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Change With The Times ...
August 16, 2022
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Taking the reins of command calls for clear direction, gentle assertion, and diplomacy. There are challenges beyond overseeing music and an air staff. Remember, the purpose of commercial radio is profit. You might be asked to do things that you don't like but roll with it. Embrace change until it is changed again. Life is about evolving.
Opinion …
Programming philosophies are like opinions, everybody has one and most people are reluctant to change theirs. This is a business where the product users (listeners) react instantaneously to fads and fashions. Yet those in a position to lead are slow to react and shape a plan of action in response. These programming leaders are often restricted by their self-imposed philosophical rigidity. Many prefer to follow tried-and- true programming paths rather than respond to listeners' needs through format fine tuning and breaking new ground with fresh takes on old ideas.The Future Is Now ...
Too many programmers are stuck in a time warp when it comes to their approach in overseeing everything that falls under programming’s domain. It's as if once learned, it's etched into stone never to be altered or challenged. A programmer recently said to me, "What we should be doing when we're ‘Learning the basics of programming’ is developing a framework with growth of tactics in mind when it comes to operating. It is within this framework that we'll be able to judge the relative worth of any new thoughts, ideas, or other programming nuances."Truth Is …
In 2022, there are still a lot of program decision makers slow in reacting to the ever-changing marketplace because they resist anything that doesn't fit into their unyielding programming philosophy. Listeners will react as strongly and negatively to that which is predictably boring as they will to that which is uncomfortably new.Flexibility …
Don't be afraid of change, it's inevitable. Plan on incorporating change into your game plan where it makes sense to do so. The problem with clinging to hard-and-fast rules is the obvious lack of flexibility needed to program in today's environment. Question everything you do. Ask yourself if the actions you take make sense in relation to what's happening now.Take A Hard Look …
Don't do things only because they've been done in the past. Analyze your format mechanics and presentation on all your station or stations platforms -- digital and social media. Make sure the execution is relevant and stop doing things in a certain way because "They've always been done like that." It comes down to those who remain rigid will be limited in the ability to lead their staff and meet audiences’ expectations at all levels.A Balancing Act …
This is a business of practicing and having fun while doing it. Programming is a combination of creativity, psychology, politics, left brain-right brain, business math, empathy, and the ability to BS when necessary. I think I just described a psychopath, and as alarming as that might sound, it's not far off the mark. It's all about finding the right balance between change in the present with your life-long programming beliefs. Time does not stand still, and your programming shouldn't either. -
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