Programming ... Just Trying To Win

Being a sports and history buff, what has always stood out to me was winning at all costs regardless of how. Basically, a radio PD is a gear in the machinery of commercial radio trying to make a buck by trying to convince listeners to buy products in between the songs

George Washington Would Have Been A Great PD ...

There is a book written by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yeager, "George Washington's Secret Six." The book details the spy ring he used to save the country and win the American Revolution. Yes, this is the same George "I Cannot Tell A Lie" Washington who used every part of cunning and trickery to beat the British. George would have been one hell of a PD.

He Stayed A Step Ahead ...

He figured the British had spies within his camp just like he had in theirs. The trick was keeping one step ahead and putting trust in those tested and proved worthy. Washington planted strategic information to protect his armies against counterintelligence. To win New York, he let the British find papers describing an attack on Manhattan.

They Bought It ...

The British fell for it and waited for the attack. Meanwhile, the French were able to move to a secure area safe from naval and ground attack. By planting information, he accomplished his main goal of getting the French in a strategic and safe place.

Opposition Research ...

During my programming days, I admit to expanding the definition of field research. I once had my own version of a "Black Ops" program. I would look for exceptional interns I could trust to follow directions. The goal was to find those open to becoming interns at opposing stations upon completion of their internship with my station. These individuals would pass on to me copies of internal program department information. During my programming career, I was only able to find two people who met my criteria; both wanted to learn radio, could be trusted, blended into the background, and had the ability to recognize what might be important for counter-programming strategies.

Special Tests ...

New interns were unaware of the series of tests I used in hopes of luring them into my scheme for getting the edge on the competition. The only two people I ever used for these duties are still currently working in radio; one is an OM and the other is a PD. Nope, I will not reveal their identities; I am loyal, too.

What Is Sneaky?

I think the terms, "sneaky" and "a job well done," can collide in the quest for higher ratings and more money to the bottom line. I'm not sure what fair is, but I do know what it isn't. Regardless of PPM panel issues, diary placement, or an unusual alignment of the planets, a PD and his air personalities are held accountable for the fate of a station. I would never tell anyone to cut corners to do well in this business, but I do understand some of the things that can happen along the way to achieving.

Be Careful ...

I will not morally corrupt you with the details of anything that could jeopardize your career. I will just say on behalf of all the experienced PDs with a flair for winning at all costs, think it through. If you want some theories about non-mainstream programming strategies, I do know a few people you could talk to. Always do what you think is best; it's your call, you're the one who has to live with yourself.