Nurturing Up & Coming Air Talent ...

Recently, I have been surprised by the number of OMs and PDs who still take the time to have weekly aircheck meetings with on-air talent. Hopefully, this is encouraging news for all air personalities.

In fact, some of the PDs tell me that several of their talents are approaching them for the meetings. I love hearing this because it means air personalities are being proactive. It is easy to have air talent just play the music and keep the talking to 20 or 30 seconds. With the increased workload on today's OMs and PDs, the fact that they take the time to consistently provide feedback proves there are many in the programming ranks who still believe in training.

Shortage ...

Currently the demand for qualified part-time and weekend air talent exceeds the supply. While many of them are working closely with the full-timers, the training ground has shifted drastically. Most stations no longer have the all-night show to work with the new talent. Recently, I was asked, "How can I get on-on air experience if no one will give me an opportunity to learn?"

Jock: I do weekends here, but I mostly just board-op weekend shows. The PD says I need on-air experience before he could ever use me to fill-in. But how do I get experience between this and school work?

Coach: I am assuming you are in college ... what year?

Jock: Yes, I am, this is my sophomore year.

Coach: Does the station allow you to use the production room?

Jock: Yes

Coach: One more question: Does your college have a station and do you do a show?

Jock: Yes, I do a couple of two-hour shows a week. I work on Friday and Monday nights. I do Alternative Rock.

Coach: Good deal. I suggest you use the resources you have. Have a conversation with the PD and tell him you want to learn what to do on the air. Ask him to critique your college show. But find out first how he wants the aircheck/demo put together. Once he listens with you and makes suggestions, ask him if it would be alright to work on his suggestions in the station's production room. I doubt he will say no, but will probably tell you to do it at a time when it's not being used and not when you are running the board for a show.

Jock: But it's a Country station.

Coach: Good radio is good radio; the approach to how to relate to the audience is the same, regardless of format. All teachings are subjective, but there are some more accepted practices expected of the air talent. Besides, you will probably be surprised to find out all the things your PD has done in radio. If you choose radio as a profession you'll find a lot of air personalities and PDs have experience with various formats. For example, my radio work background includes Top 40/Mainstream, Urban, Rock, Sports, Urban AC and Country.

Jock: But aren't there some differences?

Coach: The only thing different was the music. The approach and relating to the audience was the same ... give the audience what they want.

Jock: What do you think my PD will say?

Coach: Like I mentioned, he will probably say yes to the production room for you to work on your air skills. Either way, he's working with you; take advantage and get it done.

Jock: And if he says no?

Coach: You don't lose either way; the main thing is that you're getting help from a seasoned pro. Apply it to your two shows at college. One other thing, there are lots of editing software and apps available to work on your audio media skills. For example, there's a free online audio software program called, "Audicity." It's a multi-track audio editor and recorder. I also recommend "TwistedWave," an audio editor available for Mac, iPhone/iPad, and online. For any audio media air personality, it's about working on your verbal presentation and listening to how you sound.

Jock: I will check out both. By the way, I don't like how I sound over the air.

Coach: That's a whole other conversation and if it makes you feel any better, I didn't either when I first started in radio. In fact, almost every air personality I've ever known, told me they had to get used to how they sounded after they first heard themselves.

Learn What You Don't Know ...

Some programmers have problems training others because they weren't properly trained themselves. Many came from stations where the PD was on the air, moved up from MD, and had limited exposure to talent development. If that's your situation, don't ignore the problem and wait for it to bite you in the butt. Find an experienced air talent, OM or PD on social media with a track record for working with air personalities; contact them for some help. None of us know everything. There is no shame in not knowing, but shame on you if you don't take the time to learn what you don't know.

One More Thing ...

I also suggest stations consider dedicating a portion of station streaming for inexperienced air talent to get some experience. Do it during a weekend overnight. Let the eager young PT/weekend personality voicetrack and it will give you a chance to train them. I already hear the cries about budget; hey, you are a leader ... figure it out. In the long run, it will help you with the problem of finding good air talent ... grow your own. By the way, if it is an intern who works on their college station, make the online broadcasting a part of your agreement with the college/university internship program. Talk it over with Human Resources and the company lawyers.