Steve Reynolds "Pet Peeves" about show hosting...

[davideduardo]

Here is consultant Steve Reynolds's list of well-worn things show hosts sometimes do but which he things are best to avoid_

Steve's Pet Peeves: Volume 1 - Reynolds Group Radio

Just before the holiday break, on a morning when I had some extra time, I decided to check out some shows I've been hearing about. One placed, in a

reynoldsgroupradio.com

Here is one example:

"Taking the first break of the show and telling the audience what’s coming up on the show that day (doing a rundown of that day’s content). It’s 6:05. I’m not coming back because you have tickets to give out at 7:20 or are doing that phone topic at 7:50 or have an email from a listener with relationships drama at 8:15. I’m here now, connect with and entertain me now."

 

[Ed Nielson]

There is at least one exception to this rule. Pat St. John on Sirius XM 60s Gold does the National Theme Days, and for celebrity birthdays ads the birthdays of people who have passed on, and how old they would be if still alive. Pat is a talented DJ and he makes it sound good.

• Lists and surveys and National Theme Days. There are lower forms of content, but this is prep service-driven lazy radio.
• Birthdays and This Date in History. Now, that’s the lowest form of content. My goal in radio is to rid every show still doing this, who believe the audience cares. They don’t. We can be better.

 

[radiofan2023]

Promoting ahead takes away the element of surprise. Also, for me as a listener, birthdays are about as exciting as obituaries.

 

[TheBigA]

Everybody loves consultants, don't they? Since we're talking about promoting ahead and show teases before commercial breaks, here's a view from another consultant: Randy Lane:

7 Tips for Magnetic Teasers - Radio Ink

Radio and podcast shows can grab the audience’s attention and extend listening time by delivering clickbait-style teasers.

radioink.com

I'm sure he has a blog about lists and birthdays. Personally, I love lists and hate birthdays. I had a sales guy who told me if I did birthdays, he could get it sponsored. I ignored him.