July 26, 2010

Someone told me last week about some discussions at The Conclave and the subject of Program Directors listening to their station(s) came up. With today's PD often over-seeing more than one station, let alone all the work that has to be done, it's not-so-surprising that most PDs say they don't/can't listen to their station enough.

Below is part of my column from May 14th called "Take A Listening Day:"

When I was a PD many years ago, I made it a priority, at least once a quarter, to get out of the office, hole up in a hotel with several radios and listen to my station and the my market. I actually had a GM who thought I was taking a day off. Puh-leeze.

You should do this with your PD:

• Pick a day
• Get a hotel room or a conference center room; heck, it can even be your basement
• Get a few radios and listen to YOUR station and key competitors
• Bring spot and music monitor information so as you hear things you can cross-reference it
• Start early, listen to morning drive through PM drive

You will be amazed at what a truly productive day it is and what you discover about your station and your competitors.