Let’s face it, going on an interview can feel overwhelming. The process of finding the career of your dreams is scary and exciting at the same time. Remember each company may have different standards when it comes to this process, but some questions stay the same. Here are the top interview questions asked and how … Read more
When a radio show comes to us for advice about syndication, we share lessons from coaching The Bert Show, Tino Cochino Radio, Two Guys Named Chris, the talent at K-Love and others. First, you should know that syndication as a cost-cutting tactic alone is not effective. Stop right now if that is your driving motivation. … Read more
Audiences see more than what is on-camera and hear more than microphones pick up. Here is one experience in local TV news that taught me about an important but invisible principle. The heritage station – we’ll call them Channel 7 — was ratings dominant with a full shelf of Emmys, but watching the newscast the … Read more
And you know what is better than any production? You! Provide companionship while identifying the station with your familiar voice.
Imagine that you are weeding through a stack of content ideas for your newscast, podcast or radio show. Aside from newsworthiness and relevance, what content filter do you use in determining what is A, B or C material? Go with stories involving action. If someone is doing something interesting, that gets priority over content involving … Read more
The Lyft driver noticed my WKQX hat and asked if I was in broadcasting. I said I was and noted that he was listening to Bryan, Ali and Justin, a Chicago show that we coach. The driver then began talking about his own radio career. On the drive from the Loop to O’Hare airport I … Read more
“It’s your ear more than your eye,” said CBS 60 Minutes producer Don Hewitt. Broadcasters sometimes overlook the importance of audio. In television, what audiences hear is more important than what they see. Radio and podcast presenters have only sound to work with, but many leave its potential unexplored. Here are some secrets on effective … Read more
Remember the opening crawl in Star Wars? “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…” Making the audience read was an effective way of bringing even non-science fiction fans up to speed on the fantastical storyline. Like a movie, your show needs explanation. In storytelling, this is called exposition. Clarity and detail are … Read more
If you are leading meetings with on-air talent, keep in mind that you are entertaining for entertainers and communicating with expert communicators. Talk about a tough room! In many meetings with broadcasters over the years, I have learned a lot through tough trial and error. Here are some of my favorite hacks for more effective, … Read more
Starting out, I was grateful to receive guidance from wise broadcasters willing to share their experience and advice. I also learned some things that sounded correct but turned out to be totally wrong: “Follow your passion and the money will follow.” Instead, follow what you are good at. You find what you are good at … Read more