I was in a client’s market this week and one of the things we worked on was a refresh of the database for their Hot AC station. Over the course of my career, I’ve done more of these than I can count. This one, however, was a lot easier and more on-target. Here are the two reasons why.

Remember when those who weren’t in the management corner office were excited about AI and the possibility of it enhancing listenership? Fast forward to today after a new study found most listeners are annoyed by the sound of AI, and would rather listen to an actual human on air.

Repetitively brand the station name (especially in diary markets) and positioning slogan, ideally 30-40 times an hour in a diary market.

Here are sixteen of the songs we’re watching this week. Scroll down to hear the full songs. 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.

News flash: Your audience isn’t reading your show. They’re listening. Yet every day, I hear shows copy-pasting news blurbs, entertainment updates, or sports stories straight from websites written for the eye, not the ear. It’s like serving cold pizza—it technically works, but only in emergency situations.

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, Urban/R&B: Cardi B & Kehlani "Safe."

Help your air staff grow and develop as talented performers.  This is a great time to take a fresh look at their performances.  Our job as programmers is to motivate, stimulate, counsel, and critique the staff.  Conduct a coaching session at least once a week, and more often with the morning talent(s).  Consider these guidelines.

Turn on ESPN any time of day and you’re likely to see something like what’s pictured above. A host in studio talking to experts that are spread across the country. One of them is in a hotel room using his travel gear, another is in her home studio and one is on the set of another ESPN show.

Are you playing The Ratings Game? That’s a serious question. Some stations chase away fans trying to capture an extra quarter-hour or two from ratings respondents representing a tiny fraction of the population. And they're different types of people.

Does anyone remember the Fairness Doctrine? In 1949, the Federal Communications Commission adopted this policy that stated media needed to have equal broadcast time directed over controversial issues.