New Trend: Get In The Companionship Business

Personalities will be even more crucial to the success of AM/FM and podcasting in the future because of an increasing trend: social isolation.

40% of Americans reported in a 2018 study that they felt isolated from others and lacked companionship. The pandemic has greatly increased feelings of isolation and loneliness among listeners.

People report having fewer close friends today than in the past. The average has dropped from three BFFs to two. A Duke University study indicated that people have fewer friends outside the family than in the past.

Social media is intended to connect people but often leads users to feel more disconnected.

Modern lifestyles include screen addiction, long work commutes that limit civic engagement and more people living alone. Listeners are craving connection and feeling uplifted.

Which of these would appeal more to a lonely person?

• A text-to-win contest or a familiar voice interacting with listeners in an interactive game?
• Commercial-free Mondays or funny stories from a trusted on-air team?
• Slick production between automated songs or a passionate, authentic human being?

Measuring brain waves, social scientists say that the emotional bond between a listener and an authentic media personality is just as strong as a real-life relationship. People don’t have the same bond with songs and giveaways.

Humanity is the difference between AM/FM and rapidly growing online competitors like Spotify. Now even Spotify has created a radio-style morning show with hosts. Consider these tactics that can give your station and show more of a human connection.

Be you. Reveal your quirks, flaws, and endearing characteristics to relate and connect with listeners.

Maximize storytelling. Your personal stories, listener stories, trending and good news stories connect emotionally. All stories whether they’re dramatic or comedic, involve conflict and people taking actions.

Replace scripted with real. Instead of a big imaging voice, have your star morning show talk about your promotions in their own words. Rather than airing mostly produced imaging in music segments, enable your talents to be briefly present in music segments at least every other song.