Innholdsfortegnelse for February 3, 2025 i Radio Ink Magazine

In an era where streaming giants and social media platforms dominate the airtime of our increasingly digital lives, one might expect traditional radio to fade into static. Yet, against all odds, AM/FM stands resilient. So what is the root of radio’s staying power? Country radio knows. On streaming services, mobile apps, and smart speakers, country radio has a chameleon-like ability to adapt to whatever environment it finds itself in. But it’s more than staying on top of technology. Country radio is a format of people. Radio’s strength has always been its connection to communities, a hallmark of country radio. Local radio stations remain the beating heart of information and entertainment in one-stoplight towns and big cities alike. Winning stations don’t just “play the hits.” They are woven into the fabric…

Every sales leader knows the feeling: a promising prospect goes silent, a key client is lost, or unexpected changes shake the company. These moments can rattle even the most seasoned salespeople. When setbacks occur, it’s natural for morale to dip, which can lead to teams missing their targets. Effective leadership is critical at these times. Your response can turn moments of despair into steppingstones toward success. In small markets, where every client interaction carries weight, resilience and adaptability are paramount. By promoting learning, focusing on controllables, providing personalized coaching, and celebrating wins, you can lead your team through adversity and unlock their full potential. Remember, setbacks aren’t failures; they’re opportunities to grow stronger and achieve greater success. Reframe failures as growth opportunities. After a lost deal, conduct a “lessons learned”…

Sustainability isn’t just the new “it word” — it’s become a synonym for longevity. And achieving longevity has become a significant challenge for many radio stations and brands. Radio faces sustainability challenges, and these are related: Downsizing leads to understaffing, negatively impacting morale and performance. This, in turn, damages brands. Think about it: Program directors are often perfectionists who want to be able to give everything they’ve got to everything they are doing. But overseeing multiple brands in multiple markets (and in different time zones), holding down an airshift or two, and coaching team members isn’t sustainable. Details get missed, and the brands suffer. The same thing holds for talent that does live shifts on multiple stations, sometimes different formats, and often in different time zones. It’s hard enough to…

Testimonials are your secret weapon, adding another level of credibility to your team’s sales presentations and your clients’ campaigns. Listeners are more likely to trust the opinions of other consumers than marketing claims from the advertisers. This is because testimonials offer social proof that the product or service delivers on its promises. Half the battle with any advertising campaign is overcoming skepticism. Testimonials from real people address common consumer concerns and objections while also building stronger relationships with potential customers, increasing trust and ultimately driving more sales. Tips for Collecting & Presenting Effective Testimonials Be Authentic: Use genuine, unedited testimonials that reflect real customer experiences. A promotional event at your client’s place of business is the perfect place to record testimonials. Plan an early-morning breakfast event before the store opens…

Throughout my career, I’ve been deeply immersed in the AC and classic hits radio formats. But as country music takes center stage in this edition of Radio Ink, I’m struck by an interesting parallel: both country and AC consistently rank among America’s most-listened-to formats. While country and AC speak different musical languages, they share a remarkable amount of DNA. From precision-crafted formatics to time-tested audience engagement strategies, these formats mirror one another in ways that savvy broadcasters can leverage. Even their revenue strategies often read from the same script, offering parallel paths to profitability that might surprise industry outsiders. Format Structure: • Both formats typically feature a mix of current hits and recurrent songs from recent years • They maintain consistent programming blocks throughout the day • Both use heavy…

Twenty-two years ago, I attended my very first Country Radio Seminar (CRS). From the moment I walked in, I could tell this event had a unique energy — unlike anything I’d experienced before. Before CRS, I’d been to events presented by Radio & Records, Pop Music Survey, and All Access, as well as sports and news radio conferences. But CRS stood out immediately. Coming from the pop and rock world, I was struck by how welcoming everyone was. People went out of their way to guide me to events, panels, and those amazing artist performances. Over the past 22 years of attending CRS without fail, that warm, inclusive spirit hasn’t changed. Every year feels like a family reunion, with genuine camaraderie and shared excitement. While we often discuss ways to…

Stories are the heart and essence of powerful radio. If you communicate for a living, you are in the story business. There Are No Boring Stories, Only Boring Storytellers Any topic in the hands of a master storyteller can come alive and captivate an audience. It is the way you tell a story that makes for a powerful storyteller. Not everyone is a gifted storyteller, but anyone can become a better storyteller. The skills and craft of storytelling can be learned. No matter your level of talent, your storytelling can improve with the right techniques. Audiences connect with and respond to stories. They relate to themes that reflect human nature (think Shakespearean or biblical themes)— good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, trust, faith, humor, and love. The ridiculous, the absurd,…

From seasoned professionals to Gen Z, many worry that AI will negatively impact human connection. There is a more hopeful narrative, however. AI is a savior — not a threat — particularly in the radio industry, where sales and programming thrive on relationships. A Typical Day Consider the typical day of someone working in radio: AEs find themselves updating spreadsheets, following up with clients, creating presentations, and handling administrative tasks. Programmers juggle data analysis, scheduling, and content planning. These tasks are essential but repetitive, pulling focus away from the heart of their work — building genuine relationships. Now, imagine a sales team using AI to streamline routine steps, such as automating follow-ups or generating data-rich client proposals. When they connect with clients, they can be fully present and focused on…