She Just Got Her First Programming Job …

Getting that first programming job is such an adrenaline rush. With my first one I was excited, nervous and a bit scared. It was a life changing experience. I can still hear those words, "We've decided to offer the programming position to you." That day flashes through my mind every time I talk to a new first time PD. I had the pleasure of talking to one when she called me the day after she got the new job.

New PD: This is my first programming job. I'm ready, but I'm not sure I'm ready. I hope I'm making sense. I applied for this job months ago and they Zoomed me through a couple of interviews. I hadn't heard or seen anything that said they'd hired anyone. I figured I was out of the running. And then yesterday the Market Manager called and told me I got it. I haven't even given notice here yet.

Coach: You should be proud of yourself. I know it's scary good on some level, but you'll do fine.

New PD: I have been in the business for ten years and I've been the Music Director at this station where I'm at for 4. I also work middays. I've loved being here, but when the PD that hired me left, they overlooked me and hired someone else. That's when I started looking. I feel lost already. Can you tell me some of the things I should be doing?

Coach: Be up front when you get to your new station and ask for help in the areas you need to know about. Your new company saw something in you and that’s why they chose you for the job. They picked you over other PDs with experience.

New PD: The PD who hired me at this station that I'm leaving, taught me a lot and kept telling me that I was going to be a PD. I need to call him.

Coach: Yes, you should. Does where you're headed have an OM, VP/Programming, or a consultant?

New PD: No OM, but yes, a VP/Programming and a consultant. But I need some help on understanding what they might expect me to already know. I feel anxious.

Coach: Stop worrying. Nobody ever knows everything they need to know. You're ready. But if it will help, I'll email you some things to focus on.

New PD: Can we keep this between us?

Coach: I might use our conversation for a column, but I promise to leave your name and station out of it.

New PD: I appreciate that.

Programming Things To Keep In Mind …

• Don’t start suggesting changes until you see what’s working or what the bosses think is working.
• Be thinking about strategies to attract or maintain listeners.
• Get your station into 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, coordinate sales with programming objectives and implement ways programming can touch listeners on-air and in the streets.
• Learn to interpret music and perceptual research without expectations. (If research is an option)
• 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 what it means 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. That way If you fire someone, their file will show 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. These reports will come in handy if you are responsible for handling your department’s 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)

New PD: Wow, so much to think about.

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 VP/Programming, and Consultant can give you. And one other thing. You need to get a handle on office politics. You can flub some of the programming stuff, but office politics you can't.

New PD: My former PD here used to stay on me about not gossiping and staying out of cliques. I've seen some crazy stuff go down around here.

Coach: Then you get it. Being a PD, it gets even trickier. Talk about it with your old boss when you call him.

New PD: One more thing to worry about.

Coach: I didn't mean to scare you. You've made it this far, go enjoy your new gig. I'm just a phone call away if you need a sounding board.

New PD: Thanks.