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PD
RESOLUTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR
With the
new year just around the corner, here are a few ideas for all
programmers to reflect and think on.
First and foremost, aircheck your
jocks. As our business evolves and PD's are busier
and multi-tasking more than ever, this art seems to be falling
in-between the cracks. We all want and crave feedback. There is no
better way to build relationships and help jocks sound better than
to close your door, turn off the phone, listen to their show and
offer constructive feedback.
Sell the product. Hard to
believe, but many radio stations sell everything but their number
one product...the music. Promote the quantity, quality, and
benefits of listening to your station. Moreover, please
remember the power of titles and artists. Listeners always rate
this very high. They want to know the names and artists of the
music you are playing.If you think they know all the titles and
artists, please re-think this.
Do not worry about liners burning
out. Let them "BURN IN." Sure, they need to be
updated and freshened but make sure you do not lose the focus in
the process.
Be involved with the daily editing of the
music log. Since music is #1, there is nobody more
qualified than the PD to make sure that ever segue, every song and
every 15 minute cluster of music is right on target. Constantly
look at songs to make sure they are rotating properly. Not only
through the dayparts, but the hours as well. Lookout for "vertical
rotation" problems. Delegating music editing to a less qualified
person could cost valuable rating points. Remember with the music,
safe, familiar and smooth always wins in AC.
Make sure your station is not dull and
boring. Jocks, jingles, sweepers, and promotions
give you a great opportunity to keep your station alive and
vibrant. Make this week the week to invent some new
imaging.
Remember, personality is all about "the way
you sound", not in the "amount of words" you use.
Take a tip from the PPM markets. Keep talk elements to the
point, and always make sure they are delivered with sincerity in
the jocks voice.
Review and improve your website.
Is there a reason for listeners to visit you more than once?
With marketing budgets at a premium, do all you can to maximize
this free marketing tool. The competition for web hits is greater
than ever. If you do not have a Facebook fan page for the station,
get it going asap.Same for Twitter.
Work on technical improvements
now. Do not wait for the start of the spring book
to work on your audio processing or any other technical issues you
may have.Check with the jocks and production people to see if there
are technical issues that need repair.
Plan ahead. Do not wait
until the last minute to plan research, promotions, or marketing
programs. We all know the upcoming Arbitron dates. Be ahead of
them. If you are planning music testing for the spring book, plan
to have it on the air between 3-4 weeks prior to the books
start.
Review
Christmas now. While its still fresh in your mind,
look back at how this Christmas season went. Take notes for
improvements for next year. Make lists of songs you'll need, and
believe it or not, start working now on clock grids, so they are
ready next year.
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