- Trust But Verify: The Highs and Lows of Producing Breaking News
by Brian Holt"Trust but verify," Ronald Regan once said. Those words never rang more true than in covering breaking news. The chaos and confusion surrounding a breaking news story is inherent; it's the very DNA of any such event. Misinformation is fl…
- 85 days ago, 25 Feb 13, 5:39am - - Show Opens: Yes or No?
by Randy LaneMost great radio and TV shows have opening theme music, songs or stagers that become familiar to listeners or viewers as a signal that the show is starting. It’s an opportunity to brand your show and engage the audience. Several approa…
- 5 Feb 13, 7:38pm - - Four Tips For Talent I Learned Watching The Golden Globes
by Angela PerelliThe more work you do studying radio/media/personalities, the less you can watch a show like the Golden Globes for the dresses [That’s what the Red Carpet show is for. Thank you Ryan Seacrest.], and the more you notice bigger themes…
- 17 Jan 13, 8:29am - - Is Writing In Longhand Dead?
By Randy Lane“No, I never type. I don’t like that cursor flashing at me saying, ‘Whassup? Whatta’ ya got?’” -Jerry SeinfeldShocker: Some of the most creative people write in longhand!You’re probably saying, “Yeah, yeah… writing…
- 9 Jan 13, 1:25pm - - Look Better Online: 12 Months Of Resolutions For 2013- 6 Jan 13, 6:26pm -
- Books For Everyone On Your Christmas List
From Randy Lane:Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery by Garr ReynoldsYou’ll never do a boring PowerPoint presentation again after reading this book! Reynolds demonstrates and illustrates how to communicate effectively…
- 16 Dec 12, 9:03am - - How Important Is Purposeful Storytelling?
by Cliff DumasHow important is purposeful storytelling to the success of your show or presentation? Even one of the biggest airlines in the world, Air Canada, is using storytelling to engage and earn new audience with a storytelling contest.
- 12 Dec 12, 1:10pm - - Social Media: Are You On The Nice or Naughty List?
by Stephanie WinansThe Social Media Santa is watching you to see if you’ve been a good boy or girl. Making a list and checking it twice. Read on to determine whether you’re on the Naughty or Nice list.
- 6 Dec 12, 8:05am - - You Ain't From Russia, So Why You Rushin’- 29 Nov 12, 9:44am -
- Thankful for Radio and The Chance to Be Part of Something Bigger
By Brian HoltWithout a doubt the Thanksgiving holiday is my favorite time of year. Between the short workweek, good food, time spent with family and friends, and Christmas and New Year’s still to look forward to -- what's not to like about Thanks…
- 21 Nov 12, 7:42pm - - Increase Cume With Little Or No Money: Ideas For Morning Shows
by Stan Main1. Get out of the studio and meet listeners. Dedicate the time to contact different organizations, charities, clubs and let them know you are available to host any events they have. Now, get an act. Create a short routine that cuts throug…
- 11 Nov 12, 7:38am - - Radio to the Rescue: How Did Your Coverage Stack Up?
by Randy Lane and Cliff Dumas“Listen to the radio!” FEMA director Craig Fugate told people that the best way to get information about hurricane Sandy was battery powered radios since the internet may go out and cell phone service may be congest…
- 1 Nov 12, 12:47pm - - How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Radio Endorsements
by Dave RyanEndorsements are great. They pay well. They usually get us some sort of cool product to try or use. And they give us a little extra job-security because the station is going to want to hang onto the jock that has a ton of clients using…
- 24 Oct 12, 9:59am - - If the VP Debate Were A Radio Show
By Cliff DumasWhat do great leaders, innovators and key players in any industry have in common? They communicate powerfully and effectively. If the first Vice Presidential debate were a radio show how would you rate the hosts?
- 14 Oct 12, 10:30pm - - A Day in the Life of PPM
by Jon Miller, Director of Programming Services at ArbitronEarlier this summer when I spoke at the Morning Show Boot Camp in Miami, I used the opportunity to reinforce the importance of daily occasions in PPM. Particularly among your primary (P1) aud…
- 11 Oct 12, 10:32am - - Be Likable and Relatable: How to Win Like a Politician
by Randy LaneWill Mitt Romney reveal his true self tonight on the first presidential debate? Who is the real Barack Obama – the hope-and-change champion of 2008 or the realistic president of the last four years?Political pundits "definition o…
- 3 Oct 12, 1:15pm - - "How on Earth Do We Talk About the Election?
Topicality is Possible on Music Stationsby Angela PerelliHow many times has one of your community’s hot button topics made you look at each other and think “We can’t go there on our show”? Maybe you think the topic is too heavy, too divisive…
- 29 Sep 12, 3:58pm - - No Conflict, No Story
by Randy Lane“Without conflict, you don’t have a story. You have a reality show. A story begins with conflict.” Writer Jeff Goins’ blog has several salient points on storytelling that apply to both your show and your life.
- 19 Sep 12, 3:08pm - - Is Radio Above Facebook’s Promotion and Contest Guidelines? How We’re Breaking the Rules
by Stephanie WinansIn May of 2011, Facebook released (quietly, of course) new guidelines for brands using the platform. Here at The Randy Lane Company, we notified our clients of the new rules, and tried to help you understand them.Fast forward 15…
- 12 Sep 12, 7:58am - - Lance Armstrong: Villain or Victim?
I have never wanted to believe Lance Armstrong was using performance enhancers to win a record seven Tour de France races. Then I sadly heard that he decided to no longer contest the charges against him. Like the news media and almost everyone in the…
- 30 Aug 12, 11:38am - - Replacing A Show Player is Like Casting a Sitcom
Right now American Idol is scrambling to fill the judge’s chairs. X Factor went through the process last year, as did America’s Got Talent. And there will come a time when a key player of your show leaves and you have to replace them. We have wor…
- 23 Aug 12, 1:59pm - - 5 Programming Tips for Political Season
Political season is upon us and news/talk shows and stations are gearing up for one of the busiest news and revenue generating cycles for the format. While it may seem obvious to some that wall to wall coverage after the conventions is the way to go,…
- 16 Aug 12, 12:31pm - - The Radio Newsroom
by Randy Lane“The fact that everyone is talking about it: challenged by it; disturbed by it; annoyed by it; loving it; can’t wait to see the next one --all of the above, we absolutely love it!” That's Jeff Daniels, who stars in HBO’s The Ne…
- 10 Aug 12, 12:25pm - - How Valuable Are Celebrity Interviews?
written by Dave RyanSometimes I say some bone-headed things. "This 'Twitter' crap isn't going to catch on", for example. Or "No one's watching, Senator Craig, come right in here."And sometimes I say things that some people don't necessarily believe…
- 2 Aug 12, 11:36am - - Four Tips on Producing Character Promos
Morning air talent are often frustrated by the time it takes to produce show promos. While they are time consuming, promos and other imaging pieces are worth the time invested. Shows that do a more consistent job of imaging the show, through both cha…
- 29 Jul 12, 2:40pm - - Olympics Ideas
With the summer Olympics pending here are some ideas to capture the excitement, innovate your content and take ownership of the event in your market.
- 25 Jul 12, 10:42am - - How Much Do You Trust The People You Work With?
by Rob Pepper, host of Pepper & Dylan Show, Virgin/EdmontonEvery night, before morning shows feel secure enough to go to sleep, we ask ourselves a dozen questions about the next show. Will this engage the audience? Will we get reaction on Facebook…
- 22 Jul 12, 9:09am - - Daniel Tosh Is Making Us Think
Raise your hand if you still have no idea who Daniel Tosh is or the kind of comedy he does? Love him or hate him, you probably found yourself reading and talking about him this week after the "rape joke" debacle at Los Angeles' Laugh Factory.
- 15 Jul 12, 9:07am - - Talent Takeaways from Opie & Andy
The Andy Griffith Show’s laughs did not come from the characters telling jokes back and forth but, as in real life, the laughter came out of ordinary conversations.The best radio shows today, the ones that connect emotionally and stick with listene…
- 12 Jul 12, 2:44pm - - Highlights from Morning Show Bootcamp 2012
Whether you were able to attend or not, Angela Perelli and Stephanie Winans have some takeaways from the sessions at Morning Show Bootcamp:On PPMYou only have eight seconds to hook listeners. Think about the YouTube video forwarded from a friend.…
- 1 Jul 12, 2:10pm - - PPM Five Years Later and What You Can Do About It
The first panel at this weekend's Morning Show Boot Camp in Miami focused on PPM Five Years Later. Arbitron Director of Programming Services Jon Miller studied the 25 most successful morning shows in the U.S. and revealed the findings on a panel w…
- 25 Jun 12, 10:09am - - Facebook's Schedule Feature: Why Schedule Social Media?
Facebook recently made a giant step forward with the creation of the scheduling feature. You can now schedule a Facebook status (which may include a link, photo or video) for future post within the Facebook platform.
- 20 Jun 12, 7:54pm - - Four Powerful Words for Connecting with Your Audience
Would you be surprised to know that “You are not alone” is the subject line with the highest open rate? According to Copyblogger, "I don’t want to be alone" is a compelling, universally recognized statement. The need to belong -- to know that o…
- 15 Jun 12, 10:18am - - Keep Your Team In Check: Tips from Steve Jobs & The Beatles
The May 2012 issue of Fast Company magazine included an article called “The Lost Steve Jobs Tapes”, which featured previously unreleased conversations with Steve Jobs. This conversation with Steve has a lesson for radio in creating balance within…
- 7 Jun 12, 6:08pm - - 8 Quick Tips for Better Air Talent Blogs and Morning Show Websites
Blog smog. You aren’t a blogger. Why should you worry about improving your writing skills?As radio companies put more emphasis on digital growth, you are now responsible for website traffic and social media engagement in addition to on-air ratings.
- 23 May 12, 12:14pm - - Why 6-8AM Sucks for Most AC Morning Shows
Most AC morning shows get the bulk of their audience in the 8 and 9am hours.Yet management often bases talent bonuses on the 6 and 7am hours, challenging the show to match performance of, or out-perform, the 8 and 9am hours!
- 16 May 12, 9:37am - - Cliff Notes: Mother's Day
Mother’s Day is a holiday that everyone can relate to and share stories about. It’s in the storytelling that the magic happens. You can deepen your character on the show and allow your audience to share their lives, experiences and memories in a…
- 9 May 12, 9:55am - - 10 Easy Ways to Seize and Own Topical Pop Culture Stories
The Avengers. The Hunger Games. Twilight. Local teams in the playoffs. The Olympics. A major concert announcement.On days when there's nothing going on, it's a challenge to be topical. On other days, it's a crime not to be. For example, The Avengers…
- 2 May 12, 12:16pm - - A Tip from Dave Ryan's Aunt Doris
I was having dinner with my 81-year old Aunt Doris a few weeks ago. I hardly ever get to see her and thought it would be interesting to ask her about our family history. I remember three very specific things she told me.
- 25 Apr 12, 8:55am - - Reebok to Radio: A Management Tip
Reebok’s near collapse and rebirth can teach radio how to empower their teams to be accountable and more productive.In 1984 Paul Fireman bought Reebok for 75 thousand dollars because he thought it had promise. He discovered that people hated buying…
- 18 Apr 12, 11:21am - - Five Tips to the Art of Great Storytelling
By Angela Perelli"Frankly there isn't anyone you can't learn to love once you've heard their story."That quote from a social worker was written on a piece of paper that Fred Rogers (aka Mister Rogers) kept in his pocket. So true. Can you think of s…
- 13 Apr 12, 12:34pm - - Have You Been Whacked in the Head with the PPM Stick?
We want it and we want it now! By measuring listening behavior, PPM reflects the nature of today’s culture- we want instant gratification. It has proven what we already knew- that you have to capture listeners’ attention quickly or they move onto…
- 5 Apr 12, 11:02am - - A Producer's Dream: The Scoop on Scoop.It
Scoop.It is a free publishing-by-curation platform that allows you to curate content based on keywords and sources you provide. It will suggest stories, articles, videos, news for you to scoop. You can also use the bookmarklet to scoop anything you s…
- 30 Mar 12, 11:35am - - Using The Rule of Three to Improve Morale, Performance and Profitability
When was the last time you were truly recognized by your GM, PD or co-hosts?Unbelievably, a lot of GMs, PDs, and coworkers worry that the act of praising will lose meaning. Well, how often do you tell your partner you love them? What would happen i…
- 28 Mar 12, 10:10am - - It’s Time for Timeline: Tips for Designing Your Cover Photo

Facebook will make the new Timeline design mandatory for Pages March 30. This means you need to get busy this week setting up your Timeline before it goes public.If you haven’t done your homework yet on the changes Timeline will bring to your Fac…
- 21 Mar 12, 6:24am - - From the Background to the Foreground: How to Cut Through on the Radio
You’ve heard the advice, “Be yourself” on the radio, but that’s not the whole story. For most people, if you’re totally being yourself, you will lack presence and energy and fade into the background.Think about the intern, off-air produce…
- 15 Mar 12, 3:39pm - - What Radio Talent Can Learn from "The Manning Way"
Friday Night Lights Author and Daily Beast Contributor Buzz Bissinger penned a wonderful article about the classy way Peyton Manning handled Wednesday’s press conference:I was so powerfully moved by Peyton Manning… I was moved when he said, “Ti…
- 9 Mar 12, 6:53am - - A New Voice to Reckon With
There may be a changing of the guard this season when it comes to the highest rated “singing talent” show of 2012, as noted by buddytv.com. What is it that makes the 2nd year NBC show The Voice more appealing than the ratings powerhouse America…
- 8 Mar 12, 7:34am - - Must Follow Twitter Accounts for Radio Air Talent
In the recent Content Ideas article, 7 Reasons Twitter Should Be Part of Your Strategy, I say that Twitter is a resource for show prep. After reading that, Steve Kramer of That Guy Kramer, Play 98.7/Tampa, made a request that I send out a list of acc…
- 2 Mar 12, 9:03am - - "What’s My Line?"
With radio and television hosts, even online producers, being fired or suspended over questionable comments made on-air and online, there’s been a lot of talk lately as to “where is the line?”What is considered acceptable, edgy, or controversia…
- 23 Feb 12, 6:13am -