2-7-2012
(by Buzz Knight) One of our strongest assets in the radio industry is understanding and maximizing the power of local greatness. As we observe challenges in a disruptive climate that our content faces, I?m convinced that realizing what our local assets are and growing their importance within our culture is a big step in the right direction. Here are some idea starters with a bit of a different approach that might benefit all of us in the weeks and months ahead.
For the purpose of my deep dive into the importance of local, allow me to use Santarpio?s Pizza, a landmark restaurant in East Boston is an illustration. They were established in 1903 as a bakery and began serving their delectable pizza in 1933 to the delight of locals an out of towners.
RADIO LESSON NUMBER ONE
As we seek to always improve our local greatness, force your staff to get out of the building and reacquaint themselves with local iconic brands. It?s not only an exercise that?s fun, but it will give you a deeper connection to your market and to the local flavor. The rest of my radio take away points come from enjoying the Santarpio?s experience.
RADIO LESSON NUMBER TWO
Keep your brand pure.
Even though the recipe is a guarded secret the key secret is fresh and pure ingredients.
Nothing store bought?all fresh!
RADIO LESSON NUMBER THREE
Guard your secret! I witnessed a pretty funny event when I was recently at Santarpio?s, when a customer wandered mistakenly into the kitchen and the speed with which they were steered by the staff to their original destination (the bathroom). It was incredible.
RADIO LESSON NUMBER FOUR
Hire original characters to do the job. At Santarpio?s, Lefty the bartender has been employed there for 42 years. If you were casting a movie in East Boston, you?d have to have Lefty because he?s authentic.
RADIO LESSON NUMBER FIVE
Your staff has to be connected, focused and motivated. The staff at Santarpio?s is a family and it?s totally obvious. The cohesion that exists within a local iconic restaurant is a marvel to watch and something radio stations should emulate.
In summary, take stock of your local market and force your staff to do the same. Sometimes when you live in a market, you take for granted the areas of local importance that you can learn from and positively embrace.
Buzz Knight is the Vice President of Program Development for Greater Media and he can be reached at bknight@greatermediaboston.com. Knight was named among ?Best Programmers? by Radio Ink Magazine in 2007 and 2010. He has served on the programming subcommittee of the National Association of Broadcasters(NAB) and is currently a member of the Arbitron Radio Advisory Council and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) COLRAM Committee.
Add a Comment Send This Story To A Friend
