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Beyond the Logical Point of Conclusion
One of the smartest Program Directors I ever consulted had a penchant for going beyond the logical point of conclusion. That is the thinking that if something works well and is greatly accepted, then taking it up a notch or three would bring even more success.

Mike McVay
Jul 74 min read
Summertime and the Living is Easy
Summer is a time for radio stations to connect with listeners and attract new audiences. By showcasing personalities, especially on weekends and holidays, and participating in community events, stations can increase their visibility and loyalty among listeners. Despite staffing challenges, creative solutions like outsourcing and partnerships can help stations make the most of the summer season.

Mike McVay
Jun 305 min read
For Women, By Women, About Women
The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Gracie Awards, honoring individuals creating content for, by, or about women. The organization, founded in 1951, supports women in media through mentorship, education, and recognition.

Mike McVay
Jun 233 min read
The Programming Foundation: Part 2 – Filling Out The House
A successful radio station relies on a strong Programming Foundation, which includes music and air talent, as well as internal elements like imaging, community presence, syndication, and network partnerships.

Mike McVay
Jun 167 min read
The Programming Foundation: Part 1 – Music and Talent
A successful radio station requires a strong programming foundation, including great music, talented on-air personalities, and effective marketing.

Mike McVay
Jun 96 min read
The Need to Evolve
Radio needs to evolve to compete with streaming audio and other media platforms. While radio still has a large audience, the changing listening habits and the rise of digital platforms pose significant challenges.

Mike McVay
Jun 26 min read
Let The Big Dogs Eat
The media landscape has evolved rapidly, driven by the pandemic and changing consumer habits. To succeed, media companies, including radio, must focus on dominating their respective formats and audiences.

Mike McVay
May 264 min read
Overlooking Audience Expectations
The failed expectation of Rose’s fanbase was real and raw at that moment. Time has softened the feeling of many, but Rose violating the rules was not something one could ever imagine.

Mike McVay
May 203 min read
Guest Booking to Lightning Rods: Interview Strategies That Work
When searching out a guest, start by answering the question “What’s the objective of this interview?” Why this guest? Are you entertaining or informing the audience? Is it your desire to create talk that can grow your audience?

Mike McVay
May 123 min read
Media Mental Health: A Conversation With Kelly Orchard
Kelly Orchard, a licensed psychotherapist, discusses the emotional journey of job loss in the media industry, likening it to grief.

Mike McVay
May 57 min read
Lessons From Legends
The closer and more relatable you are to a listener and their community, the better connected the listener will be to you. A strong connection with your audience leads to consistent success. It builds listener loyalty.

Mike McVay
Apr 284 min read
Whether You’ve Felt It or Not, Respect It
Highlighting the unique experience and dedication required to be a great on-air personality; noting that the best talent are intelligent, driven, and constantly striving for improvement.

Mike McVay
Apr 213 min read
Earn The Last Listen
Auto is the last listening location where radio dominates. With mounting competition from other platforms, new data now shows the beginnings of erosion, fueled by automakers themselves.

Mike McVay
Apr 144 min read
Lessons from Stephen A. Smith
Stephen A. Smith’s success, spanning multiple media platforms, is a testament to his hard work, authenticity, and ability to evolve.

Mike McVay
Apr 74 min read
The New Mobility: The Case for Smarter Station Apps
The rise of smartphones has revolutionized how we consume media, yet radio seems to ignore the opportunity to take advantage.

Mike McVay
Mar 316 min read
Your Action Plan for the Infinite Dial 2025
The Infinite Dial 2025 study highlights the importance of multi-platform content delivery for media success.

Mike McVay
Mar 246 min read
The Value of The Voice
Your audience, company, and employees pay for your mistakes. Making mistakes is regretful, but it’s worse if you’ve not learned from them.

Mike McVay
Mar 176 min read
Give Me 3 Minutes Give me 3 Minutes Mister
The results are not as clear as the projections predicted by the pundits.

Mike McVay
Mar 114 min read
Failed Expectations
Expectations take years to cultivate and a moment to crush.

Mike McVay
Mar 43 min read
The Importance of Personalities
Remotes and public appearances bring radio back into public view and back into the conversation.

Mike McVay
Feb 253 min read
Country Music is H-O-T
The most unique and well-attended programming and content conference will once again go about supporting one of America’s biggest formats.

Mike McVay
Feb 183 min read
Market Like The Rock
Most people don’t have patience. One of my friends in media always says, “Fast cost money.”

Mike McVay
Feb 114 min read
Lessons from Lorne
Lorne Michaels sold the point that if you miss your mark by a millimeter, the joke dies.

Mike McVay
Feb 46 min read
Know Your Audience
If you don’t know who your target audience is, you cannot attract them as your audience.

Mike McVay
Jan 283 min read
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