Notes on being a morning show producer
by Frank Murphy
Be a utility player, think on your feet. At different times, a morning show producer needs to be the program director, music director, news director, promotions director, production director, air talent or chief engineer for the show.
Deflect most of the daily B.S. away from the air personalities. Free them up to be more creative and focused on the show.
Be aware of the target audience of the show and be familiar with current trends of interest to that audience. Watch appropriate TV shows and movies. Visit websites, read newspapers and magazines targeted to that audience.
Provide showprep materials to the talent. "Set the buffet table" with more than enough choices so the talent can select the best possible material.
Listen actively, extremely actively, to the show as it unfolds and react instantly to the way things play out. Don’t feel bad if any or all of your showprep goes unused because something unexpected comes up.
Book guests for the show using contacts at local and national P.R. firms, TV stations, networks, concert venues, theatres, sports teams, charities, bookstores, publishers, movie companies, comedy clubs, etc.
Find local newsmakers and other odd people in the news or on the Internet for potential phone interviews.
Save phone numbers and keep them organized in a computer, Rolodex or Palm Pilot.
Review guest pitches and other proposals and invitations with the talent on a regular basis.
Become expert at searching the Internet for information on any topic that comes up.
Brainstorm ideas and bits with the talent and other station personnel.
Serve as a liaison to other departments of the radio station.
Oversee all aspects of morning show remote broadcasts.
Network with other morning shows to exchange ideas.
Generate publicity for the morning show in cooperation with the promotion department. Write press releases for morning show events and notable bits.
Supervise morning show phone screener and other support staff.
Be flexible. Enjoy the fact that each day is different and unpredictable.
Frank Murphy is a radio host and former radio producer. He has produced morning shows for Mark & Brian, Kevin & Bean, Jay Thomas and Don & Mike.
Copyright © 2001 Frank Murphy. All rights reserved.