HPR Network Executive Summary 

HELLO, I’m Monte Spearman, founder of the High Plains Radio Network, known as the HPR Network and/or HPRN.  I’ve been a small market radio broadcaster for over thirty years. In that time, I have learned a lot the old-fashioned way through experience on the streets and in the studio. I know that being local is of fundamental importance to our listeners and to our advertisers, and that has never changed.

However, the rules of radio ownership have changed, retail has changed, and digital competitors have changed advertising. Don’t get me wrong, research confirms that 90% of Americans still listen to broadcast radio every week. Even with new audio competitors, the magic of providing local information, news, and entertainment on local radio still works for listeners and for advertisers!

About five years ago I started thinking about how to keep radio the great business it has always been amongst all the changes. I knew that we needed to continue to provide local news, weather, and high school sports in every market. But I also knew that we had to provide those services much more efficiently and cost-effectively than we had done in the past. 

So, the goal for me was to stay local, but to significantly reduce operating costs. Many of my friends in the radio business told me I could do one or the other, but not both! I was not convinced! I knew a large part of the answer for increased efficiency and cost reduction was in the better and more creative use of existing technology. Through trial and error and helpful employees, that has proven to be true for our HPR Network.

My moment of inspiration came in a conversation with a friend and client of mine who owns a large chain of convenience stores in small markets. In a nutshell, he told me the key to success in his business was in simply paying the costs over which he had no control like utilities and taxes, but to totally focus on reducing or eliminating costs over which he had control. 

The largest operating cost in radio has always been personnel; usually around two-thirds of a station’s total operating cost. I decided I could do more with fewer people, and still be local, so I focused all my efforts on making that happen. And today, we have succeeded. We have great people working at HPRN, but because of the use of modern technology, our personnel costs are only 25 rather than the usual 65 percent, and the HPR stations still provide relevant local programming. 

Listen for yourself BY NAVIGATING THROUGH OUR RADIO STATION INVENTORY RIGHT HERE at www.hpr.network.

Monte Spearman, President

HPR Network INFORMATIONAL AUDIO & VIDEO CLIPS