Here are a few of the songs we’re watching this week. Scroll down to hear the full songs. Ariana Grande "Hate That I Made You Love Me" Hot AC/Top 40, Latto & 21 Savage "Hostage" Rhythmic/Urban, Dexter and the Moonrocks & Treaty Oak Revival "12 Steps" Rock/Alternative, Gavin Adcock & Hudson Westbrook "Cheap Thrills" Country and more!

Summer may feel like taking it easy, but it’s no time for your station to take a vacation from the basics. Listeners still expect great radio, and ratings don’t suddenly become generous because someone brought popsicles to the office.

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. Portland, Maine, Country: Stella Lefty "Boston" (Overall #1).

This is the “sparkling magic” that creates an emotional connection with listeners. It makes your station feel alive, fun, aspirational, and slightly larger than everyday life. 

Strike while the iron is hot. You just crushed a segment and people are fired up? THAT’S when you tell them what’s coming up tomorrow. That’s when you remind them about the podcast. That’s when you ask them to follow you on social. Momentum is everything. Don’t wait until the energy dies.

Bigger Audience, Smaller Budget.  Growing your cume doesn’t have to cost a fortune—it just has to cost some thought. In fact, some of the most effective audience-building tactics are sitting right under your nose… probably next to that promo calendar you haven’t updated since February.

Here are a few of the songs we’re watching this week. Scroll down to hear the full songs. Olivia Rodrigo "the cure" Hot AC/Top 40, 6Lack, AZ Chike & Leon Thomas "All That Matters" Rhythmic/Urban, Lola Young "From Down Here" Alternative/Top 40, Bailey Zimmerman "The Climb" Country and more!

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. Boston, Massachusetts, Urban/R&B: Drake "Janice STFU" (Overall #1).

Many first-time programmers, and veteran programmers who haven’t been coached or managed for years, default to discovery mode. They spend an inordinate amount of their week listening to music, going to shows, talking to bands, record reps and labels in search of their next dopamine hit from uncovering a hidden gem of an artist.

Don’t shy away from critique. You may find a nugget of wisdom that helps you. The criticism that stings the most is usually the criticism you need to hear the most. When someone says something that makes you defensive, that’s your signal to lean IN, not pull away.