Like many reading Dan’s blog, I’ve been in the business of commercial broadcasting and its inherent behind-the-scenes production for a long enough time to have learned a more than a few tricks and spotted a few patterns.
There’s a rather large inventory and I’ve kept them together in a mental tool bag. And I still keep all the tools sharp (freshened for the times) because these instruments, gadgets and styles of audio production still bring results and satisfaction.
A hobby that goes hand-in-hand with audio manipulation is one that I’m particularly fond of: Human Behavior, or “Why Do People DO That!?!” The answers lead to more effective communication in our production.
What People Do and Why is everyone’s hobby, honestly. Earth’s massive library of films is proof. Humanity has amassed enough stories to keep all its theaters, televisions with all their channels, DVD players and hand-held devices, and yet-to-be-invented, enhanced players busy for the lifespan of any of us.
That said, let’s tune now to The Understatement of the Decade, repeated so many times every day as to be an amazing factoid in itself: Listening to the radio today is an entirely different experience from what is was in, say, “my day.”
I would hope so. Should be. Also way different from what was on the dial in the 70s, 80s, 90s, or the Oldies era, Bob Max or Jack era. Not at all the same today as the Boss Radio era, Color Radio, or Good Guys times. SHOULD be different from what we heard yesterday.
Today’s Hot Talk stations, Young Country stations, Movin’s and Stars and Pulses and Real Oldies radio stations are patently unreal. Why? The ambience has completely transformed. The context within which we operate has changed. Not only are the commercial stations owned and operated by non-broadcasters (usually cutting costs instead of investing in their properties or prioritizing programming for their listeners), but they now sound as if they’re just avoiding dead air by broadcasting “content.” Content they didn’t have to pay for. Makes you wonder how they’re going to show shareholders improvement on that, next meeting.
But with the production tools with which we began this topic, a better understanding of the marketplace(s) and our proven professionalism, we just might consider taking the steering wheel for the rest of this cruise.
There are some who would call this a golden opportunity. Never has there been an easier passage of time in which to woo away and create a loyalty among an audience. And while the old ways don’t fit into the new lifestyles, there are universal principles which will always apply. As an example, Gravity never goes out of vogue.
Within each of your old techniques is a “universal” just waiting to be re-written.
Next time: Leap Of Faith Producing – finding the “sweet spot” in any piece of production
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Your second to last paragraph says it all! Great summation of what’s waiting out there.
The golden rule of the information age is: Content Is King.
And the emperors will be those who supply it.
brilliant, bobby, as usual …. you know your stuff 🙂
In 1985 the staff at WXKZ in Rochester New Hampshire was gathered to listen to production samples voiced by Bobby Ocean. I’ll never forget it. We knew we would have a much better radio station if Bobby’s voice was on it…and by voice I mean passion, creativity and soul. Today I am going into my studio to voice some July 4th ID’s for KKGO Go Country 105 Los Angeles. Today, I will take Mr. Ocean’s inspiration with me into the booth, as I do every day. I will always be a fan, student, and listener. Thanks Bobby, looking forward to more insight!