December 3, 2009

Here's a touchy subject ... voicetracking. Of course, in principle, we're all against it as it defeats the "live and local" that is so important to all of us.

When to consider:

• You've run out of options for further cuts and corporate says they need another 10%.
• You are running a "passive" music-formatted station. One that is almost entirely reliant
• on quantity and quality of music; i.e. A.C., Oldies, some Rock, etc.
• You have the technical capability to effectively pull it off.
• You have access to quality talent that is better or at least is as good as what you are
• replacing for significantly less money.

In these cases, I would suggest you approach in the following order:

• Automate overnights (no VT needed)
• VT nights
• VT middays

But do keep in mind:

• production needs
• personality appearance needs (remotes, etc)
• make sure you press the new VT talent to make it custom and local, and aircheck them like they are on your staff (if not already).

In most cases, sad but true, the listeners will never know. But you have nowhere else to cut ... just think it through.