From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Scott Monty is Ford Motor Company’s Global Digital and Multimedia Communications Manager. Scott is a marketing and communications professional focused on the digital industry — specifically on social media.

“Social media is really just people talking to each other online,” Monty says. “It’s happening more and more these days and brands have an opportunity to gently and respectfully take part in that conversation – not to market at people, but to really become another party to the conversation.”

He is a strategic advisor on all social media activities across the company, from blogger relations to marketing support, customer service to internal communications and more, as social media is being integrated into many facets of Ford business.

“Ultimately we want people to understand that there are real people just like them working at Ford,” says Monty. “We strive to humanize the Ford Motor Company as we talk about our strong business plan and great products. And we need to do that from a position of humanity not from a position a corporate top-down message.”

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 11:48 – 6.8 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: News/Talk 760 WJR and Michigan State University have reached an agreement to extend their current contract 10 years, making News/Talk 760 WJR the flagship station for Spartan football and basketball through 2020. The extension was announced Tuesday, Jan. 19 during “The Paul W. Smith Show.”

“A relationship that began with WJR becoming the voice of MSU football and basketball has transformed into a great partnership that encompasses athletics, academics and everything in between,” said WJR President and General Manager Mike Fezzey. “We look forward to continuing to collaborate with President Lou Anna Simon, Athletics Director Mark Hollis and MSU on and off the field.”

WJR and MSU began their current contract in 2006. Since then, their partnership has evolved to include athletics, academic programs, alumni relations and more. They have even joined forces to advance environmental awareness through the weekly show “Greening of the Great Lakes,” heard Fridays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 16:39 – 9.6 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Scott Westerman is executvie director of the MSU Alumni Association. He talks about the evolving mission of today’s MSU Alumni Association.

“Today’s MSU Alumni Association is the perfect way to stay connected to the Spartan magic that helped get you where you are today,” Westerman says. “Every MSU Spartan’s life has been fundamentally changed based upon his or her relationship with MSU.

“That relationship doesn’t have to end at graduation.”

Westerman is the father of Spartan Podcast; thanks, Scott!

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 18:52 – 10.8 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Wharton Center’s Bob Hoffman is organizing his third Pass It Forward event at Dublin Square in East Lansing on January 23.

“I wanted to have a PASS IT FORWARD party (P.I.F) to DO SOMETHING that makes a difference,” Hoffman says. “The idea is to come together and create an energy of excitement; enthusiasm that creates continuous momentum! This isn’t a fundraiser, a religion or political in nature. It’s just you and me helping someone else who then, hopefully, will do the same.”

Hoffman gives all the details on how those interested can help him pass it forward on January 23.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 10:13 – 5.8 mb mp3

From MSU Today on Impact Radio: Daniel Howes is business columnist and associate business editor of The Detroit News.

As the 2010 North American International Auto Show gets ready to open in Detroit, Howes talks about the state of the automotive industry around the world, but particularly in North America. And he discusses what automakers hope show attendees will take away from their visit to this year’s show.

“The situation for automakers is certainly more optimistic than it was a year ago at this time,” Howes says. “They want consumers to know that they’re building world-class automobiles despite their recent troubles on the business side.”

Howes also talks about the overall Michigan economy and where he sees it going in 2010 and the challenges and opportunities facing the newspaper journalism industry. And he weighs in on the higher education funding issue.

“The less that Michigan finds its way clear to support higher education, the more other people are going to prey upon Michigan’s lack of direction in this regard,” Howes says.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Show 22:15 – 12.8 mb mp3