A station’s Program Director once proudly told me, “We only play 280 songs. With today’s Time Spent Listening stats, that’s all we need. A hit every song.”

Wrong. While “variety” has lost its meaning in the Imaging palette, it’s very real in the mind of the music-radio listener. That’s why Sirius/XM, Apple music, etc. thrive. There’s something new available all the time.

I’m not saying “don’t play the hits.” That would be silly. But don’t get stale, either. Radio is becoming so numbers-driven, PD’s and air talent are afraid to stretch the corporate boundaries. “We lost two PPM listeners in the seven o’clock hour Tuesday. What did you do wrong?” is way too prevalent.

Predictable music creates predictable Content, too. As an air talent, regularly shaking up the music a little sparks new ideas – like a new parody song for the morning show. (It’s easier than ever now with AI.) Or maybe a fake commercial springs up from some lyrics. Use your imagination.

If that’s allowed.

My personal message to every corporate playlist overseer is simple: just butt out. Let music people handle the music.

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Tommy Kramer
Talent Coach
214-632-3090 (mobile)
e-mail: coachtommykramer@gmail.com
Member, Texas Radio Hall of Fame
© 2026 by Tommy Kramer. All rights reserved.