From Jimmy Kimmel taking shots at late-night competitors to Rory McIlroy swinging his opinions around the Ryder Cup, yet another government shutdown showdown, and yes, we’re still talking about vaccinations… There’s no shortage of topics that get people fired up. So, what’s a radio personality to do? Say nothing and risk being irrelevant? Or dive in and risk becoming the next viral takedown?

Out of this week's data here are a few of the songs that topped those lists nationally in the US and Canada along with a few random specific markets. The United States, Hot AC/Top 40: Taylor Swift "The Fate of Ophelia" (Overall #1).

In the classic comedy movie, “Groundhog Day,” Bill Murray awakens to Sonny and Cher’s “I Got You Babe” on a clock radio (remember those?)… every morning as he experiences the exact same day over and over.  After several mornings, Bill Murray eventually throws the radio against the wall.

Let’s cut the fluff: most radio teases are garbage. There, I said it. They’re vague. They’re generic. They’re the verbal equivalent of texting “U up?” at 2 a.m.—and about as effective.

Always go into stopsets with a creative promote-ahead.  If you don’t want to go from a bit to a promote-ahead to spots, do a produced “donut promo” after a bit into spots.  Push to expand the average TSL beyond 10 minutes. Practice the 80/20 rule in promoting ahead.  Instead of providing the answer, give enough to intrigue the audience with 80% and hold back 20%.

Where's the one spot that has all your contests, logo, mascot, on-air bios, music info, colors, BRAND...your website!

Here are sixteen of the songs we’re watching this week. For more insight on how we choose these songs or to get a sneak peek at some of the data we track on 500+ new songs across radio formats, email me at Andy@RadioStationConsultant.com.

Examine the production elements on your stations and assess all your on-air elements. Look for quality, freshness, and imaging liners with unplanned consequences. Are imaging liners touting listener benefits? That’s a stronger ploy than a list of features.  Great production makes grasping the context easy for the listener. Look for unintended tune-outs, like comments that signal to the audience that they’ll have to wait for music. 

Going against the grain of the overnight Tik Tok successes, November Blue brings back the professionalism, hard work and dedication it takes to make it in Nashville. This six-piece band started back in 2014 and has history of writing and musicianship most producers dream of.

Out of this week's data here are a few of the songs that topped those lists nationally in the US and Canada along with a few random specific markets. San Francisco, California, Latin: Fuerza Regida "Marlboro Rojo."