5 reasons why radio presenters should start podcasting with Mike Russell and Ben Adam-Smith (from Regen Media). If you’re working in radio start a podcast!
Ben joined me on episode 8 of the Music Radio Creative podcast to talk about radio and podcast interview techniques. He’s back to talk with me about our shared journey from radio into the world of podcasting. Ben has his own video production company Regen Media and is also podcasting about his goal to create an energy efficient home by 2016.
1. You own your podcast brand and have creative freedom
Starting a podcast means you own your brand, the domain name, the content and no one else is telling you what to do or say. You can build your own audience and connect and engage them directly and not through a radio station brand.
Google’s head of webspam – Matt Cutts even mentioned in a blog interview, “the entire podcasting industry is often based around this idea of doing interviews or even just people in conversations” and that, “interviews can be a fantastic way to build awareness of your brand and to generate and distribute insights”.
2. You have a passion for creating valuable audio content
If you work in radio you already love creating audio content and have a passion for talking on the air. At the hivio radio ideas conference in San Diego recently Mark Ramsey talks about radio’s attention crisis.
This could be another reason why radio hosts and radio stations should be looking at the podcasting platform as a place to distribute unique audio content and not repackaged radio shows (as seems to be the case with many radio stations right now).
3. You can still get a similar fix to radio but focus on a niche
You can become an expert in your hobby or your passion and get that radio buzz (which is the reason many of us started broadcasting on the radio) while podcasting to a targeted audience and inviting them to interact with you on your own social media channels.
4. You have many of the skills you will need
If you’re a creative person you can get business right eventually. Stick at running your own podcast and new media business and you’ll get better every day. I mention that having a supportive partner (could be your other half or a business partner) will really help you to develop your ideas into a reality. Find someone who compliments your own skills.
I’m so lucky to work with my wife Izabela who understands business so well, hires all of our new recruits and watches over customer service and company finances. This allows me to focus on the creative and marketing aspects of Music Radio Creative.
5. Radio is not a stable job
Ben and I were both let go from our radio jobs on the same day. You never know what your future will be when you’re on the air relying on listening figures to come in.
Ben’s wife hated him working in radio because she felt the management treated on air talent badly. There are not many people who have had a steady and stable career in the radio industry.
Leave a Comment
If you’re working in radio right now, perhaps doing a daily on air gig, what is stopping you from starting your own podcast? Leave a comment and both Ben Adam-Smith and I will make sure to respond to every single comment.
