Her First Programming Job…

Getting that first programming job is such an adrenaline rush. Someone has selected you from all the other candidates as the commander-in-chief of the programming department. I remember getting the call letting me know I had been chosen for my first PD position. It was like being on top of the world, then reality set in within 30 seconds … damn, what exactly will I be doing?  I suffered first-time jitters and I hadn’t even told anyone I got the job or celebrated yet. My mind was all over the place and my new career choice was less than five minutes old. That memory of that moment flashes before my eyes whenever a first-time PD asks for advice.

PD: This is my first PD job. I have been in the business for eight years and I just got promoted from MD to this job. Our PD left for another market and I thought I had a chance. When I found out the company looked for PDs with a lot more experience, I figured I would lose out.  I was shocked; I got the job.  I have been scheduling the music for two years and posting the weekend schedules, but I don’t know all the things that #### knew how to do. I feel lost already. Can you tell me some of the things I should be doing?

Coach: First, congratulations, do you have a consultant or VP/Programming?

PD: Yes, to both of your questions. I also have an OM.

Coach: My first bit of advice, don’t be afraid to ask one or both for help. Be upfront and ask for help in the areas you need to know about. They knew you lacked experience, but they saw something in you and that’s why they chose you for the job.

PD: I feel like I should already know some of these things. ### hired me four years ago, and I watched him do this.

Coach: I don’t know the circumstances of why your former PD left, but if you are cool with him, reach out and him to help you navigate the areas you need to get a handle on. Oh, and I would keep that conversation between the two of you.  But still, don’t be afraid to ask your OM, VP/Programming, or the consultant for help.

PD: I will do that, but I need some help on understanding what is expected of me. I need to get a better understanding of the job itself. I am mad at myself for not paying closer attention to everything. I applied, but I never expected to be PD for a few more years.

Coach: You are ready. But if it will help, I will give you some things to focus on from a programming philosophy standpoint.

List of goals and programming things to keep in mind …

• Attract listeners and come up with strategies to do so for your station’s ratings
• Get your station into the fiber of the community; culturally and with civic organizations
• Help the promotions department keep the station in the “Top of-mind-awareness” with the target audience
• Marketing is two-fold; coordinating sales with programming objectives and implementing ways programming can touch listeners on-air and publicly in person
• Learn to interpret music and perceptual research without expectations
• Keep your office door open and be accessible
• Study the art of saying, “No” to things that are not in the station’s best interest
• Understand when the Market Manager says take your time, it’s code for do it now
• When things are going great, always give credit to others and take none of it for yourself; when things are not so good, take responsibility and take the blame
• Never voice a complaint unless you have a solution
• Learn to conduct meetings in 20 minutes or less
• In addition to memos of personal reprimand, also write praise memos for the files of the same individuals. If you ever must fire someone, their file will indicate no personal malice on your part
• Whenever you do dismiss an employee, only say “We’ve decided to move in a different direction,” make sure a third party is in the room, and have all monies and exit paperwork on hand
• When handing in payroll, attach a report explaining anything that caused additional expenditures for programming; like the use of studio board operators because all the full-time air personalities broadcast from some special live event. These reports will come in handy if you are responsible for handling your departments budget
• Do aircheck/demo critiques with your air staff. It’s also a great time to hear ideas and bond
• Make sure your department understands the chain of command of who to talk to concerning various things good or bad
• Make it a habit to walk the halls daily and have a brief chat/listen (less than five minutes) with all those important to what you do. This will help solve problems and put a halt to possible impending issues
• With the music industry, set up rules for song consideration to your playlist. Make sure your rules allow for those situations worthy of an exception. (discuss with your VP/Programming and consultant)

PD: Wow, I can see I have more to think about than I thought.

Coach: I just tried to lay out some things that will make sense as you get into your new role. Above all, make use of all the knowledge your OM, VP/Programming, and consultant can give you. I’m confident you will do just fine.