The United States of America was born 247 years ago with a Declaration of Independence, and a subsequent Bill of Rights for all citizens to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But as Americans we know that with rights comes responsibility.

So it is for your radio station.

What do you passionately care about?

I’ve never heard anyone say that they loved a generic music channel like you can find on XM/Sirius, unless it was something offbeat that appealed to only three people such as the Jamaican Bongo Channel or the Left-handed Texas Fiddler channel.

Things that are generic don’t generate passion and loyalty. If a customer can take it or leave it… chances are they’ll leave it.

Quick! Name a TV dad that is portrayed as a positive role model! How ’bout in movies?

They say that 85% of men in prison grew up in fatherless homes. Role models can change the trajectory of a life. My dad certainly did for me.

As a format that is foundationally about beliefs and values, we have the opportunity to tell a better story about the role of men than what is typically on TV. (To prove my point I did a Google search for Best TV Dads and the list included Homer Simpson, Herman Munster, and Archie Bunker.)

So that…

My programming mentor held up two fingers and said, “Two words to help you focus your radio station;

So that…”

While I’ve had this concept in my programming toolbox for a few decades, I’ve heard that phrase pop up several times in the last week including even Sunday morning in church. I figured I needed to make it my next Frost Advisory.

When I wrote Frost Advisory #661 – What Christian Radio Can Learn From… Bud Light, I didn’t imagine there could be other companies that would say, “Hey, that’s a good idea” and follow along.

Silly me.

I’m told that Anheuser-Busch has lost 27 billion dollars in value since Bud Light decided to feature a “trans-athlete” on a Bud Light bottle.

As unlikely an example to follow it seems that Target did just THAT. Yes, the brand that appeals directly to young moms and kids decided there was another agenda. You know the story. They knew implications of Bud Light’s decision. But anyway…

Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Maybe, just maybe, there is a lesson that can apply to the legacy of your radio station.

How will your radio station be remembered?

Did you know that a lot of hotels don’t have a 13th floor? Seems that enough people have a weird superstition about the number 13 that they wouldn’t want to stay on that floor. Or something.

Well, this isn’t really Frost Advisory #667, it’s really #666. My editor (my dog Maggie) insisted that I change it to Frost Advisory #667 because she’s one superstitious golden doodle. I’ve learned not to tempt fate when Maggie puts her foot down. Or lifts it up for that matter.

But enough of that wild goose chase about my dog…

They say opinions are like noses; everyone has one.

The boss, the Facebook posts from listeners, the sales manager, or the weekend disc jockey, everyone has an opinion on what your station should be doing to be better. At least for them.

On this Mother’s Day I wonder what Mom would say!

The ratings arrive. Our emotions react. There is running up and down the hallways and gnashing of teeth! DO SOMETHING!

I’ve heard some pretty wacky ways that people have reacted to ratings. Moving the deejays’ shifts around, playing music from a completely different format, and implementing formatics that make the station sound more generic and less distinctive. I’M NOT MAKING THIS UP, as Dave Barry would say.

Making programming decisions based solely upon ratings is like driving with a GPS that shows only where you’ve been.

On last week’s show I shared how important it is to fall in love with the format. This week I’m sharing a bit of a different perspective.

I’ve worked with many amazingly talented people over my five decades in the biz. Regardless of the format, regardless the size of the market, regardless of job title, and even regardless of the level of experience talent shines through.

(Make a list of the ten most talented people you’ve worked with. The names will pop into your head with little effort).