It’s Time to Build Authentic, Uninhibited Broadcasters Who Make Radio Feel Alive Again: Let's Put Cookie Cutter Radio to Death

We are producing a legion of cookie cutter announcers who lack the tools to make the radio feel alive again. It is not there fault, it is the people who are teaching and training them. Not a lot of instruction is taking place with talent development. We need to intentionally create a new brand of radio personalities that can take this bland one size fits all radio to it's final resting place. 

Here are some of the characteristics we need to cultivate in our future stars of radio:

1. Less concerned about how others perceive them, so they share personal details about their lives freely. They do not allow the judgement of others in the room to stop them from being themselves.  NEVER!

2. Don’t hide behind a façade. They have their own style. Be something different.

3. They execute the show with their heart. They lead with their heart always willing to be vulnerable.

4. They possess the authenticity, to connect with their unseen audience. They are a vibe and the people can feel them. They hear how you treat other people on the air and they can identify you.

5. Make listeners feel like they’re hearing a real person. Not a shock jock, but you may say things shocking unaware because you are being you. Being real does not mean being a vulgar disparaging personality to get people's attention. I personally think people are getting sick of that.

6. Share personal lived experience stories openly.. Shares your emotions. Not what you think people want to hear.

7. Love to take chances that can differentiate their show in a crowded market. None of these shows should have the same features. Don't do the same thing everybody else is doing. Why does everybody do a prank phone call? Come up with something new. 

8. Make radio feel alive by really being themselves in every situation. They are excited to be with the audience everyday. You can hear it in their voice.

9. Aren’t afraid to say what others might hold back, creating powerful moments of truth, humor, or even controversy that stick with the audience ....We need to produce these types of personalities for the future of radio to stay alive and relevant for the next generation..What are some of your thoughts. Leave a comment