- Find health-related copy to read. You're bound to reach listeners who are interested in blood pressure screenings or new medication trials, and you'll provide a valuable public service.
- Similarly, who isn't affected by the weather? Even if you're scheduled to read the forecast again in another five minutes, fill time with at least that day's forecast. If there's more time than usual to fill, read an extended forecast, within reason, and emphasize upcoming weather patterns. (i.e. "And then, for the next three days, there should be no doubt that it's the rainy season. There's an 80% chance of showers Sunday through Tuesday...")
- If the station plays music, talk about the music. That's what you're there to do anyway. Back announce the music that you played and promote the music you have coming up. (i.e. "After the news, we'll hear from Nat King Cole, Nancy Wilson, and Bing Crosby.") If your station plays new releases, it's all the more crucial to promote them and give the audience reasons to listen. (i.e. "John Pizzarelli has a new release, with a lot of great covers of standards. We'll hear one of them, 'They Can't Take That Away From Me,' coming up.")
- Did a listener mention having a birthday or anniversary or compliment the station's music or programs? Mention that birthday or anniversary on the air, unless the listener asked you not to, and acknowledge that you appreciated hearing from him or her. (i.e. "Thank you to Ed from Alton and Jane from Crestwood for calling in and enjoying the music this morning. Here's wishing Gladys and John a happy 50th anniversary...")
- If it's the last break of your shift, and it's permitted, talk on the air with the DJ who hosts the next shift. Provided you have at least a halfway decent rapport, you should be able to banter for at least 30 seconds about the music the next announcer will play or the topics his or her program will cover. If you aren't allowed to banter that way, at least summarize what's coming up. Give listeners reasons to stay tuned. Hopefully, you'll elicit higher ratings and a chance to continue doing what you love.
- When all else fails, give a time check, a legal station ID, and mention what's coming up in mere moments, stretching slightly, if necessary. (i.e. "It's 7:00 at WEW St. Louis, and it's time to get caught up on all the latest news from CNN...")
Friday, November 13, 2015
Filling a rigid amount of time
KBIA and WEW provided good training for learning how to do an on-air break that had to last a specific amount of time. At KBIA, national programs started or continued at specific times, and WEW carried CNN newscasts at the top of the hour. Inevitably, there were times when I had to stretch the copy or ad-lib until the next program or newscast began. Usually, however, I was able to speak for exactly 90 seconds or two minutes and make it sound natural. My strategies:
