Looking Out At (And For) Chicago

Over the years, millions of folks have walked by and looked into the window of the WGN-AM studio on the first floor of Chicago's Tribune Tower on Michigan Avenue.

Far fewer get the chance to see it from inside looking out.

Thanks to a recent visit to the legendary radio station by WMZQ/Washington morning show producer Sam Alex we now know what's on the wall Jonathon Brandmeier looks at every day:

720 WGN:

• Bleeds Chicago
• Tells compelling stories
• Is relevant
• Has the biggest guests
• Helps people
• Respects all listeners/callers
• Is a place for fun & laughter
• Is serious when it needs to be
• Is a familiar friend

Won’t Do It

An artist's personal manager asked me the other day what I’d charge to listen to songs and help pick music for his client’s new project.

Of course, I was very flattered that he was willing to not only solicit my two cents’ worth, but also pay me very well for it, but I said “no, thanks.”

A&O has one job.

We work with radio stations to grow their share of audience.

Along the way, of course, we teach people how to create powerful listener experiences driven by compelling content.

That involves training/motivating talent, sharing techniques which improve impact/program commercials/promotions, interpreting/executing research recommendations and helping make music/rotation decisions that not only delivers on the expectation our brand image promises, but adds as much "extra" creativity, surprise, entertainment value and delight as possible.

A&O’s music information is based on our clients’ specific local situations and thus you’ll never see it being used as a promotional tool.

At Albright & O'Malley, being clear about what you do also means knowing what you won’t do as well.

Being On A Mission From Radio

Much has been written about creating mission statements for teams.

Here are a few tests to use as you plan for 2010 and rethink your organization's purposes and goals.

It is stated in a way that (click the links for examples):

* Expresses a higher purpose or ultimate meaning of the organization
* Gives direction to daily work
* Encompasses all tasks and members
* Is clear enough to be understood by all members
* Is brief enough to be remembered by all members
* Is not necessarily measurable

A&O is always delighted to work with your staff to help define what listeners expect from you, your strengths, weaknesses, threats, opportunities and what commitments you're prepared to make to exemplify and personify your core values.

A Morning Show Mission Statement

"Balance fun and reflecting the real issues being experienced by our audience." -- Cliff Dumas, KSON, San Diego