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Alexa, What Should Radio Do In 2019?
January 8, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. You can't do it alone, don't be afraid to put things in other people's hands. Use the staff and give them duties and assignments suited to their individual capabilities. This will free you up to handle other aspects of the event
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The world around listeners changes, but what's inside them doesn't. I don't want radio to become a robotic service provider but be one of the difference makers that separates us from becoming a society of human machines. Listeners still have wants, desires, needs, hopes and dreams.
We're a Commercial Business, But...
Radio and all forms of audio media should be the touch-and-feel of every entertainment delivery system; expand on being "Theater of the Mind." For example, start with executing live station event broadcasts.
Two Prime Directives ...
Working on individual air talent deliveries is done in a controlled environment within the walls of a station. However, station events have variables and therefore require lots of organization from day one until the end of the event and constant contact and immediate feedback.
Organize ...
Every aspect needs to be organized. That includes making sure that all the participating personalities have paper copies of the music and commercial logs that coincide with what the in-studio op/air talent is looking at on computer screen. Barring technical glitches, this will increase the possibilities for call-backs or an actual on-site live broadcast to go on without a hitch.
Constant Contact ...
Make sure the on-site personalities call the studio before every break to assure everything is okay; even if it's ISDN line and the studio can hear the on-location people. Don't depend on the ISDN line; that is one-way communication and lends itself to potential miscommunication.
Communicate In-House ...
It's up to programming and promotions to make sure all departments are aware of what is going on. Also keep the receptionist in the loop, they are the hub of all incoming calls. Every department is important to an event, especially the traffic department; they route the station's money with every commercial log created.
Delegate the Details...
You can't do it alone, don't be afraid to put things in other people's hands. Use the staff and give them duties and assignments suited to their individual capabilities. This will free you up to handle other aspects of the event.
Preparation ...
You should hold numerous brief non-scheduled meetings and have someone take notes and send them out in e-mails to make sure everyone has the most current information. Always have a plan B and C in case you must change direction from the original plan.
How I Learned ...
I can remember taking what I thought was a perfect plan for an event to one of my first GMs and he said, "This is great, but what if this ... or ... this. Did you think about...?" When he finished, he told me to always be prepared with at least three ways to execute a plan.
Control Chaos ...
The final key; don't get frustrated during an event, it takes focus to work around issues and see things through. Get some sleep the night before; you need a clear head to make any adjustments necessary to ensure a great event. If things go off track, keep a cool head and make it look like everything is going as it was planned.
Don't Be A Borg ...
Remember "The Borg" in Star Trek: The Next Generation? They were alien cybernetic robots all of one mind traveling the universe conquering and assimilating all beings to "The Collective" of same thought; their campaign slogan, "Resistance is Futile."
The Human Touch ...
I know decision-makers must program to ratings methodology, but at the same time market to the human condition. Listeners are not just statistics, but like to laugh, cry, and smile. Radio's job is not just to communicate by utilizing new platforms, but to reach out and touch and remind every radio/audio media consumer how to have fun, smile, and help each other. Radio is still the leader and is best equipped to include all forms of digital technology and social media to "Make It So."
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