IN A WORLD OF A.I. - BE HUMAN

With A.I. gaining so much momentum right now maybe it’s time that radio doubled down on being human. Different radio formats, PDs, and on-air talent have varying opinions of how imperfect you can be on the air. Let’s dive into this week’s Beyond The 615 Column, article # 86.

Someone who I coach wondered if clearing her throat sounded bad enough to redo the voice track. I listened and texted her back that it sounded appropriate and natural from my POV.

Perfection isn’t the goal; Authenticity is.

HOW REAL IS TOO REAL?

Every individual show must determine how real is too real. More on that below. I will say this. Voice tracking to perfection sanitizes “real life” right out of the break.

The shows that I coach are encouraged to approach an on-air break like they’re having coffee in person with one listener. So, if you unexpectedly burp, hiccup, or cough you say excuse me and move on.

HERE’S THE TAKEAWAY

There’s a subjective, invisible line that crosses into?too real?and potentially detrimental. But many factors determine that: your radio station’s DNA, your personality, your PD, the listener’s expectations of the brand you’ve built, etc.

Authenticity’s value is as high as silver, gold …or a dozen eggs nowadays. So, if you haven’t already, hopefully, you and your PD can determine how real is too real for you.

#radioshow #radiopersonality #radiohost #radio #radiodj

?Todd Stach launched Beyond 615, a coaching and consulting business in 2021, where he strives to help others build confidence and discover their full potential. At the time of this article, he serves 25 shows at 10 radio stations. Todd has also written 160+ free articles to encourage on-air personalities and program directors. He and his family live in the (615) area code, aka the heart of the CCM industry.