Kramer touched on managing through change, citing her company's recent acquisition of CBS Radio as an example. "The only way you can build trust is face to face," she said. "It's hard to go across the entire U.S., market to market and go deep, but after a year-and-a-half, for first time it feels like one team." All three had positive views of radio's future, with Kramer pointing out, "Audio is now the hottest thing on the planet."

"The best writing comes from ruthlessness," said Simbeck. "Sweat the details. Sweat the edits." Added McKenna, "Check every line and make sure it is necessary for the story. Follow the feeling. If you don't know why the line is right, but it makes you feel something, keep it." Being prepared, concise and memorable are key. McKenna added, "I want people to remember the feeling, not the song." Download tips on the CRS app.