Kick-Ass Audio Breaks

Several weeks ago when the Super Bowl was the Hot Topic, Pablo and Free, WPGC, Washington, DC went looking for a unique thing around the game to engage and entertain listeners that might make them return for another show.  We came up with the “Star Mangled Banner”.  They found the audio of four artists singling the National Anthem at a previous game (it’s all on line).  Each listener sang one of the last four words of the song (home, of, the, brave).  We aired it and took calls from listeners guessing the artists.  If no one figured it out, we had listeners return the next day to try again.  It was unique, innovative, topical, and done in a way which resulted in additional occasions of listening.

One of the few kinds of content which cannot be duplicated by a competitor is personal experience content.  It also might be the best content to do because it defines the characters on the show and is the most authentic to creating loyalty and an “I feel like I know them” vibe between the talent and listener.  Sean and Michelle, on Lite Rock B103, Rockford, IL did a simple, yet highly effective character-building break when they talked to Michelle’s son about getting his driver’s license.  How many moms do you think were in the audience nodding their heads up and down laughing at this exchange?