Rick Rambaldo....Born Again?

If your look over your Erie broadcast shoulder, you will see Rick Rambaldo not far behind. The man who created, Rocket, Star, WJET talk radio, The Fan, Country 93 and Froggy is back on the map and I think with big ideas. When Nextmedia purchased the stations from Rick, he had enough money to go and retire and do anything he wanted. He chose to stay in radio and in Erie. Not an easy decision. But you see, Rick really does love Erie.

Not since Brady Louis, has a broadcaster come into the area to be so embraced and involved in the community his stations served. Unfortunately, Nextmedia didn’t have the vision to see what Rick saw and the stations started to loose some of its luster. In steps Connoisseur Media and there first move was their best so far. They retained Rambaldo as General Manager and told him to do what he does best.

Rick has not just involved himself in the Erie community; he has thrown himself in with both feet and hands. Rick is very visible in the community as a broadcaster in a community should be. I am beginning to see the “old” Rick with promotions and aggressive marketing taking place. I have not always agreed with Rick on every move he made, but he proved he had the “Right Stuff.” He was always man enough to call and sit down and talk and share why he decided to do this or that. That is a gentleman.

Erie radio is not easy and the new competition from satellite services such as Sirus and XM are a real threat. The real trick is to make local radio relevant to the local community. Rambaldo appears committed into doing just that. He is willing to take risks and set visions. He is the “New Breed” of broadcaster in Erie media and we welcome it.