Here's a couple of ideas for the fine folks that run Free Fm (NYC version). First off, what is your target audience into? I think shows that address those topics should be developed quickly because your just don't have them yet. Sure, your thinking that's common sense. But when I listen to Free-FM, I'm just not hearing it. I do hear shows trying to be topical but it's not entertaining. So...
If your going to attract men here are a few ideas:
1) Sex Sells. We all know that. So why not develop a show along the Lovelines idea but this time with Women as hosts. Porn queens. Why not? It will surely attract attention, something this station definately needs. It's walking a fine line in this day and age but talk radio that's going to standout need to push the boundaries. Bottom line: Woman talking about sex will attract men.
2) Start to develop a show that talks about gadgets and video games. Anything from todays hottest electronics to videogaming. Ala G4. It's a tough thing to get something that is visual across on the radio but if you can do it, the reward will be huge. Men in the younger demos are into gaming. Yet, no one provides a radio outlet to attract them. Seriously, watch some shows on G4 to see the possiblities.
3) Yes, there are 2 sports stations in NYC but Men love sports. Find a way to present it in a fun, interesting way. A different perspective than the sport stations now that are all phone driven.
Just my thoughts on the station as a listener, not that anyone asked.
jp
John if you listen to the station they are obviously targeting men 25-54 basically so while many of your ideas seem obvious in a kind of cliche way they all pretty much target a younger audience, gadgets for example are really all about the younger tech savvy end of any male demo like 18-24-ish, not what Free is about. Basically G4 on radio isnt that interesting, its more of a visual thing I think. Sex Sells? yeah how much more sex do you need with O and A o the air?.
