“Everyone’s favorite radio station is the station that plays their favorite music.”
I cleverly put this sentence in quotes because it is the first thing I say when talking to a station. After more than two decades in our format I can honestly say that NO ONE understands this fully at the beginning of the journey. However, all understand it later. If they are successful.
Why does this matter?
Continue readingOften, I’ve asked air talent how long their show prep time is. The responses are varied. Some claim hours are spent sifting through websites and social media, local news, etc. Others say they don’t really need much prep. They pretty much just wing it each day.
Both of these responses show a certain lack of truly productive prep.
Money (your wallet), the Entertainment world (as it applies to your format), whatever “the Buzz” is today, Relationships, and things that are unique to you are the only things you really need.
The prep starts in your living room, and works outward from there, including what you’ve observed as you’ve gone through your day.
There. Solved it for you. 
Last week I had the unique opportunity to share success principles of our format with some media executives whose background is exclusively mainstream radio. It was a “Dear younger me” moment as I reflected on my now-27 years in our format.
If I only knew then what I know now.
Continue readingActor and film Director Clint Eastwood is famous for doing as few “takes” as possible. There’s an interesting story about that.
Once, an actor who was dissatisfied with his first effort asked Eastwood is he could have another try.
Clint then asked, “Was there film in the camera?”
Continue readingThe launch of Artemis II was a really big deal in Florida where I live. After all, it was the first crewed flight beyond low Earth orbit since the Apollo program before most of us were even in high school.
They estimate that almost half a million folks watched in person from the Space Coast. The launch could be seen in backyards and roadways all the way from Jacksonville to West Palm Beach and throughout Central Florida.
Everyone was talking about it. (The photo is of a rocket launch seen from my front yard).
Continue readingSome questions for you:
Who is your target listener?
What does that person look like?
What do you actually know about her or him?
The simplest way to maintain focus and stay in your lane as an air talent is to have a clear-eyed view of who your listener is, and what that person’s life is probably like. Continue reading
Rarely do you hear guys brag about their urologist. Based upon the bumpy road I’ve had the last several years in that medical department I’m eager to brag on mine. (I’m fine now. Thanks for asking).
My recent annual exam went swimmingly wrapping up with “the glove.” In the man-to-man chit chat that ensued I awkwardly asked, “How can you do this procedure every day of your life?”
Continue readingRumor has it that there are more “religious” radio stations than any other format category. Rumor also whispers that those religious stations have fewer listeners than any other. I don’t like those rumors.
But having been involved in the CCM format for more than 25 years I suggest that there is something we might learn from Easter.
Continue readingIf you’ve followed these tips, you know that I’ve frequently referred to a morning guy in my hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana. His name is Larry Ryan, my first mentor, and he’s as good at connecting with an audience as anyone I’ve ever heard in any size market.
“Lovable Larry” did his show with his sidekick “Mr. Weather” for well over 50 years, with consistently fine ratings. Continue reading
Years ago, I traveled to Indiana to work with a morning show there. It didn’t take long to spot the fundamental weakness of the show – the guy was basically just allowing his female partner to be his live “laugh track.” And the Content was weak to begin with, some lame ‘prep sheet’ type of stuff and what he thought were jokes.
The problem was, she was much better than he was.
