We all have those TV shows that we watch when we get around to it or when we can’t find anything else to watch. But, on the flip side, there are those other TV shows that we can’t help but binge because they’re so good we set aside everything we’re doing to marathon watch them. I’m sure you’re making a list in your head as your reading this. I would mention mine, but then you’d judge my life choices. The thing that sets apart those binge-able shows from the second choice, watch when you can, shows is simple, for one reason or another they strike a chord with us and then we’re hooked. As on-air content creators, is it possible for us to regularly create binge-worth on-air content? I believe it is, although it’s far from easy and takes a ton of work behind the scenes. That being said, here are my five steps for creating binge-able on-air content. 

1) Perfect the off-air process. Nothing effects what happens on-air more than what happens off-air. Shows that prep better tend to create much better on-air content on a consistent basis. I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it, most people need at least 30 minutes of prep-time for each hour they’re on the air regardless of their time slot. On top of that team shows need time set aside to coordinate that content and gameplan. 

2) Sometimes topical, sometimes local, sometimes personal, but always relatable. Whether it’s an engagement topic or just a story we’re telling on air, that same metric applies. The content we choose can be topical, local, personal or a combo of all three. But at it’s core, in our judgement, it should be relatable to the majority of our station’s audience or it won’t strike that chord. 

3) Tease to it and set the hook. No matter how good the content is, most listeners won’t hear it if we don’t effectively tease to it ahead of time and, within the break, hook them in first with that short, sweet, ‘turn the radio up I gotta hear this’ statement at the top. 

4) Don’t over or under word it. Bingeable content finds that sweet spot of having just enough details to make sure the listener is entertained and isn’t confused, but none of the pointless filler that bores them and makes them tune out figuratively and literally. 

5) After the show self-assessment and coaching. There’s no faster way to improve our on air content than listening back to ourselves daily and no matter how long we’ve been doing it everyone can benefit from professional on-air coaching. 

The true test of whether or not we’re creating binge-worthy on-air contest is if it’s strong enough to stand on it’s own, without the entertainment elements surrounding it (the music). When it passes that test it’s good enough to share and potentially go viral on social, attract clicks on the web, place into promos and best of shows, and so on. It’s no doubt a high bar, but if we follow the four steps above, we’re much more likely to reach it. 

What do you think? Comment below or email me at andy@radiostationconsultant.com.

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