Thomas Korponay-Pfeifer (Programme Director of Radio 88.6) is giving five commandments for Programme Directors.
The first is to always remember station values and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Faith in your people is important too; let your team do their job, trust your talent and do not micromanage.
A lack of failure indicates a lack of trying, Thomas argues in his third commandment.
Fourth, respect demands of CEOs but keep them away from your team.
Finally, dream big. Look for ‘whys’ not ‘why nots’.
Caroline Jamet (Executive Director, Radio, Audio, for the French Services of CBC/Radio-Canada) is also giving five simple tips:
Create a strong audio destination, perhaps like Canadia’s Ohdio app which also enables data collection.
Adopt an exclusivity distribution strategy for original podcasts. Start rolling out your own podcasts on your own platforms before rolling them out elsewhere.
Enhance discoverability by updating your web presences regularly.
Create an enriched audiobook collection using archive material and music excerpts. Radio-Canada has 150 available on their platform; biographies of great Canadian singers prove popular for them.
Drive audiobook engagement with co-listening.
Kenny Southavy (Audio Producer & Sound Designer at ReelWorld Europe) creates imaging. His tips are straightforward:
Be comfortable with change. ReelWorld is responsible for the BBC’s Local Radio rebrand; originally serious and orchestral, it’s now a lot more lighthearted.
With AI, it’s possible to upcycle audio. Borrow and steal from other places to create awesome sound.
Seek inspiration where your audience is. TikTok is a source of inspiration for content creation; go where they are.
Outdo streaming services in terms of value. Radio’s uniquely placed to provide context and content and ease transitions between items.
Be concise.
Julia Schutz (MD & PD of ANTENNE NRW) says:
Take calculated risks. Her station is 202 days old today and launching was a calculated risk. Don’t be so afraid of losing that you never try to win.
Look after rising stars, not just stale but money-making talent.
Pain and passion belong to the radio business. In our daily battles, it’s important to know what you’re fighting for. Find a purpose!
Be proud but never satisfied. Don’t get complacent. As soon as one goal is complete, get to the next.
You need the right people in your corner. Julia reckons those people are a mentor, a lawyer, and an accountant.
Andrew Davies (Digital and Engagement Editor at ABC) is talking about podcast tips to engage and keep an audience:
Metadata is really underrated. Descriptions and titles are the number one thing people look at when trying a podcast.
Lead with something interesting when you create those descriptive items. Hook early.
If you’re doing a comedy podcast, make those items funny. If you’re making a kids podcast, use language that speaks to kids. Style and tone need to match audio.
One Shot Rule. Each podcast should have a single call to action.
Reviews don’t count in Apple Podcasts. They’re not factored into Apple’s charts. Why bother with it as a call to action?
Aled Haydn Jones (Head of Radio 1 at BBC) says:
Finding new talent is essential to stay relevant with young people. You can’t leave people on-air; they grow old with their age group.
When looking for talent, cast the net wide. Do what you’ve always done and you’ll get what you’ve always got.
Similarly, recruit a diverse range of presenters. People like to hear and see themselves reflected within the radio they listen to.
You are not your audience. You love radio. You love music. You make radio you’re passionate about but not always what your audience wants.
Keep developing. Always move onwards.
