The panel is titled “How to Be a Better Programme Director,” but Rebecca Frank and Paul Sylvester are referred to as Content Directors. So, what’s the difference? They explain that their job isn’t solely about the program itself, but also about the listeners. Alongside Nik Goodman and some voices from the audience, they delve into their roles as content directors.
Apart from the listeners, they also focus on the presenters at the station. Rebecca and Paul meet with their hosts every week. Although meetings can sometimes be a little bit boring, there are ways to make them enjoyable. For instance, everyone shares something cool or their favorite Madonna song. These simple ideas infuse energy into meetings, even when held online.
Trust and honesty are paramount for a content director. You must trust your team while being completely honest with them. It’s also crucial to support them in reaching their goals and ensuring the best for the station. This applies even when hard decisions, like letting someone go, need to be made.
Music-related tasks are a significant aspect of radio programming, so both Paul and Rebecca are involved in such work at their stations. However, the specifics of this work vary depending on the station’s brand. Despite their involvement in music, it’s not their primary responsibility, but they do offer their opinions, especially when they are strong, on the music being played.
To become a better program director, one must not only focus on the program itself but also consider the people involved. This includes the listeners, the creators of the program, and even the advertisers running ads in the shows.
