Sharing the Love: Connecting with Listeners by Expressing Passion for the Music

“Lovin’ on the Music” is a phrase we use at one station group to remind ourselves that we need to regularly demonstrate our passion for music just as our listeners do.

That we remind ourselves of this is both deliberate and strategic.

We remind ourselves because we recognize the distractions that come with working at a promotionally active station with content-filled shows and high profile personalities.

We also remind ourselves to love on the music so that we don’t fall victim to a ‘been there/done that’ attitude, or become blasé about our product while are fans are so excited about it.

We’ve already heard the newest music.  We’ve seen every act – from newcomers to superstars – in concert, often more than once. We’ve photo-opped with the stars and had drinks with them on their tour busses.

A&O&B did a quick poll of programmers and listeners the day after the ACMs.  Compared to Programmers and Talent, listeners rated nearly every aspect of the awards show higher – in several instances significantly higher.

• In rating the show overall, three times as many listeners as Talent and Programmers rated the show a “5" on a 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) scale.
• On the hosts, nearly four times as many listeners rated Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan a ”5” as did Programmers and Talent
• Listeners were more enthusiastic about the speeches and even the sets while being less critical of who won what award and the technical issues.

As professionals, we’re excellent at, of course, “professional opinions.”

Listeners meanwhile are experts at “Lovin’ on the Music.” 

The NAB Crystal: One of Radio's Most Special Awards

I’m a fan of meaningful awards (meaningful being the key word). 

Ideally, they showcase the ‘best of the best,’ those who have risen above their peers. And as such, they not only shine in the spotlight themselves, they give the industry they represent that same opportunity as well.

Country is coming off a great night of awards Sunday; the Academy of Country Music Awards Show was a record setter in terms of audience.

Today the Country Music Hall of Fame announced three inductees.

A number of stations and personalities won awards at February’s Country Radio Seminar, April's ACMs, and last year's CMAs.

Terrific awards, all of them and a heart-felt ‘well-done’ to the winners and inductees.

Yesterday a special award was presented in Las Vegas: The NAB Crystal Award. The Crystal recognizes radio stations for their “outstanding year-round commitment to community service.”

Let that just sink in for a minute. 

Not once or twice a year, but year-round.

Not a special ratings or revenue-generating sales promotion, but something a station does freely with no expectations of financial or ratings gain. It’s something that when undertaken says, "We believe we live in a great community, among equally great people, and we want to use our resources to improve and enhance life here for all."

The Crystal is certainly one of the ‘meaningful’ awards. 

Congratulations to this year’s NAB Crystal Award winners including country stations KUZZ/Bakersfield and WYCT/Pensacola.

You make our industry and format proud. 

Read an earlier blog about the advantages of entering your station in an awards competition here.