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January 31, 2023
Success Is In The SetupWhy do some shows set up interactive topics that attract an overload of engaging responses and others get boring lists or zero responses? Interactive topics with listeners by phone, text and social media live or die by the setup.
4 Reasons Interactive Topics Fail
- Yes or no setups: Cumulus Kiss Country Fresno and Kat Country Stockton/Modesto PD, Andy Winford advises his morning shows to, “never start with the words ‘Do you’, ‘Have you’, ‘Would you,’ because you’ll get responses like, ‘Yes, I have’ or ‘No, I haven’t.’ 'Conversely, setting up topics with What' or 'How' spark memory recall because you’re being specific.”
- Either or setups: This type of setup is usually a dead end. “What’s better iPhones or Androids?” Listeners will say one or the other and give you generic answers such as, “I just like iPhone better.”
- Vague setups: Non-specific setups like, “Do you let your ten-year-old go to bed when they want to, or do you let them stay up to watch their favorite TV show, or do you have a set time they go to bed?” Vague setups will get only a few or no responses.
- National Calendar Days: National Ice Cream Day will often be set up with, “What’s your favorite ice cream?” You’ll get one-word responses like chocolate, cookie dough, caramel, etc. Exceptions would be days that create stories such as National Fireworks Day often spurring anecdotes from listeners who set fires, went to the hospital, etc.
Story Setups Succeed
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January 26, 2023
A Legendary TV Producer Takes Us To SchoolOver the holidays, I read Dick Ebersol’s “From Monday Night to Sunday Night” autobiography. An excellent read from start to finish. There are some lessons and takeaways for all of us in the radio industry. To give you some background, Ebersol was the ...
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January 24, 2023
Why Agree To Disagree?In meetings, how many times have you "agreed to disagree?" It’s a way out of endless arguments that can stall and prolong meetings. This phrase enables both parties to maintain their positions. But there’s a big downside to agreeing to disagree. When ...
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January 19, 2023
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January 18, 2023
The Secret To On-Air ChemistryHow do you build chemistry on a radio show or podcast? What listeners sense between on-air players is a key determinant of the show’s success. What can you do to create a partnership that vibes? If you want the audience to feel something you have to ...
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Well, I do not think it’s any surprise to anyone that we’re in The Doldrums of the Music Cycle, but as I stated early last year, “We’re in the ‘worst music Doldrums’ in history and certainly the worst for radio itself.” Music ...
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‘The Tonight Show’ Offers Some Sound Programming AdviceI’ve been a regular viewer of NBC’s late night “The Tonight Show” since the days of Johnny Carson. The show has endured only three host changes, with Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien for a short time, and now, Jimmy Fallon. If you look back, you can ...
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January 11, 2023
Goals vs ResolutionsAs we roll into the first full week of 2023, most of us have set some form of goals or resolutions. There are countless studies on how long people stick with resolutions. Unfortunately, only about 9 to 16% of people are able to follow through on their resolutions. ...
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January 5, 2023
Country Radio At Its BestThe most recent holiday season was the first full season out of the pandemic. Things opened up, and Country radio was definitely out in the community in full force. If you paid any attention any time in December, you could read about a Country radio station doing ...