Week of September 10, 2007

Friday 9/14, 2007

The Fall book is one week away. Are you ready? Review each plan with your PDs. It's only your career. Your 2008 revenue budget is just around the corner.

Thursday 9/13, 2007

Looking for a new format? Should you consider one of the new "Fresh" or "Movin'"-type formats? Here are a few questions to ask before you flip.

1. Is it a format or a weekend? Many formats come and go. Jammin' Oldies, '80s and others may not stand the test of time.
2. Where is it successful? Caution: One or two markets does NOT a successful format make. I can find at least one market for every successful format. Can you show me TEN?
3. Will your company support it past the launch phase? Many companies give the manager little in the way of launch marketing money, then wonder why it is a failure. Consider the competition across the street; do you think they will let you successfully launch? Most will block your every move to encroach on their audience.
4. Can you sell it? Many new formats succeed over years. They usually are not dependent on big early ratings. If the sales department can't explain the key benefits to a new format, either you have not done it well, or there is no reason for the format in the first place.

Wednesday 9/12, 2007

Why do PDs have a love/hate relationship with the morning show? Maybe as a GM, you do, too! Morning shows that have been at the station for a long time (longer than your PD and you) always feel like they ARE the station. They make the most money, they have their own rules, and many on staff resent them.

What motivates them? Respect, for one. They see many PDs and GMs come and go. A new PD will come in and make them read liner cards. Forget it! You must manage them like the franchise they are -- almost like the sports rights. The station across the street would love to have them. They know it. Managing a franchise morning show is an art. It will make your station ratings secure for years. Now all you have to do is sell them so you can afford them. (See Tuesday's column.)

Tuesday 9/11, 2007

Why would anyone want to overpay for talent? Here are three reasons why;

1. They have been at least top three in their target demo for the past three years.
2. They represent at least 40% of your total station revenue.
3. They will take your audience and revenue with them if they cross the street.

Many PDs think they can replace them. In most cases, they can't. PDs have a love/hate relationship with morning shows. Tomorrow, we will find out why....

Monday 9/10, 2007

Today is a good day to review your talent contracts. If any are about to expire or are in the "first-right" window, it's best to get them nailed down -- especially if they perform. You never know when a raid will happen from across the street. Tomorrow, we will examine the three most important reasons to OVERPAY your talent. Right here on AllAccess.com.