Maybe you’ve figured me out. Perhaps you’ve noticed that many of my 739 Frost Advisories have centered on what is relevant in the headlines. Christmas, New Years, Mothers Day, the Super Bowl and the World Series have all been reference points for many of these missives over the last 14.2 years.

There is no larger common ground than RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW. (Also the reason why ANYTIME/ANYWHERE radio falls short).

So, if the election season is the current reference point I figured I better write about it before November 5th election day.

Source: Pew Research Center

Recency drives relevance.

The political season can be a volatile one for conversations, relationships, and e-gad, social media. But maybe there are some lessons we can learn that would benefit our radio stations.

Every programming element should be a reflection of listener needs and expectations. If people want to hear their favorite music well by golly we can do that. If they want to hear about safe and fun things their family can do this weekend, hooray, we can do that, too. If listeners tune in to be inspired and encouraged we can check that box.

It’s a nifty little drill to review the programming elements on your station and ask…

What questions are we answering?

During a recent televised political debate the candidates were asked questions on a spectrum of issues including the economy, abortion, and health care.

A common criticism was the moderators didn’t spent the most time on what voters cared about most and brought up other topics that seemingly few cared about.

Here’s a swell idea! Order some breakfast tacos and get your team together to make a list of the things that matter to people the most, and then the things that matter to people the least. Compare that to what comes out of the speakers.

Too many times we’re answering questions no one is asking.