Week of March 31, 2008

Friday 4/4, 2008

Review the monthly P&L. The business manager should have March done by now. How did we do? Review each department with the appropriate department head. Any variances will be noticed by corporate (especially expenses). Have the reasons in advance and ready when they call. Make adjustments for the following month/quarter/year/career. Have a great weekend!

Thursday 4/3, 2008

Here's another Spring book 2008 tip: As the trends roll out, take a look at the PUR (Persons Using Radio) If the market listening is down, where did they go? If advertisers see this (or any other) info in the paper, make sure you have the answer.

Wednesday 4/2, 2008

How is national business? Are the national people updated with the latest station information? Call the N.Y., L.A., SF and Dallas offices to get an update from the market manager. For a change, why don't you do it, not the NSM this time? (The squeaky wheel gets money. Otherwise, out of sight, out of cash.) Check the NSM's expenses from the last market trip. (The rep should pay for the dinners.) It's time to set up a lunch with the Q1 top-3 advertisers ... especially if there was an increase from 2007. Thank them. Check on summer spending from these three.

Tuesday 4/1, 2008

It's time to review all the station websites. Are they updated? How do you feel about the content? Fresh, updated, rich content will keep the page views up. Listeners will come back if there is something new. Check with the webmaster. Podcasting, HD, streaming? Package all the stations' "other media" into one plan and present the package to advertisers along with your on air brand. Online revenue may be the only way to offset the dismal national revenue numbers. More on national business plans tomorrow.

Monday 3/31, 2008

Is this Clear Channel buyout thing distracting or what? There is a very good chance that it's the conversation topic with most of your department heads, whether you work for ... or compete against ... them. The bottom line is that no matter what the outcome, you still have a budget to hit, listeners to attract, and employees to manage. From my experience, trying to predict what will happen is like trying to figure out the inner workings of the Kremlin. In the short term, just keep everyone focused. The audience won't care. Is it necessary to warn the PDs and morning shows about tomorrow? (April Fool's Day!)