I’m not sure what to call it, so for lack of a better term, I’ll call it “Playing With Song Titles.” It sucks. If you do it on air, stop.
I’ll explain what I mean.
I always hear jocks come out of a song (all different formats) and try to be cute and clever and tie in the title of the song they are announcing to something they are saying. In working with stations all over the country, here’s a couple of actual examples I’ve heard on the air:
“Travis Tritt’s T-R-O-U-B-L-E. You’ll be in some trouble if you don’t listen this weekend to win…”
“Lady Gaga and Born This Way. Hey, I was born this way and there’s nothing you can do to change it. Hahahaha…”
Really? That’s the best you’ve got? You basically have said nothing. Real people don’t talk that way. Where’s the listener benefit? Listeners don’t mind talk, as long as it’s relevant, relatable and focused. Tying in the song titles are none of those. It’s just a bunch of extra words that make you sound dated, unprepared and like you have nothing better to say.
In my opinion, there’s no exception to this rule. Just don’t do it. It’s not needed.
Don't waste the listener's time. Say something more meaningful.
I’ll explain what I mean.
I always hear jocks come out of a song (all different formats) and try to be cute and clever and tie in the title of the song they are announcing to something they are saying. In working with stations all over the country, here’s a couple of actual examples I’ve heard on the air:
“Travis Tritt’s T-R-O-U-B-L-E. You’ll be in some trouble if you don’t listen this weekend to win…”
“Lady Gaga and Born This Way. Hey, I was born this way and there’s nothing you can do to change it. Hahahaha…”
Really? That’s the best you’ve got? You basically have said nothing. Real people don’t talk that way. Where’s the listener benefit? Listeners don’t mind talk, as long as it’s relevant, relatable and focused. Tying in the song titles are none of those. It’s just a bunch of extra words that make you sound dated, unprepared and like you have nothing better to say.
In my opinion, there’s no exception to this rule. Just don’t do it. It’s not needed.
Don't waste the listener's time. Say something more meaningful.
Thank God, I dont do that..:)
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff John. I've been in radio 34 years and I'm still learning new things daily as our culture changes. You are RIGHT ON with "be a companion, not a star". Thanks for the blog!
ReplyDeleteScott Tom
Oh man, yes! This drives me crazy! And even worse than that, I have developed a real distaste for playing with people's names as well! I pity anybody named Jolene or anybody named Mandy who calls a radio station.
ReplyDeleteIt's the same as starting off your call with "KBLA, what would annoy you the MOST right now?!?"
Jake