{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Radio Consultant-Gary Berkowitz AC Radio Programming Consultants-Ratings Improvement-Radio Consulting-Radio Consultants-Adult Contemporary Radio - Media Consultant","home_page_url":"https://garyberk.com","description":"Radio Consultant-Gary Berkowitz AC Radio Programming Consultants-Ratings Improvement-Radio Consulting-Radio Consultants-Adult Contemporary Radio - Media Consultant","author":{"name":"Radio Consultant-Gary Berkowitz AC Radio Programming Consultants-Ratings Improvement-Radio Consulting-Radio Consultants-Adult Contemporary Radio - Media Consultant"},"items":[{"id":"the-wrecking-crew-model-and-your-station","html_content":"

Last week, I wrote about the magic Rick Sklar created at WABC. We talked about how the secret sauce was not the processing or the contests. It was the on-air people. Sklar knew that radio wins when personalities connect,...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/the-wrecking-crew-model-and-your-station","title":"The Wrecking Crew Model and Your Station!","date_modified":"2026-04-22T14:51:04Z"},{"id":"companionship-wins-everytime-advice-from-wabc-and-rick-sklar","html_content":"

There is a lot of noise in radio land right now. Between streaming algorithms, endless podcasts, and the looming shadow of AI, it is easy to get distracted by the shiny new toys. But we need to keep our eye on the ball. ...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/companionship-wins-everytime-advice-from-wabc-and-rick-sklar","title":"Companionship Wins Everytime. Advice from WABC and Rick Sklar. ","date_modified":"2026-04-15T18:59:37Z"},{"id":"brilliant-with-the-basics-part-two","html_content":"

Last week, we covered music, morning shows, and branding. I also promised to reveal the one mistake almost every station makes during a book. We’re getting to that but first, if you want to win, you have to be brilliant ...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/brilliant-with-the-basics-part-two","title":"Brilliant with the Basics Part Two","date_modified":"2026-04-07T18:44:13Z"},{"id":"get-ready-for-spring","html_content":"

Be brilliant with the basics.

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/get-ready-for-spring","title":"Get Ready for Spring!","date_modified":"2026-04-02T19:27:14Z"},{"id":"the-stream-is-your-station","html_content":"

Six things every broadcaster must do right now to survive, and thrive, in radio's digital-first future.

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/the-stream-is-your-station","title":"The Stream is your Station","date_modified":"2026-03-11T14:47:06Z"},{"id":"10-common-traits-of-winning-ac-stations-2","html_content":"

Have you ever looked at the ratings and wondered: How do certain AC's always come out on top? There's a reason. Do a \"programming x-ray\" on the most successful and consistently high-rated AC stations, and you quickly see...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/10-common-traits-of-winning-ac-stations-2","title":"10 Common Traits of Winning AC Stations","date_modified":"2026-01-27T17:09:09Z"},{"id":"why-now-is-the-time-to-market-your-station","html_content":"

While your competitors cut budgets and go silent, you have a rare opening. The stations that market aggressively right now won’t just survive the downturn, they’ll own the next decade.

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/why-now-is-the-time-to-market-your-station","title":"Why NOW is the Time to Market Your Station","date_modified":"2026-01-20T19:16:58Z"},{"id":"as-seen-in-radio-ink-magazine","html_content":"

\"SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT\"

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/as-seen-in-radio-ink-magazine","title":"As Seen in Radio Ink Magazine","date_modified":"2026-01-14T21:51:51Z"},{"id":"pd-resolutions-for-the-new-year","html_content":"

The start of a new year is a good time to step back and refocus on what actually moves the needle. None of this is revolutionary, these are fundamentals that consistently make stations sound better and perform better.

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/pd-resolutions-for-the-new-year","title":"PD RESOLUTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR","date_modified":"2026-01-06T20:23:56Z"},{"id":"a-consultant%E2%80%99s-letter-to-the-north-pole","html_content":"

Another year of Adult Contemporary radio is in the books. We’ve played 'Last Christmas' about 4,000 times, and the office presets are locked in. But if Santa is looking for some last-minute gift ideas for my client stati...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/a-consultant%E2%80%99s-letter-to-the-north-pole","title":"A Consultant’s Letter to the North Pole","date_modified":"2025-12-17T20:54:23Z"},{"id":"radio-like-it-should-be-as-seen-in-radio-ink","html_content":"

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/radio-like-it-should-be-as-seen-in-radio-ink","title":"Radio. Like it should be. As seen in Radio Ink. ","date_modified":"2025-12-04T20:31:59Z"},{"id":"don%E2%80%99t-rush-the-season-when-to-tell-your-listeners-whats-next","html_content":"

If you're a PD, you know the feeling. You go all-Christmas and within 24 hours you feel it. Everyone is listening. Sure, you get a few complaints, but most people are happy and in the spirit. The station feels alive, and...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/don%E2%80%99t-rush-the-season-when-to-tell-your-listeners-whats-next","title":"Don’t Rush the Season: When to Tell Your Listeners What's Next","date_modified":"2025-12-01T15:35:36Z"},{"id":"the-one-thing-that-can-derail-your-christmas-programming","html_content":"

Every year, the pattern is the same. You flip the switch to Christmas music and the reaction is off the charts. Ratings spike. Social media lights up. Sales is thrilled. Then, a few days in, the familiar comment pops up,...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/the-one-thing-that-can-derail-your-christmas-programming","title":"The One Thing That Can Derail Your Christmas Programming","date_modified":"2025-11-17T18:40:49Z"},{"id":"youre-in-an-unrated-market-should-you-go-all-christmas","html_content":"

If you're in an unrated market, the holiday season opens up a world of programming possibilities. With no ratings pressure, you're free to experiment, connect emotionally with your audience, and build brand equity. But s...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/youre-in-an-unrated-market-should-you-go-all-christmas","title":"You're in an Unrated Market: Should You Go All Christmas?","date_modified":"2025-11-06T18:55:57Z"},{"id":"programmers-to-the-rescue","html_content":"

Not a day goes by where I don’t hear about people losing their jobs, programming cutbacks, or stations struggling to meet budget. Revenues are down drastically, and it’s not an isolated issue. It’s everywhere.

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/programmers-to-the-rescue","title":"Programmers to the Rescue...","date_modified":"2025-10-23T14:39:40Z"},{"id":"fall-2025-7-steps-to-a-better-book","html_content":"

With the fall book underway and year-round PPM measurement always in play, this is the time to tighten things up. Here are 8 smart programming moves that will help your station perform at its best this fall:

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/fall-2025-7-steps-to-a-better-book","title":"8 Smart Programming Moves to Win This Fall","date_modified":"2025-09-09T16:27:45Z"},{"id":"programming-for-ratings-is-not-enough-anymore","html_content":"

For decades, programming success was measured by one thing: ratings. Get them up, and everything else would follow, revenue, reputation, job security. But in 2025, that’s no longer enough. We need to face a hard truth: r...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/programming-for-ratings-is-not-enough-anymore","title":"Programming for Ratings is Not Enough Anymore...","date_modified":"2025-08-25T14:03:53Z"},{"id":"why-%E2%80%9Ccommercial-free-hours%E2%80%9D-are-still-a-smart-play-for-radio","html_content":"

In a world where Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming platforms offer endless music with minimal interruption, traditional radio has to work harder to earn every quarter hour. That’s why “commercial-free hours” are ...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/why-%E2%80%9Ccommercial-free-hours%E2%80%9D-are-still-a-smart-play-for-radio","title":"Why “Commercial-Free Hours” Are Still a Smart Play for Radio","date_modified":"2025-07-15T13:39:41Z"},{"id":"take-2-aspirin-call-me-in-the-morning","html_content":"

I don’t know about you but growing up my mother always told me to be a “professional man” A doctor, a lawyer, a dentist. When she heard I wanted to go into radio (a very foreign idea to her) there was a bit of disappoint...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/take-2-aspirin-call-me-in-the-morning","title":"Take 2 Aspirin & call me in the morning! ","date_modified":"2025-06-25T14:08:51Z"},{"id":"the-future-program-director-will-have-these-qualities-1","html_content":"

If you’re wondering what radio might look like (or sound like) in the future, just look at the leaders who will be shaping it, the programmers. So, what will the future PD look like? Maybe similar to todays, but then, ma...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/the-future-program-director-will-have-these-qualities-1","title":"The Future Program Director will have these qualities","date_modified":"2025-06-17T18:47:03Z"},{"id":"common-tactics-of-winning-ac-stations","html_content":"

Ever wonder how certain AC stations always seem to land at the top of the ratings? It’s not luck. There’s a clear playbook. Take a close look—do a “programming x-ray”—on the most consistently successful ACs and you’ll s...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/common-tactics-of-winning-ac-stations","title":"Common Tactics of Winning AC Stations. ","date_modified":"2025-05-28T17:26:00Z"},{"id":"how-programming-sales-work-together","html_content":"

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/how-programming-sales-work-together","title":"How Programming & Sales Work Together (from Radio Ink)","date_modified":"2025-05-06T19:39:55Z"},{"id":"what-would-ac-radio-sound-like-without-ratings","html_content":"

Yes, I make a living helping AC and Classic Hits stations get better ratings, but just for a moment… let’s imagine life without the ratings.

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/what-would-ac-radio-sound-like-without-ratings","title":"What would AC radio sound like without ratings? ","date_modified":"2025-04-29T19:35:06Z"},{"id":"5-things-that-will-make-a-big-difference-this-spring","html_content":"

By the end of this week, every rated market in the US will be in a rating period. Small adjustments can significantly enhance your performance and listener engagement. Here are five impactful strategies to boost your rad...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/5-things-that-will-make-a-big-difference-this-spring","title":"5 Things That Will Make a Big Difference this Spring ","date_modified":"2025-04-01T17:51:08Z"},{"id":"revitalize-revenue-preserve-your-radio-stations-soul","html_content":"

Houston, We've Got a Problem: Radio isn't dying—it's facing a revenue challenge. As digital platforms expand their reach, many broadcasters have responded by gutting what makes radio special. This short-sighted strategy ...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/revitalize-revenue-preserve-your-radio-stations-soul","title":"Revitalize Revenue, Preserve Your Radio Stations' Soul","date_modified":"2025-03-18T18:32:44Z"},{"id":"stop-sabotaging-your-station-5-streaming-mistakes-to-avoid","html_content":"

The radio landscape has irrevocably shifted. While over-the-air remains a staple, your digital stream is no longer a \"nice-to-have\"—it's a lifeline. Fail to treat it as such, and you're actively pushing listeners into th...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/stop-sabotaging-your-station-5-streaming-mistakes-to-avoid","title":"Stop Sabotaging Your Station: 5 Streaming Mistakes to Avoid","date_modified":"2025-03-04T15:08:07Z"},{"id":"program-directors-looking-back-looking-ahead","html_content":"

We’ve all heard the line, “Radio used to be better back in the day.” While that may or may not be true, being a Program Director sure has changed.

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/program-directors-looking-back-looking-ahead","title":"Program Directors: Looking Back, Looking Ahead","date_modified":"2025-01-15T18:28:22Z"},{"id":"celebrate-halloween-for-a-week","html_content":"

For many years, radio featured Halloween hits on October 31st only. Since Halloween has become one of the biggest and most celebrated holidays of the year, plus, its estimated that American’s will spend 11.6 BILLION thi...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/celebrate-halloween-for-a-week","title":"Celebrate Halloween for a week! ","date_modified":"2024-10-01T13:41:33Z"},{"id":"we-need-a-plan-things-happen-after-hours","html_content":"

This past Saturday’s attempted assassination of Donald Trump clearly showed off radio’s weakness. The lack of resources to handle an emergency in off hours. I was watching cable news and saw it happen firsthand.

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/we-need-a-plan-things-happen-after-hours","title":"We Need a Plan: Things happen after hours","date_modified":"2024-07-17T15:57:31Z"},{"id":"email-your-new-secret-weapon-as-seen-in-radio-ink","html_content":"

I remember when I got my first PD gig at PRO-FM in Providence, I asked my then GM, Warren Potash, what our marketing budget was. He looked at me, and without hesitation said “$200.00.” That’s right. $200.00. Being a newb...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/email-your-new-secret-weapon-as-seen-in-radio-ink","title":"Email: Your new secret weapon (as seen in Radio Ink)","date_modified":"2024-03-18T21:45:59Z"},{"id":"summer-programmingdigital-tune-up-basics","html_content":"

The most important click on your website (and app): LISTEN LIVE. You’d be shocked at how hard that is to find on many radio sites. Same goes for your app.

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/summer-programmingdigital-tune-up-basics","title":"Summer Programming/Digital Tune-up: Basics ","date_modified":"2023-07-25T17:36:55Z"},{"id":"say-no-to-special-weekends-and-whats-pizza-got-to-do-with-it","html_content":"

A reason to say no to theme weekends….

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/say-no-to-special-weekends-and-whats-pizza-got-to-do-with-it","title":"Say no to special weekends and what's pizza got to do with it?","date_modified":"2023-05-08T23:54:30Z"},{"id":"wenja-get-in","html_content":"

As seen in Radio Ink-

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/wenja-get-in","title":"Wenja Get In? ","date_modified":"2023-04-17T19:37:09Z"},{"id":"my-plan-to-reduce-units-and-grow-revenue","html_content":"

Let me start by saying I am not a radio sales expert. As a long-time programmer, I like commercials. They are helpful to listeners, keeping them aware of products and services they use and need. They add to a station’s p...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/my-plan-to-reduce-units-and-grow-revenue","title":"My plan to reduce units and grow revenue","date_modified":"2023-04-05T14:48:41Z"},{"id":"programming-resolutions-for-the-new-year","html_content":"

The new year is a great time to go through the station and make sure all of the basics and strategies are in place. Here are my top elements to review.

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/programming-resolutions-for-the-new-year","title":"Programming Resolutions for the New Year","date_modified":"2023-01-04T18:36:13Z"},{"id":"the-future-program-director-will-have-these-qualities","html_content":"

If you’re wondering what radio might look like (or sound like) in the future, just look at the leaders who will be shaping it, the programmers. So, what will the future PD look like? Maybe similar to todays, but then, ma...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/the-future-program-director-will-have-these-qualities","title":"The Future Program Director Will Have These Qualities ","date_modified":"2022-11-16T14:34:35Z"},{"id":"what-you-listeners-really-think","html_content":"

Have you noticed that we (radio people) can spend hours discussing and debating programming issues? Listeners, on the other hand, have no problem boiling it down to a few words to describe how they feel. From the many fo...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/what-you-listeners-really-think","title":"What your listeners really think","date_modified":"2022-09-26T20:18:52Z"},{"id":"5-things-that-matter-with-ac-radio-today","html_content":"

Radio is not all that complicated. It should be easy, simple and of course, fun. In this edition, we look at 5 things that are important within AC radio today. Basic and simple. A 60 second read that could change your st...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/5-things-that-matter-with-ac-radio-today","title":"5 things that matter with AC radio today","date_modified":"2022-08-17T18:52:45Z"},{"id":"local-may-not-be-your-salvation-1","html_content":"

Maybe you've heard the line; \"We'll win cause we're local.\" Some radio folks believe that. I believe that yes, local is important, but more important is \"being good.\" The story below may change your thinking.

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/local-may-not-be-your-salvation-1","title":"\"Local\" may not be your salvation...","date_modified":"2022-07-19T17:24:54Z"},{"id":"turn-summer-promotions-into-cume-and-p1-building-events","html_content":"

With summer here, there is a good chance you will be doing many outdoor promotions where you will get to be with current and potential listeners. Here are a few ideas you can easily implement to turn these into effective...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/turn-summer-promotions-into-cume-and-p1-building-events","title":"TURN SUMMER PROMOTIONS INTO CUME AND P1 BUILDING EVENTS","date_modified":"2022-06-28T19:50:25Z"},{"id":"flashback-10-programming-predictions-for-the-next-25-years","html_content":"

Back in November of 2017, Radio Ink asked for an article about programming predictions for the next 25 years. Well, I just ran across it and thought it would be fun to see how those predictions are coming. My comments fo...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/flashback-10-programming-predictions-for-the-next-25-years","title":"Flashback: 10 Programming Predictions For The Next 25 Years","date_modified":"2022-06-09T16:03:45Z"},{"id":"r-d-s-is-technology-causing-erosion-to-your-ratings","html_content":"

I love technology. However, I am concerned we are losing potential recall opportunities (in the diary-based rating system) with certain uses of RDS. If you are using RDS to display title and artist with name, frequency),...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/r-d-s-is-technology-causing-erosion-to-your-ratings","title":"R-D-S: Is technology causing erosion to your ratings?","date_modified":"2022-04-12T19:19:41Z"},{"id":"morning-drive-how-to-quickly-improve-your-morning-show-today","html_content":"

With the spring book not far away, please consider these actionable points for a stronger morning show:

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/morning-drive-how-to-quickly-improve-your-morning-show-today","title":"Morning Drive: How to quickly improve your morning show today","date_modified":"2022-03-22T20:09:03Z"},{"id":"understanding-how-to-increase-tsl","html_content":"

Have you ever heard this conversation? Our cume is up but TSL is down...we're too down, we need more new music (wrong) we must suck! Not necessarily. Check out todays AC Programming Today and see how you should react to ...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/understanding-how-to-increase-tsl","title":"Understanding How to Increase TSL","date_modified":"2022-02-15T14:01:58Z"},{"id":"programming-strategies-for-improved-performance-in-2022","html_content":"

As we enter 2022, here are some programming points that will help you construct a \"solid foundation\" for your station (and higher ratings) in the new year.

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/programming-strategies-for-improved-performance-in-2022","title":"Programming Strategies for Improved Performance in 2022","date_modified":"2021-12-16T18:07:12Z"},{"id":"the-road-to-better-tsl","html_content":"

The Real Deal on TSL: 5 STEPS TO INCREASED TIME SPENT LISTENING

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/the-road-to-better-tsl","title":"The Road to Better TSL....","date_modified":"2021-10-27T14:54:31Z"},{"id":"what-women-want-from-radio-it-has-not-changed-a-lot","html_content":"

Nielsen released a study a while back offering radio perspective on that timeless question, \"What do women want?\" The \"WHAT WOMEN WANT: FIVE SECRETS TO BETTER RATINGS\" study was based on interviews conducted with over 1,...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/what-women-want-from-radio-it-has-not-changed-a-lot","title":"What Women Want from Radio (it has not changed a lot)","date_modified":"2021-10-05T20:00:00Z"},{"id":"7-steps-to-a-better-fall-outcome","html_content":"

With the fall book on, and on-going PPM measurement, today is a great time to look at these 7 programming points to make sure you are at your best for the book.

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/7-steps-to-a-better-fall-outcome","title":"7 Steps to a better Fall book","date_modified":"2021-09-21T15:26:28Z"},{"id":"the-listener-speaks","html_content":"

Have you noticed that we (radio people) can spend hours discussing and debating programming issues? Listeners, on the other hand, have no problem boiling it down to a few words to describe how they feel!

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/the-listener-speaks","title":"The Listener Speaks....","date_modified":"2021-06-23T15:40:57Z"},{"id":"6-things-that-matter-today-in-ac-radio","html_content":"

Radio is not all that complicated. It should be easy, simple and of course, fun. Today I'll look at 6 things that are important within AC Radio TODAY. Basic and Simple. A 60 second read that could change your stations fu...

","url":"https://garyberk.com/newsletters/f/6-things-that-matter-today-in-ac-radio","title":"6 Things That Matter TODAY in AC Radio","date_modified":"2021-06-03T17:01:00Z"}]}