Barriers and obstacles are common in careers, and radio personalities are no exception. Every personality thinks they need something they don’t have, and often, those obstacles become barriers.
This show needs a producer, and that one wants a phone screener. If only we had a funny cohost to add to the cast. And it sure would be nice to get another editing station in the studio. Then we could win. This isn’t unique. Every rock star wants another instrument, each carpenter needs a new saw, and wouldn’t every athlete want new gear?
Every show should have a producer. A phone screener is a near-necessity for shows that engage listeners on the phone. And yeah, every show with the latest technology has an advantage. But the reality is that most shows won’t have everything they want. Many don’t have things they need.
Not having them is an obstacle. Don’t let it become a barrier.
Obstacles and Barriers
The two terms may seem similar, but they refer to different challenges radio personalities encounter. Barriers are
restrictions that make it impossible to grow, no matter how hard you try to work around them. These barriers can be internal or external.
Obstacles are challenges, but they are often more annoying than restrictive. They are usually external but become problematic because personalities make these relatively minor issues seem insurmountable.
It’s easy to become frustrated or annoyed by obstacles, but step back and objectively evaluate the situation. Even if they seem overwhelming at first, you can overcome them with creativity, persistence, and a positive attitude.
Examples of Obstacles
Here are some examples of real-life obstacles clients have recently faced:
Prep Time: A show is launching a new feature that requires daily curation and creativity. The show consists of a host and two cohorts. The new feature could change the trajectory of the show. The host says, “We can’t possibly do this without a producer to prepare the content.” That’s an obstacle, not a barrier. Get over it and do the work!
Technology: Another show runs an interactive relationship feature each morning, relying on listener input. There’s a solo morning host and a producer/phone screener with limited on-air presence. Yet the studio equipment never works right, and it’s a coin flip as to whether or not a caller will be on the air. This can be fixed with persistence. It’s an obstacle. The worst thing you can do is give up on phone calls because of equipment malfunction.
Need a Producer: This show has grown from trailing middays and afternoons to being the highest-rated time slot on the station. It’s performing at a very high level as it continues to add new features and promotions. It’s a two-person show doing the work of 4-5 people. They are convinced that reaching the next level without a producer is virtually impossible. This show does need a producer, but this is an obstacle. You can only control things within your power. Don’t become frustrated or give up.
Relevance: A show is struggling to become more contemporary and relevant. The three cast members (A host, a cohost, and a producer) want to add a feature that could become the One Thing that makes them more relevant, but they “can’t do it because we don’t have the right board op.” There are two choices: Get a new board op or teach the current one how to deliver what you want. Don’t give up because it’s hard.
Conclusion
Broadcasters should support personalities with the tools needed to win, but they sometimes (often) don’t. Frustration causes barriers to become obstacles. Don’t let it get you down. You can overcome obstacles. Only barriers prevent you from winning.
Ryan Seacrest, Elvis Duran, and The Bert Show all want things they don’t have, but they never use it as an excuse. Don’t mistake obstacles for barriers. They’re not the same. Excuses won’t get you anywhere. Most of the things you think you need are just obstacles. As a carpenter once said, “It’s a poor craftsman that blames his tools.”
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