Urban Unrest

27 May 2006 | Community | Ernesto Aguilar

Before getting to some good stuff, I wanted to tell programmers about something very fun. Last summer, I hosted a number of trainings for programmers on a number of topics, and I wanted to offer some new sessions, culled from recent trainings I've attended. I hope these help those of you interested in improving your programming. All sessions happen the third Saturday nights each month at 7 p.m. This is a compromise time for those who have to work weekends and have weeknights busy. Please come if you can make it.

Saturday, June 17
Elements of a Great Break
What makes a great program break? What elements make for engaging microphone presence? Don't be fooled: radio is about information and entertainment. Interesting breaks keep people coming back. This session, we'll discuss what makes a great break and solid mic work, good pledge drive breaks, the realities of audience listening habits, and how to draw listeners in.

Saturday, July 15
Idea Mapping for Programming
If you've been doing radio for any length of time, you'll know generating ideas for programming can be challenging. How do you find a fresh angle on the topics, music and information you normally do? If you want to focus on a unique approach to what the audience may know, how do you get there? This session, we'll discuss creating program ideas that breathe new life into your shows.

Saturday, August 19
Promote Your Show Online
Would you like to set up a webpage for your program, but don't know where to begin? Or do you have a website for your program and want to know how to draw visitors? This session, we'll cover the basics as well as advanced tricks for creating a web presence that gets noticed.

I've been wheedling around online recently, and wanted to share a few great MP3s:

• The Jet Propulsion Labs' blog in California has a great podcast with Ed Stone, who has tracked the Voyager missions for over 30 years.
• Here's the MP3 link to the great KBOO piece on Xicano History and Feminism that recently aired on the Portland station. Well worth hearing.
• That new Kelis song definitely has a Houston hip-hop edge to it, and Notes from A Different Kitchen has a copy of it. You can also put that new Roots joint in your player. The flagship group for the new Def Jam Left imprint could be big or may fall flat, but the cut is a nice one.
• However, the undisputed king of MP3 music has to be the Hype Machine.

Thanks to everyone who pledged this drive! It was a challenge, but I am happy we made it.

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