There are only two basic types of Content: it’s either observational (you saw it or read it), or it’s experiential (you actually did it).
So… your initial camera angle will be either Observational or Experiential, and either way will work. It’s your choice.
It’s ironic, isn’t it?
In a format that is all about belief, few stations ever share what they believe.
Not a doctrinal statement, but a brand position. A flag in ground. A line in the sand. A reason to be on the air.
Chick-fil-A has one. Your money is no good there on Sunday.
Continue readingIt’s very possible to become overwhelmed by what you’re required to do by the higher-ups. Research studies, guidelines for Content, listener profiles that only provide one side of the equation, etc. can hamstring an air talent to the point that you can feel like there’s nothing you can say. Or you second-guess things, wondering if you’re meeting the sometimes lofty guidelines that are presented to you.
So, let me simplify things for you. Continue reading
The celebration of our nation’s 248th birthday can be a reminder of the transformational power of reflecting beliefs and values, and adopting common ground.
For 25 seasons I’ve had the best seat in the house as a semi-professional public address announcer for St. Louis Cardinals’ spring training and the minor league season that follows. That’s lots and lots of National Anthems, dizzy bat races, and seventh inning stretches.
Do you know what I enjoy the most? It’s when my voice is the cue for veterans and active service members to rise and be acknowledged for their service and sacrifice for our country. And, incidentally, that is when the ovation is the loudest.
What in the name of Thomas Jefferson does this have to do with programming your radio station?
Continue readingIt’s a shame that so few music stations do a good job of giving the weather forecast. An air talent clonking through it like it’s the biggest chore in the world is a drag, but by far, the more irritating form is the person who has to give every single little detail. Let me help you with this…
UNLESS YOU’RE FACING SEVERE WEATHER, the forecast should be short and sweet. What’s the high today, the low tonight, maybe the high tomorrow, and tell me if it’s going to rain (or snow). That’s it.
Let’s have a little fun.
Tune to another Christian music radio station for 30 minutes, it can be one in your market or somewhere beyond, and listen to hear if they communicate their mission statement. You know, those scribblings on their walls, or their bumper stickers, or their post it notes and tee shirts.
In 30 minutes, do you as a listener get any sense of WHY this station is on the air?
I’ll wait.
Continue readingIn the last tip, I talked about how the old Jack Benny formula (giving each member of the cast or a guest the spotlight) applies today.
Let’s take it one step further – how a slight modification of that principle is the secret to being a great team show. Continue reading
“You can do anything… once”
I often heard those words from my dad’s booming voice. His acknowledgment of his son’s innate desire to reach out and try new things, while also mindful of his adolescent son’s propensity toward immature decisions.
Those words served as a life lesson of accountability. But, you know what? Those words were also true. I COULD do anything… once.
Continue readingIf you’ve never heard it (or seen his TV show on some classic channel), the Jack Benny Show was groundbreaking in its day. And it still has a basic formula that I assure you WILL work today: he made everyone else the star.
Whether it was his announcer, his wife, a singer, a guest, or any other cast member, Benny was quite willing to take a back seat. He never minded being the butt of a joke, overshadowed by another comedian, or made to look like a fool.
Do yourself a favor. Wander through your nearby Cracker Barrel store with the spirit of learning about how to better communicate your station’s attributes, benefits, and beliefs and values – the core elements of any radio station’s position in the marketplace.
This is what you’ll see.
Continue reading
