Most Radio Stations Should Do This But Won't

It’s no secret that radio has been in a state of consolidation and homogenization for years. So, kudos to you if you continue to care about the little things that make a listening experience special.

HERE’S AN IDEA THAT MAY BLOW YOUR MIND

I was introduced to an amazing concept at a radio conference a few years ago. The idea wasn’t from the event’s main stage or even in a breakout session. Another radio guy shared something that I’ll never forget.

Dan Young and I became “conference friends” and started hanging out at after-conference label events. At the time, Dan was the afternoon host/Production Director at KSOS/Las Vegas. One evening as we were walking to one of the after-events, I asked Dan to share one idea to make the radio station I was PD at better. His answer floored me. I can still see where we were on the pathway from the conference hotel to the security check-in near Universal CityWalk in Orlando.

Underneath some palm trees and in front of a lizard scurrying across the paved sidewalk Dan asked if my radio station’s imaging pieces or jingles progressed into the next song. I must have looked at him like he had a booger on his forehead. Before I could utter a word, he was kind enough to explain how musical notes in songs have a progression…the best complementary next note.

He went on to share that he coded the beginning and end of every song and production piece in his music scheduling software. That’s every beginning note and ending note for hundreds of entries. I remember thinking that seemed like a lot of work! Indeed, it was.

Imagine how the SOS Radio Network felt to listeners; maybe like one continuous orchestra piece where the very next note progressed from the previous one. Seamless. Enjoyable. No wonder why KSOS is always a ratings leader.

HERE’S THE TAKEAWAY

This is just one shining example of super-serving your listeners. It takes this kind of effort to stand out from the vanilla, bland homogenization in radio. You don’t have to have a musician’s mind like Dan; you just need to have passion. If you’re interested in understanding note progression here are two links, here and here, to help you get started.

After spending 25+ years working in leadership, programming, and on the air at 95.5 The Fish in Cleveland, 104.9 the River in Columbus, and as Network PD at WayFM Todd launched a coaching and consulting business, Beyond615.com, on March 15, 2021. There he strives to help others build confidence so that they can connect with listeners on a deeper level. He also serves as the Contemporary Christian Format Editor at AllAccess.com. He and his family live in the (615) area code, aka the heart of the CCM industry.