Question About PD'S and Music

[WhiteBoy13]

How much of a say so do Program Directors have in the songs that stations play/add as opposed to the Music Directors.

 

[RadioMahn]

A Music Director in most cases can't add a song without the Program Director's approval. In many instances the Program Director is told by corporate and/or a consultant what the station adds. Their input is considered, but usually the MD is the lowest person on the food chain. Of course there's exceptions where Music Directors pull more weight.

 

[ricoontheradio]

How much of a say so do Program Directors have in the songs that stations play/add as opposed to the Music Directors.

It really depends on the specific situation. Some MDs are given, for the most part, full reign on music-picking. Some get no power, some in between. In very small markets, often the MD is the person who records the music into the automation, and then goes to a music meeting where he's told, by the PD, what they'll be adding. Sometimes an MD is the person who schedules the music.

Every situation is different. And probably depends on the MD's real ability vs. the PD's ego/faith in the MD.

Just my opinion...

 

[Daniel911]

When I was a PD for Cumulus I didn't get much say in the songs. Val & Jan choose them all for us. We could petition them, but they almost always said NO to anything with local flavor. It was terrible.

 

[ricoontheradio]

When I was a PD for Cumulus I didn't get much say in the songs. Val & Jan choose them all for us. We could petition them, but they almost always said NO to anything with local flavor. It was terrible.

Interesting. I've never worked for Cumulus but have heard this from a couple different people. How did it work for you and your station? Did you have success on that situation?

 

[jamessteele]

The PD will most likely have the final say. It's up to you the Music Director to push really hard for a song you know is going to be huge. Basically the music director should be just like a record rep, but atleast you as a MD are pushing for songs that you feel strongly about based on the overall sound...and not based on your pay because you got a station to add one of your stiffs. You will probably hear a hit before your PD because your PD is most likely 10 to 20 years older then you. Not that all CHR PD's in there 30's and 40's are out of touch...but some are.