As we approach another summer holiday more and more talent in the business are taking their vacations. I can’t tell you the number of times I have had conversations with Market Managers about whether or not it’s better to use “Best Of” bits in place of having someone fill in for the morning show or having the show do it with a primary member missing. Let’s face it, it is extremely rare that a show sounds good with a primary member missing. The only way to keep the chemistry alive is by using someone who is extremely famous as a fill in or at least as lovable and familiar as the person you are trying to replace. The truth is, the best option is to use very well produced bits from previous shows that have a pay-off to cover for you while you are out on holiday.

Like it or not the true state of Radio today demands outwitting, outflanking, out battling your competitors. Radio’s war is adjudicated through listeners measured by Nielsen and/or by response-rates to your clients’ ad schedules. In a time like this where offices ...

Recently, Fred Jacobs wrote an insightful blog that referenced former Apple and Pepsi executive John Sculley’s article in The Drum. Sculley advises businesses during the pandemic to reward their loyal customers if they want to come out of this in a better position. ...

Fortunate is the person who takes exactly the right measure of themselves; much easier said than done. In 2020's Orwellian fog, a time like no other, it's a daunting challenge to stay out of a rut. It requires Herculean strength to redirect your outlook and your talent. ...

Even though our battle against the COVID-19 coronavirus is far from over, the radio industry is starting to see signs of recovery, at least in some parts of the world. In other spots, particularly in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, the situation is less ...

Radio programmers can spend too much time in the analytical world of radio and not nearly enough time creating emotional links with their audience. This imbalance is easy to fall into. Mechanics are cut-and-dried but creating a radio station that connects emotionally with ...

Kid Talk Radio, is it time to bring it back as a format or regular podcast, or at the very least a regular feature for radio stations and social media brands that cater to parents and kids? Hear me out, okay? I’m not going to lie, I watched both of CNN’s Sesame Street ...

Please don’t kid yourself that “it doesn’t fit our brand”. The horror of the George Floyd killing, the peaceful protests and the hijacking of the narrative by destruction and looting needs to be playing a big part of our radio stations, specifically our morning ...

In most places, we’re now seeing the economies starting to open back up. However, in these past two months of stay-at-home restrictions, consumers’ daily routines have been completely disrupted in many markets, which causes risks and opportunities for radio. We are ...

As the nation begins to slowly re-open for business after the lockdown from Covid-19, I have more and more conversations with Program Directors who are concerned about the tempo, messaging and “fit” of new music on their radio stations. Most of them are looking for ...