“Revive Your Vibe: Where Fun Meets the Airwaves!”

We operate in what should be an enjoyable industry. It’s the reason many of us were captivated by Radio initially and what motivated us to pursue broadcasting as a profession. This is also why numerous individuals have lingered too long and why others have exited Radio altogether. They experienced disappointment.

This explains why many are prepared to earn less in media than they potentially could in different fields. It’s due to the passion for the craft. It’s about personal ego fulfillment. It’s about the affection for the content we produce. It’s about the extraordinary experiences. No matter your position and tenure in Radio, at some moment, you have likely encountered a surreal experience.

Your most joyful or surreal encounter may have occurred when you met a musical icon you admired, a high-achieving athlete, a prominent news figure, or perhaps an actor you looked up to.

It could also be a professional milestone you never envisioned achieving. One of my acquaintances was a PD of one of America’s top-rated radio stations by the age of 18. That’s experiencing a surreal moment early on. Another became a renowned actress while initially aiming to be a Beauty Queen. One of my most surreal instances was riding on a Mardi Gras float with The Beach Boys and John Stamos. Almost everyone I know in or near the media has had one such moment. Reiterating; it’s the reason we desire to work in Radio.

Regrettably, it has become increasingly challenging to encounter moments that are surreal or enjoyable. Nowadays, it often feels like enjoyment is absent from the industry. A young broadcaster remarked that it seems my generation exhausted all the fun prior to their arrival in Radio. There are insufficient instances where creatives are empowered and inspired to innovate. Opportunities to join an entertainment inner circle are dwindling. The Country, Urban, and CCM formats appear to be the exceptions, as artists in those genres still embrace Radio and the on-air personalities. They are enjoyable.

There are instances that contradict my claim about the diminishing fun in Radio today. I’m well aware of several broadcast organizations and numerous station clusters that “get it.” They are unafraid to enjoy themselves, they distribute the wealth among the team so that individuals can experience unique occasions, and they genuinely promote a spirit of teamwork. You can see their actions in the trades and on social platforms. The talent are encouraged to be in front of the camera. In these situations, all of this happens without suppressing the individuality of creatives. Actively inviting talent to enjoy and savor the journey is an essential aspect of “Show Biz.” Unfortunately, this seems to be absent from internal discussions at the highest ranks.

There exists a remedy for Funlessness. It is anticipated that the most senior executives will concentrate primarily on spreadsheets relating to revenue and expenses. You don’t need an MBA to understand that success is equivalent to increasing income and reducing expenses. That’s their responsibility. The trickle-down effect imposes pressure on those in charge of leading programming and content production. That’s where “shields up” needs to occur. If you supervise content creation… then it’s your responsibility to master the art of Fun. It begins with recognizing that it’s on you to take action.

The Five for Fun:

1. Honor the talent. The finest talent perceive and process things uniquely compared to others. The celebration in their minds is a private one, accessible to few, yet it’s what sets them apart. I’ve never encountered great talent that wasn’t intelligent, perpetually contemplating their show, building rapport with their audience, and driven – at times to a point that might be seen as irritating. Cherish that in them.
2. While coaching, avoid establishing the boundaries with negatives. Doing so discourages any attempts at all. This strategy signals to the talent that it’s preferable to do nothing rather than risk attempting something and facing repercussions. Humor is subjective. Opinions expressed on-air are vital to communication. The best talent have defined attributes for which they are recognized and are personal brands. Offer encouragement during coaching… even if that entails guiding them to take a different approach. Clarify the “why” behind your recommendations. As a side note: it’s acceptable for talent to debate as long as it takes the form of a discussion rather than an argument.
3. Foster a collaborative relationship among your team. This could involve a regularly scheduled quarterly dinner, attending a sporting event or concert together, or watching a popular film as a group. Togetherness, in moderation, can be very beneficial.
4. Recognize achievements. One station I consulted for nearly a decade consistently ranked #1 in their target demographic. Upon first attaining #1, the Market Manager told me they did not wish to hold a celebratory gathering because it was anticipated to be ranked #1, and they also stated they didn’t want to highlight the ratings results when they were not #1. Some years later, after they had fallen from that prestigious ranking, the manager admitted that being number one should have been acknowledged. It isn’t a given to be #1. Neglecting to celebrate your accomplishments communicates the idea that winning holds no significance. There’s no advantage to success.
5. Be cheerful! Perhaps the most crucial aspect of reinstating Fun at your station is to smile. Maintain a positive demeanor. Promote positivity. Reflect on past experiences. Be mindful of how your actions are perceived by others. If your door is often closed, there are whispered or hurried meetings, and the hallways are quiet, then what message does that convey to your team? Smile.

Admittedly, the downsizing and regionalization of many airstaffs have significantly reduced the number of individuals in the hallways of numerous radio stations. I can envision that it’s more challenging to generate noise and laughter in a space that’s sparsely occupied. However, that doesn’t imply that a fun, positive, and creative environment cannot be cultivated. Fun isn’t absent if it’s not forgotten.