only improve efficiency at a market level, but to also provide consolidated real-time data for head office,” said Walter Ploegman, Director of Operations and Marketing for Blackburn Radio. Prior to installing the SDS system, Ploegman explains that Blackburn had separate installations of traffic and billing software, and all data required manual entry and extensive manual consolidation.

“Now, since all processes are done automatically without the need to manually import and export data, our group is realizing valuable time savings while increasing data accuracy and streamlining our operations,” Ploegman said, adding that he appreciates the dedication displayed by the SDS support team throughout the transition to the new system. “Although change is difficult with any software conversion, the SDS team has worked hard to minimize any uneasiness felt by our group – from training all the way through to our first log assembly.”

SDS Symphony provides broadcasters with the ability to instantaneously share information between stations and across departments – from sales, traffic and programming to operations and accounting – eliminating the need for data re-entry and cross-verification. Users access information online in real time and data is filtered and formatted to meet specific needs. The system eases programming of airtime, booking orders, scheduling promos, enforcing credit rules, and producing sales and commission reports.

“Whether a company has one station or multiple outlets, SDS Symphony consolidates and centralizes data so that information is always up-to-date and accessible,” said Dave Cole, President of SDS, adding that the technology also has the ability to adapt as broadcasters grow and the market evolves. “The system’s two-way flow of data allows for faster implementation, and reduces redundancies and costs, giving broadcasters better clarity and control of all aspects of their business while maximizing efficiency and profits.”

Blackburn Radio – founded in 1922 when Arthur Blackburn was granted one of the first radio licenses in Canada – has a successful tradition of marrying state-of-the-art technology with high-quality local programming and community service, news and entertainment. With the goal of meeting the specific needs of the local markets it serves, Blackburn Radio provides a diverse range of format choices, including contemporary, modern, adult hits, rock, news and talk, sports, country and oldies stations.

Backyard Broadcasting Chooses SDS

Specialty Data Systems (SDS) Inc., a leading North American provider of broadcast management software based in Toronto, has announced that broadcaster Backyard Broadcasting, LLC of Jacksonville, Florida has chosen the SDS unified technology solution for its 28 radio stations, based in six U.S. markets.

All 28 stations – located in Corning-Elmira and Olean, New York, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Muncie, Indiana, Jackson, Mississippi and Sioux Falls, South Dakota – have installed SDS’s flagship broadcast management software, SDS Symphony, in order to unify their operations across the miles, increase efficiency and avoid duplication, according to the broadcaster. The software integrates all of the stations’ information, across all departments, in real time.

“The SDS system eliminates the information silos that are so prevalent in radio,” said Robin Smith, Vice President and CFO of Backyard Broadcasting, explaining that the company previously had separate databases for each of its stations. “Now, with SDS, all our stations are in a common database which enables simple and efficient enterprise reporting, rapid process improvement and streamlined administration across the entire company,” she said.

“What attracted us to SDS was their unified approach to broadcasting management software. From an initial proposal submission to a final invoice, we have it all consolidated with SDS, but also have the flexibility to retain traffic functions in each market,” Smith explained. “SDS is a long-time, privately-owned company that very much resembles our own, so cultural fit played a large role in our partnering decision.”

SDS Symphony provides broadcasters with the ability to instantaneously share information between stations and across departments – from sales, traffic and programming to operations and accounting – eliminating the need for data re-entry and cross-verification. Users access information online in real time and data is filtered and formatted to meet specific needs. The system eases programming of airtime, booking orders, scheduling promos, enforcing credit rules, and producing sales and commission reports.

“Our technology solution consolidates and centralizes data so that information is always up-to-date and broadcasters have better clarity and control of all aspects of their business,” said Dave Cole, President of SDS, explaining that the result is a more efficient and streamlined operation. “The technology’s two-way flow of data allows for faster implementation, and reduces redundancies and costs, enabling the system to grow and adapt as broadcasters grow and the market evolves.”

Listed as one of the top 30 broadcasting companies in America, Backyard Broadcasting owns a portfolio of radio stations primarily in medium-sized markets. Using state-of-the-art, digital broadcasting equipment to maximize signal strengths and quality of each station’s sound, the broadcaster offers diverse, heritage programming in each of the six markets it serves, from Hit Radio to Country, to Adult Album Alternative (AAA) and News/Talk/Sports.

American General Media Unifies its 28 Radio Stations

With 28 radio stations in six U.S. markets, leading broadcaster American General Media (AGM) was looking for a way to unify its operations across the miles, increase efficiency and avoid duplication. The Bakersfield, California-based company found what it was looking for in an innovative, unified broadcast management system provided by Specialty Data Systems (SDS) Inc. of Toronto.

American General Media has announced that it has installed SDS’s flagship broadcast management software, SDS Symphony, at each of its 21 FM and seven AM radio stations. The stations – located in Bakersfield, Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo, California, Albuquerque and Farmington, New Mexico and Durango, Colorado – are now equipped with advanced software that integrates each of the stations’ information, across all departments, in real time.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with our decision to convert to the SDS Symphony system,” said Margaret Nuanez, Chief Financial Officer of American General Media, whose company previously had separate databases for each of its six markets. “Our goal was greater efficiency at both a market and corporate level, and SDS was able to meet our objectives and successfully customize the system according to our particular needs.”

“Now, since all processes are done automatically without the need to manually import and export data, our group is realizing valuable time savings while increasing data accuracy and streamlining our operations,” Nuanez said, adding that she appreciates the professionalism displayed by the SDS team in ensuring a seamless transition to the new system. “While there is always some discomfort associated with conversion to any new software, the exceptional team at SDS worked tirelessly to minimize any uneasiness felt by our group – from training all the way through to our first log assembly, the process was carefully thought out and executed as planned, and the results were as expected.”

SDS Symphony provides broadcasters with the ability to instantaneously share information between stations and across departments – from sales, traffic and programming to operations and accounting – eliminating the need for data re-entry and cross-verification. Users access information online in real time and data is filtered and formatted to meet specific needs. The system eases programming of airtime, booking orders, scheduling promos, enforcing credit rules, and producing sales and commission reports.

“Whether a company has one station or multiple outlets, SDS Symphony consolidates and centralizes data so that information is always up-to-date and accessible,” said Dave Cole, President of SDS, adding that the technology also has the ability to adapt as broadcasters grow and the market evolves. “The system’s two-way flow of data allows for faster implementation, and reduces redundancies and costs, giving broadcasters better clarity and control of all aspects of their business while maximizing efficiency and profits.”

Founded in 1983, AGM is a leading owner and operator of radio stations in Southwestern U.S., bringing together the communities it serves through the broadcast of innovative programming, news and entertainment. With the goal of meeting the specific needs of the local markets it serves, AGM provides a diverse range of format choices, including contemporary, modern, adult hits, rock, news and talk, sports, country, oldies and religious stations.

Pamal Broadcasting Chooses SDS

One-stop access to all the data at each of its radio stations was what leading U.S. broadcaster Pamal Broadcasting, Ltd. was looking for to increase the efficiency of its operations. The Albany, New York-based company found the solution in an innovative, unified broadcast management system provided bySpecialty Data Systems (SDS) Inc. of Toronto.

Pamal has announced that it has installed SDS’s flagship broadcast management software, SDS Symphony, at all 33 of its radio stations, based in New York, Vermont and Florida. The software integrates all of the stations’ information, across all departments, in real time.

“The SDS system completely eliminates the information silos that are so prevalent in radio,” said Michael Dufort, Assistant Secretary Treasurer of Pamal Broadcasting, explaining that the company previously had separate databases for each of its stations and, later, each market it services. “Now, with SDS, all our stations are in a common database which enables simple and efficient enterprise reporting, rapid process improvement and streamlined administration, which will play a vital role in the growth and development of our company.”

“Often times, when dealing with large software vendors, it can feel like you’re wrestling with a big, hairy gorilla,” Dufort explained. “SDS is a long-time, privately-owned company that very much resembles our own, so cultural fit played a large role in our partnering decision.”

SDS Symphony provides broadcasters with the ability to instantaneously share information between stations and across departments – from sales, traffic and programming to operations and accounting – eliminating the need for data re-entry and cross-verification. Users access information online in real time and data is filtered and formatted to meet specific needs. The system eases programming of airtime, booking orders, scheduling promos, enforcing credit rules, and producing sales and commission reports.

“SDS Symphony consolidates and centralizes data so that information is always up-to-date and broadcasters have better clarity and control of all aspects of their business,” said Dave Cole, President of SDS, explaining that the result is a more efficient and streamlined operation. “The technology’s two-way flow of data allows for faster implementation, and reduces redundancies and costs, enabling the system to grow and adapt as broadcasters grow and the market evolves.”

Listed as one of the top 30 broadcasting companies in America, Pamal Broadcasting owns a portfolio of radio stations primarily in medium-sized markets in upstate eastern New York, central Vermont, the Florida Panhandle and central Florida, including the company’s flagship station, WFLY-FM in Albany. Using state-of-the-art digital broadcasting equipment to maximize signal strengths and quality of each station’s sound, Pamal offers diverse, heritage programming in each of the six markets it serves, from Hit Radio to Country to Adult Album Alternative (AAA) and Urban Contemporary.