“We’ve got disco in eight tracks and cassettes in stereo
We’ve got rural scenes & magazines
We’ve got truckers on CB’s
We’ve got Richard Pryor on the video” The Load Out – Jackson Browne

If you find LIVE people in broadcast studios today, take note of their performance.

There was a time, not so long ago where talent had a tremendous amount of actual work.

Before air time, program hours needed assembling (by hand) – production on an analog machine.

Computers – nowhere to be seen.

Clearing AP wire (most times it was jammed)

Updating The Weather Phone with current temperatures, a requirement.

Transmitter readings – taken manually.

When Jackson Browne’s Running on Empty album debuted in the 1977, we dreamed of upgrading our CB radio from 19 to 40 channels.

‘Cassettes in Stereo’ were a BIG deal.

Broadcast studios were full of air talent – aching for their next show.

It also paid WAY less – as today.

For some of you this is a short trip down memory lane.

Others this may sound as distance as the Horseless Carriage.

May of 1961.

Newton Minow, in his speech to the National Association of Broadcasters, declared television as a vast wasteland.

Minow challenged the crowd by proclaiming, “Is there one person in this room who claims that broadcasting can’t do better?”.

Phenomenal technology has created time to create GREAT content.

Broadcasters – try creating just ONE brilliant content piece every hour.

Just one.

The end result for your audience will be – engaging.

Next Week: Stronger

Kevin Robinson is a record-setting and award-winning programmer.  His brands consistently perform in the Top 3 of the target – often times as the list leader.  In his 35 years of radio, he’s successfully programmed or consulted nearly every English language radio brand.  Known largely as a trusted talent coach, he’s the only personality mentor who’s coached three different morning shows on three different stations in the same major market to the #1 position.  His efforts have been recognized by Radio & Records, NAB’s Marconi, Radio Ink and has coached CMA, ACM and Marconi winning talent.  Kevin lives in St. Louis with his wife of 30 years, Monica.  Reach Kevin at (314) 882-2148 or robinsonradio@aol.com.