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If Anyone Finds Out Be Ready To Explain …
May 19, 2020
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I think the terms, “sneaky” and “a job well done” can easily collide in the quest for higher ratings and putting fresh dollars to the bottom line. I’m not sure what fair is, but I do know what isn’t. Regardless of PPM panel issues or diary placement, a PD and the personalities are held accountable for the fate of a station. I would never tell anyone to cut corners in their quest for achievement, but I do understand things that can happen along the way.
The Company Line & The Truth…
There have only been a handful of future programmers with whom I have shared the secrets to some of my past programming success. Like many PDs, whenever I was asked, "What are the keys to a winning music station?" My answer has always been, "It's about playing perceived hit music, marketing the station, promotions, community involvement, a good supporting air staff, and the proper alignment of the stars at night.”What I Left Out…
Being a sports and history buff, what has always stood out to me was winning at all costs regardless of how. The ESPN Michael Jordan miniseries “The Last Dance,” showed the lengths Jordan would go to win. His criticizing teammates during practice seemed cruel and over the line for many viewers; but I’ve never heard of any of those teammates giving back any of their championship rings. Jordan’s plan of helping to motivate came from a good place within. Winning is an adrenalin high spurred on by occasional creative deception. A well thought out plan can beat the competition.Best Example I Can Think Of …
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.Understanding Your Opponent …
Washington figured the British had spies in his camp just like he had in theirs. The key was keeping a step ahead and putting trust in those troops tested and proven 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.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.
Master Politicians …One Got Caught
Two of my favorite politicians were Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon. One of Johnson's sayings was, "I never trust a man unless I have his peck#r in my pocket." Then there was Richard Nixon, brilliant in many ways, but too paranoid in others. Watergate was about gathering information on the opposition to ensure victory. Unfortunately for Nixon, his spies got caught trying to get files out of the Democratic Party offices at the Watergate office building; trying to cover it up was his downfall. History has shown us that both Johnson and Nixon were playing in a league of their own.Camouflaged Intent …
During my programming days, I admit to expanding the definition of field research. I used to have interns who I encouraged to become interns at my competition after completing their time with me. These spies would copy memos on promotions and all sorts of internal information. During my programming career, I was only able to do this a couple of times because it required interns who possessed certain qualities. The keys were the ability to blend into the background, knowing how to keep a secret, wanting to learn radio, and had a knack for knowing what might be important.The Test…
I had a series of tests for new interns and if they passed my standards, I never hesitated to lure them into my scheme for getting the edge. The only two I was ever able to use are still in radio to this day; one is an OM and the other is a Promotions Director. Nope, I will not reveal their identities, I can keep a secret too.Be Open To New Paths ..But Be Careful
If someone did today what I did back then, it would be considered industrial espionage. I will not corrupt you with the details of something that might ruin your career. However, I’m available if you want an opinion on some non-conventional programming strategies. I also know a few other programmers you might enjoy talking with too. If part of your programming does not fit current socially acceptable norms, have a plausible explanation ready in case someone finds out what you’re doing. -
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