Content is definitely what I get asked about most in sessions and in radio seminars. And since it takes a long time to get people who haven’t seen how easy it is to catch on, many times I give them an overview – a lesson I learned from watching the great comic and actor Steve Martin over the years.
Continue readingFrost Advisory #736 – It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Believe it or not we’re just a few weeks from radio stations flipping their programming upside down by playing some amount of Christmas music. The logical thinkers dip their proverbial toe into Christmas music like thoughtful grown-ups. Others jump in whole-heartedly like adolescents into a frigid lake.
Christmas music programming. Is it good or bad? Right or wrong? Harmony in the hallways?
Continue readingTommy Kramer Coaching Tip #591: The Easiest Way to Prep Content – End with the Beginning
An interesting point came up in a recent session came from an air talent I’ve worked with for years. She was talking about how a break can go wrong if you’re not sure of how you’re going to start. This was my feedback…
Frost Advisory #735 – A Programming Lesson From The 25th Anniversary Of The West Wing
The West Wing. It’s my favorite TV show ever. (Unless you consider Seinfeld, The Brady Bunch Variety Hour, or The Beverly Hillbillies return to Hooterville).
They’ve just celebrated the 25th anniversary of The West Wing at the West Wing. The 25 best episodes, rated from Great to Perfect.
Continue readingTommy Kramer Coaching Tip #590: Memorable Moments
Here’s a question for you: What stood out on your show today? Anything? A funny line? A really connective ‘take’ on something? A phone call that surprised you?
Great radio is about Memorable Moments.
If YOU can’t remember anything that stood out on your show today, no one else will, either.
Frost Advisory #734 – It’s All About Adding Value
I met a new friend during the pandemic. His name is Marvin. He’s a very skilled general contractor who helped us remodel during COVID, a time that was a challenge for hiring folks if you remember.
We learned a lot from Marvin. As the homeowner I had a sense of things I would enjoy. But Marvin, being the professional with far more experience, was able to connect the dots and see beyond the emotion of the idea that we thought was neato.
Continue readingTommy Kramer Coaching Tip #589: A Link in the Chain
Early in my career, working at a 50,00 watt Top 40 giant, KEEL in Shreveport, Louisiana, I got a huge break.
Although I was probably the weakest air talent on the staff, my PD made me Music Director. (I’m a musician. That helps.)
All of a sudden, I had WORTH. I controlled the music we played. It was important. I became a link in the chain of terrific jocks we had.
Frost Advisory #733 – People Listen For A Reason: An Election Season Update
It’s a question we don’t ask enough. Why do people tune in to our stations, either for the first time or the 500th time? And I’m not just talking about the music.
What point of view do they expect? What lifestyle do our stations reflect?
“What are people hiring you for?” Mark Ramsey asks.
Continue readingTommy Kramer Coaching Tip #588: Another Lesson from the Great Howard Clark
In the last tip, I mentioned one of my earliest mentors, Howard Clark. Howard was part of the original air staff of the legendary KFRC in San Francisco, and later in life returned to his (and my) hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana. And believe me, just listening to Howard was a lesson in how there are endless opportunities to do real Content.
Frost Advisory #732 – Let’s Make Good Programming Decisions, What Do You Say?
I’m often quizzed about the most common challenge in making good programming decisions. My response? Understanding the difference between CORRELATION and CAUSATION. Particularly as it relates to reacting to ratings.
We added a new jingle package and our ratings went up!
We ran that new promotion and our ratings went down.
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