A Loyal Reader Writes:
“The radio program I was hired to produce is a dual jock show — both DJs are male. Teaming them together was the program director’s idea. Both the host are talented and experienced, and they are polar opposites in personality.
“But they hate working with each other! One jock is now insisting that he be allowed to do a solo show. He is unhappy, hates doing the show, is always complaining. The other guy turns up late, doesn’t like to sit inside the studio for the duration of the show, and is overall indifferent.
“But weirdly enough, the show has been doing exceptionally well in the ratings for 6 months now! Our PD had pretty much decided to give in and separate these two guys, but he and I wondering if it’s a good idea to break up a winning team. And what is making it a winning team?
“I, as a producer, think the show is below average. But then, what made it Number 1? And if this combination is working, should we force two unhappy jocks to continue working together? Is there something we are missing here?”
Without having heard the show, I have no idea what’s making it a success…except for your statement that “they are polar opposites in personality.”
When I’m brought in to consult a morning radio show or, occasionally, to help build a new one, I immediately look for the personality and lifestyle differences among the various players, and I look for ways to integrate those differences into the program’s overall mix.
In the long run, it certainly does help if the radio partners like and respect each other. And, in fact, almost all longtime successful team shows are built around two key players who, at minimum, don’t dislike each other.
They might not have a lot in common as individuals. They might not socialize at all outside the radio station. But they don’t hate each other.
It’s also possible for two people who dislike each other to do a successful show. But for the program to survive, both need to feel a sense of satisfaction from and/or pride in the show itself.
You’re saying these two guys have worked together for six months, and one of them is miserable while the other is indifferent and lackadaisical. That’s very different from “two guys who disagree about everything while passionately wanting the radio program to be as good as possible.”
In the latter case — two guys who don’t get along but want the show to succeed — there can be hope. (Often my Psychology background does come in handy when working with morning shows.)
But they hate each other, hate working together, and don’t have “the show” as a common bond? It’s time to make a change.
Comments on this entry are closed.
I’d also take note that although it is great to see the ratings start going off in the right direction, it is only 6 months. This is no time at all to be making solid decisions on if this show is a success or not.
I think you need to look 2 things…
1 – Compose an environment that doesn’t need to be focused on the two individuals bouncing through the door like they are in a Cartoon Network show, but one that puts them in an environment they can produce great content.
2 – I’m concerned for you in the fact you state you think the show is “below average”. This isn’t good for you, as if not rectified, your performance may suffer. Identify what is your perception of great radio, and compose a plan to get these guys into this zone. If you manage this, your boss will be worried about his own gig! 😉
Reality is – do not knee jerk. Give the format a chance, your ratings are working, just get the environment right and make sure they both know what success and great content looks like.
One of the biggest shows in the UK – The two males in this show openly hate each other, and it is near as damn a genuine situation. You’ll find traces of this on their FB page. Why are they successful? Well they are both uber talented (like your guys), they do have a talented female co-host who can be very dominant and take the role of ‘sorting the boys out’ (this is maybe what you need to look at), and their bosses never gave up on them.
Keep the faith brother, do not knee jerk!
radio Jim
“you don’t have to like eachother, you just have to work together”.. BULL! It sure helps when your ‘partner’ comes to work on time and is prepared. When two people on a morning show hate eachother it’s usually because ONE person (the pro)does all the work while the slacker is never held accountable for his or her non-action. This will rightfully piss off the dedicated, focused Pro everytime regardless of market size.
I agree with Seabass…I’ve been in situations where I had to do all of the show prep for there to be any content. I would have been more comfortable working alone, or having the “partners” just being aides and assistants (doing exactly what I told them to)…or not being part of the shows at all.