As an on air personality, what do you really know about yourself?

As an on-air personality, what do you really, really, really know about yourself? Have you taken the time to sit down in a quiet room and think about all the things that you want to do and say with your radio show? What do you know to be true about yourself? There was a lady named Sarah Kay from the UK in a TED talk who brought up that question about making a list of the top 10 things you know to be true about yourself and how much of that is going on the air. That is a great question. I would like to pose to you today, as a personality, no matter what format you are in, how much of you is really going on the air to connect with your audience? The more personal you are, the more people will connect with you. When I went to Dallas to do mornings at KRNB, I really began to discover who I was. They told me to just go in that studio and be a man and say what you wanna say and say it how you want to say it. I was liberated forever in that moment and I have not looked back. In this blog, if you come back every day, I will give you tips on how to uncuff yourself and free yourself on the air. On this blog, I will teach you to have something to say every day you’re on the air. You will make an impact with your listeners. Everybody needs good coaching. Contact me for more insight.

Show Rehearsal

Rehearsing your content will not take away your spontaneity on the air; it will make you more free to express yourself and be more creative in your break. Why? Because you know where you are trying to go, and because you are very familiar with your content, you can take the conversation different places and still land the plane where you want it. You may have a more creative ending to the break that was better than what you rehearsed. That is the magic and confidence that being prepared affords you. Why should you not be great for 30 seconds or 60 seconds or in a long-form talk set. Be the best in your market. Be the most prepared DJ on the air and take pride in your performance. Everybody needs a coach! Contact me if you want to know more about on-air execution.

Prepare to make tomorrow's show great

As a radio professional, your entire day should be dedicated to how to improve on tomorrow's show compared to today's. Reflecting on the wisdom of Tom Brady, hailed as the greatest quarterback in NFL history, who emphasized the importance of practicing as you play, it's evident that preparation translates to excellence in performance. The airwaves are saturated with mediocrity these days, where listeners are subjected to horrible content. Mediocre personalities simply breeze into the studio, last-minute sit down and just ramble. If your aim is to captivate your audience and keep them looking forward to your return the next day for more, be serious about show prep. Radio hosts must commit to intense preparation for each show. Dedicate 3 to 4 hours daily to brainstorming, researching, and writing. Create compelling content that will engage your listeners' and create an emotional attachment with you. Elevate your show every day, every week. Concentrate on making it better. You get better! Rehearse and practice your material and separate yourself from the pack!

Elevating Talent in the Radio Industry

I spoke with some new talent that I will be working with based in Long Island, New York today. They have an international show. They are four mix DJs, who have a penchant for great conversation on the history of the classic hip-hop era. When I first heard their show, I said these brothers have it! I’m just gonna help them shape the show up to practice more word economy. I really love working with talent especially when I know that the individual or group has the potential to go really far. I’m really excited about blackradiotalent.com where I will be able to share my expertise on how to engage Black Radio audiences and get talent get ratings. I mentor and help people find their way with their show. Whether you are a digital content personality, producer, radio personality, or an influencer, everybody needs a coach contact me directly at 704-905-2535.

Are you ready for the big pivot in media in 2024?

I saw this article in the New Yorker and wanted to shar this about the pivot that is taking place in media. Here are 3 points I want you to look at. "Is the Media Prepared for an Extinction-Level Event? Ads are scarce, search and social traffic is dying, and readers are burned out. The future will require fundamentally rethinking the press’s relationship to its audience". By Clare Malone February 10, 2024 **Analysis 1: Is the Media Prepared for an Extinction-Level Event?** - **Pivot Points:** - The decline of traditional media is evident through numerous layoffs and closures across broadcast, print, and digital news media. - Matthew Goldstein predicts an impending "extinction-level event" for media due to factors like news burnout, social media shifts, and Google's A.I.-integrated search. - Brian Morrissey suggests a future media landscape characterized by leaner operations and diversified revenue streams. - **Future of Media:** - Media outlets are urged to embrace innovative approaches such as events, e-commerce, and sponsored content to survive. - The focus is shifting towards consumer-funded models, where outlets explore subscriptions, donations, and alternative payment structures. - There's an acknowledgment of the need for a fundamental rethinking of the press's relationship with its audience to adapt to changing consumption patterns and revenue sources. - **What Media Outlets Should Be Doing:** - Exploring new revenue models beyond traditional advertising, including subscriptions, donations, and events. - Investing in audience engagement and personalization to enhance user experiences and retain subscribers. - Embracing technological advancements like A.I. cautiously and seeking compensation for the use of journalistic content by tech companies. **Analysis 2: Is the Media Prepared for an Extinction-Level Event?** - **Pivot Points:** - Traditional media faces significant challenges, including declining ad revenue and competition from digital platforms. - The emergence of A.I.-integrated search and changing consumer behaviors further exacerbates the crisis in the media industry. - Media outlets are compelled to explore alternative revenue streams and adapt to shifting audience preferences. - **Future of Media:** - The future of media entails a shift towards consumer-funded models and diversified revenue streams. - There's a growing emphasis on personalized user experiences and innovative content formats to engage audiences. - The survival of media outlets hinges on their ability to navigate technological disruptions and forge direct relationships with consumers. - **What Media Outlets Should Be Doing:** - Media organizations should prioritize experimentation with new revenue models and audience engagement strategies. - Embracing technological advancements like A.I. while safeguarding journalistic integrity and seeking fair compensation for content usage. - Fostering resilience and adaptability to thrive in an increasingly volatile media landscape. **Analysis 3: Is the Media Prepared for an Extinction-Level Event?** - **Pivot Points:** - The media industry faces unprecedented challenges, including layoffs, closures, and declining trust among audiences. - Technological disruptions, changing consumer behaviors, and shifting revenue dynamics contribute to the crisis in traditional media. - There's a pressing need for media outlets to reimagine their business models and adapt to evolving audience preferences. - **Future of Media:** - The future of media lies in innovative revenue strategies and enhanced audience engagement. - Media organizations must explore alternative funding sources such as subscriptions, donations, and events. - Embracing technology while upholding journalistic standards is crucial for the sustainability of media outlets. - **What Media Outlets Should Be Doing:** - Media entities should prioritize experimentation with new revenue models and digital platforms to diversify income streams. - Enhancing user experiences through personalized content and engagement strategies is paramount. - Building resilience and flexibility to navigate the uncertainties of the media landscape is essential for long-term survival.

Radio is a legacy platform hobbled by digital entertainment

Listeners tune out US radio in latest debt-fuelled crisis.Article shared from the Financial Times Jan 13, 2024 “You give us 22 minutes, we’ll give you the world” is the timeless slogan of New York radio station 1010 Wins. But the world is not enough for the creditors of Audacy, the radio conglomerate whose more than 200 stations include 1010 Wins. This week, Audacy filed for bankruptcy protection under the weight of $1.9bn of debt it could no longer shoulder.Radio was the backbone of multiple media empires across the 20th century. Today, it is a legacy platform hobbled by the encroachment of digital entertainment and the resulting change in consumer habits. Audacy joins the likes of iHeartMedia and Cumulus — large radio groups that have been forced to seek bankruptcy in order to restructure their debts and shrink their valuations.Radio’s pitch to advertisers was its ubiquity. The idea was that most people would tune in, at least for a few minutes, most days. As with television, election years would be an added boon thanks to political spots. Now, marketers are turning elsewhere. The diminution of the industry is painful and necessary.Audacy was born from the merger of stalwarts, Entercom Communications and CBS Radio in 2017. In 2019, it generated nearly $350mn in annual ebitda. Since the pandemic, however, listening has fallen by a quarter. Streaming services are luring audiences away. The number of Americans driving to work and tuning in to radio shows on their journey has also fallen. In 2024, Audacy projects ebitda of less than $150mn. At the end of 2019, the company had a market capitalisation of more than $600mn. In this bankruptcy, shareholders will be totally wiped out. The company’s debt balance will be reduced to just $350mn and its overall enterprise value will be set at roughly $700mn, implying an EV to ebitda multiple of just five times.Traditional terrestrial radio groups have tried to reposition themselves for the podcasting revolution. But sharp lay-offs and retrenchment at Spotify, a streaming service that has invested heavily in podcasts, shows that the market remains nascent. The annual advertising pie in podcasting is estimated at around $2bn, about an eighth of traditional radio. Satellite radio economics are roughly in the middle.Audacy projects that its ebitda margin can eventually top 10 per cent. Current senior lenders are poised to own the company’s reorganised equity. But “the world” is no longer up for grabs. Radio must accept a more humble slot in the media landscape.      See original article here ( https://www.ft.com/content/9a9ed304-0d45-45fb-b391-174f2ffeb67e )

AI To Play A Heavy Role In iHeart’s 2024 Podcast Plan

iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman considers podcasts the company's "growth engine." iHeart's Digital Audio Group CEO, Conal Byrne, outlines digital audio plans for 2024. Byrne emphasizes the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) in translating podcasts for international audiences. iHeart aims to leverage AI for multilingual content dissemination, with plans for rollout in the latter half of 2024. The use of AI is seen as essential for creators to access diverse audiences and build businesses in different territories. Byrne anticipates a surge in podcast advertising revenue, driven by national brands and improved measurement techniques. The podcasting industry is expected to see ad revenues reach around $4 billion by 2025. iHeartMedia plans to expedite partnerships with Pushkin Industries and Big Money Players Network. Focus on growing Black and Hispanic listener demographics, utilizing networks like Black Effect Podcast Network and My Cultura. Byrne highlights the shift towards packaging podcast content more comprehensively in 2024 for all creators.

The Hollywood strike and Radio

Labor disputes and strikes in the entertainment industry have happened in the past, highlighting the ongoing tension between talent and corporate entities. These conflicts often revolve around issues such as fair compensation, working hours, healthcare benefits, and creative control. A.I is only going to explode. The fast evolution of this A.I has people shook. Radio people should be concerned too.By comparison, looking at the Hollywood strike and the, impact of consolidation and syndication on Black Radio is interesting. Syndication can sometimes lead to a narrowing of talent pool as economic considerations take precedence over other factors. It is not uncommon for cost-saving measures to be prioritized over selecting the most talented individuals. This is frustrating for those who believe that talent should be valued.The entertainment industry of today, is the old model, and is being challenged by new platforms and distribution. The rise of streaming services, online content creation, and independent productions has provided alternative avenues for talent to showcase their work, bypassing some of the traditional gatekeepers and creating more opportunities. This is where all talent should be running to. The new way of doing business is here. There would be no strike if the Billionaires who run Hollywood thought it was important to keep you in place. But don't! It's all about the money baby. Saving money. New tech will flood all media brands and eliminate jobs by the thousands. But look, the internet is our playground. We must run to it. Hurry and create and let the consumers judge your work. It's still early in this new media minefield. There are so, many opportunities for a group of talented like minded media people to work together and to build something everyone could eat from.The relationship between talent and corporate in Hollywood is black and white. There will always be an imbalance of power and compensation.The entertainment industry is continually evolving, and you can't stop this. My radio friends better get ready for the real decimation on the horizon.This is a clear sign of things to come. This strike will be devastating if people don't jump off that ship and go get their own boat. Run to independence and create on the internet. No it's not easy, but why would you want it to be? Remember, A.I does not have a heart. You do! Use it to connect with audiences who are yearning to hear your voice.

Adding Contributors to your radio show

Hosting a solo gig morning show can be intimidating. With a few creative approaches, you can take your show to the next level and create engaging content that keeps your audience hooked. Adding contributors to your show. By incorporating different perspectives and voices, you can enhance the overall appeal of your program. In this article, we will explore how you can seamlessly introduce contributors to your morning show and elevate its quality.

1. Creating a Virtual Roundtable:

One effective way to bring contributors into your show is by setting up a virtual roundtable discussion. Think of it as a conference call with your closest friends, where you engage in lively conversations about the day's topics. Use platforms like Zoom to connect with your contributors and record these discussions in the evening. By editing the recordings, you can incorporate them into your next-day show, enriching it with diverse perspectives and opinions. Multiple contributors can add depth and variety to your program, making it more appealing to your audience.

2. Finding Complementary Contributors:

When selecting contributors, focus on finding individuals who share a similar vibe or wavelength with you. Look for people who can bring a fresh perspective and help establish your authority on specific subjects. Additionally, consider inviting regular callers who resonate with your show and demonstrate a genuine interest in being involved. These individuals can contribute a unique dynamic, bringing humor or insightful commentary that adds value to your program.

3. Recording at the Radio Station:

Collaborating with someone in-person can create a different energy and authenticity on the show. If you find a person at the radio station with whom you have great conversations and chemistry, seize the opportunity to record something together. These recordings can capture the essence of your discussions and provide an organic addition to your show. Whether it's a fellow host, producer, or colleague, a familiar voice from the station can enhance the overall listening experience.

4. Incorporating Close Friends:

Another option for diversifying your show's content is to include your close girlfriends via Zoom calls. Choose moments from these conversations that align with the flow of your show, and seamlessly integrate them. By doing so, you introduce different voices and perspectives, adding color and interest to your program. Your close friends can provide an intimate touch and engage with you in a way that resonates with your audience.

Conclusion:

Adding contributors to your morning show can significantly enhance its appeal and engage your audience on a deeper level. Whether through virtual roundtable discussions, regular callers, or collaborations with colleagues, contributors bring fresh perspectives, humor, and diverse opinions. Embracing these opportunities allows you to create dynamic content that establishes your authority and keeps listeners coming back for more. So, don't hesitate to invite others to join your show and witness how their unique contributions amplify your hosting skills.

What is the job of Independent Black Media Outlets?

I want to thank Dr. Boyce Watkins of www.Yourblackworld.net for publishing one of my latest articles on his website How the Million Man March made the Govt make a move on Black Radio .

I admire him so much as I have sat back and watched him create this great black media machine that has become so relevant in Black America. I am in the process of creating my own media and he has been a great source of inspiration. His media is an example of how we should engage and make people think.

So what is the role of The Black Media?

Is it to regurgitate what we read and see on mainstream news and report from the view point of someone else. Absolutely not. We must tell our own story from our own camera angle lense.

Your thoughts? Leave a comment