Posted by David Huffman on Wed, Sep 29, 2010 @ 11:40 AM
On November 6th, 2010 we host our first ever Broadcast Idol event at the Ohio Center for Broadcasting where we are encouraging everyone to come "Get their Ron Burgundy On..." and test our their anchoring skills.
In light of the contest, we kind of thought it would be cool to send out some tips from the pros - you know, in case you want to enter the contest but have no clue what you are doing.
Anywho, Tish Hevel from our Columbus campus put together 5 glorious tips. Tish spent 20+ years in the media and was actually the first producer for the original Jerry Springer show. How's that for a fun fact?! Get your chants going "Springer! Springer! Springer!"
5 How To Be Better On Camera Tips
1. Eye contact is everything. That's what holds the connection between you and viewer. Break it only sparingly, for as short an amount of time as possible.
2. Generally speaking, slow down. Most people talk or read faster when they're nervous, and it only makes you sound more nervous.
3. You have many tools already in your bucket: volume, emphasis, animation, pace, facial expressions, pauses... Develop your ability to use each of them with confidence, by practicing.
4. Do not over-use any technique. The camera magnifies it and it becomes a distraction to the viewer.
5. Watch recordings of yourself. Feels brutal at the beginning for sure. It is, hands down, The. Best. Way. To. Improve. Your.
Performance.
Posted by David Huffman on Mon, Sep 27, 2010 @ 10:01 AM
By Jodi Franks
franks.j@beonair.com
twitter: @producerjodi
Don't be discouraged. It's often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock.
~Author Unknown
Ok, so I’m “that” goofy gal that can find an inspirational quote for every scenario. Yes, it’s cheesy, but perhaps it’s that little quirky “verbal hug” that truly resonates within someone who is just about to give up.
When you make the decision to pursue your dream in the midst of the times we are living in today, there will be times when you are going to question your decision.
Over the past couple of weeks both co-hosts from my former morning show were fired. On that same day, across the country, other personalities were dismissed as well. While this isn’t something new, it was still shocking and sad.
Periodically I have students come and voice their concerns when they read about another personality in their field who has lost their job.
Question: “What does this mean for me”?
Answer: “With an 81% placement rate, there are definitely jobs out there for you. You are actually in a pretty enviable position when you enter the job market.”
Here are (5) reasons why you shouldn’t question your dream of working in broadcasting.
- You will graduate from the program with a working knowledge of the latest technology in the field.
- Being able to execute multiple job responsibilities will give you an edge over other applicants because you will be able to jump into a position with little or no additional training.
- This business is transforming as we speak. Those in your field who refuse to embrace new technologies will find it challenging to keep up. Celebrities are not just relegated to tv and radio any longer; embracing and understanding social media will make you a multi-dimensional personality.
- There are far too many success stories associated with our program to ignore. If you work hard, and stay persistent, you will get a job. If you work the program, the program works for you.
- To quote our recent guest speaker, Gary Burbank, “It is YOUR responsibility to save radio”.
So, what will your role be in the new world order of the media?
Posted by David Huffman on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 @ 03:17 PM
To The Ohio Center for Broadcasting - Columbus Campus:
I graduated on August 10, 2010 in the November '09 class. I received my login for funjobsonair.com (OICB's job board) two days later and started sending out my resume to the postings on the site.
There was a news job that caught my attention and I applied that day.
The following day (Friday), I received a call from Rick at Ottawa Radio in Ottawa, IL. We spoke for awhile and I had an interview set for Wednesday, August 18th. I did my homework on both the station and the town before I left and had a great interview.
I received an offer letter on August 31st and I quickly accepted it. I started here at the station on Monday, September 13th 2010 and was right away put on the air as a news reporter. I write and read the news for both 1430 WCMY and 95.3 SAM FM 6 days a week. I also do some production and post some of the stories I write on the stations website. I have quickly learned my way around the station and the town and love my new home here in Ottawa, IL.
I want to thank everyone at the Ohio Center for Broadcasting, especially my instructor Ken Stevens, who taught me the dynamics of effective news delivery. Without everything I learned there, this would be in no way possible and I am truly grateful for all of the instruction I received, as well as Terry Wilson's support as a mentor.
Clint A. Narramore
News Reporter
1430 WCMY/95.3 SAM FM
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Posted by David Huffman on Tue, Sep 21, 2010 @ 02:46 PM
"What?! Print is DEAD!" You scream.
"Nay, nay" I say.
"Down by the bay, we'll eat some hay - I just MAY!"
[I'm crossing my fingers that you got the Adam Sandler reference]
Seriously though, print (or media for that matter) isn't dead. The rules have just changed a little.
I'm speaking qualitatively here - but I'd say things need to be more targeted now. Things need to fit more comfortably into that niche you are after. Ads need to be simpler. They need to add value.
Also, by "print" we are not only speaking of traditional print ads, but also the printing of promotional material.
"Why add to the clutter?" you say.
Well...because one man's clutter is another man's, uh, non-clutter.
Yea, that's the ticket. [read in John Lovitz voice]
So, with the help of the brilliantly talented and gorgeous Miss Cheryl Harrison - here are 4 ways a radio station could use print to drive their social media.
Just in case she doesn't approve, I should insert a disclaimer: She did the first two and I did the last two. One of which sort of fits into her second one. Here goes:
#1 Place a "check-in on Foursquare" sign next to the front desk.
Listeners will always be popping into your station to pick up prizes, why not have them remind their friends (and themselves) on the web that your radio station rocks? You'll be surprised how many listeners will grab their phones to check in with just a simple reminder.
#2 Produce station-branded collateral with URLs for Twitter and Facebook profiles to distribute at all off-site promotions.
Cheryl was the social media queen for a cluster of stations in Columbus, OH and she made double sided cards for Twitter and Facebook for each station to distribute during remotes.
Again though, cutting through the clutter and producing niche material rather than having posters or handbills that look like a vomit of information. Make a goal to build your community - then simply hand people the address where they can get involved via small business card or handbill.
#3 Sticker Stops With a Twist
Have you seen these? A station will pick a location (like an empty Wal-Mart parking lot) and give away prizes and tickets to those that pull through and let the station plaster a sticker on the back of their vehicle.
Might sound physically spammy - but I know a station here in Evansville that routinely does it and you can't drive 50 feet without seeing one of their stickers on a car.
Here's the simple twist: Instead of your logo - print a round of stickers with your twitter handle nice and plain.
#4 Print Ads
Sooound the FAIL Horn!! Alert the FAIL Whale!! That's what you're thinking right?
Well, hold on there Captain Ahab.
As a radio or television station you have a mighty sword at your disposal. It's a one word sword. Thou name of thy sword is TRADE.
That's right. Assuming you have some open inventory. Trade out with the publications in town that harbor your demo. Run very simple to the point ads targeting either of your social communities.
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Just remember to give everything on print the blink test. I stole that from Hubspot and it's great advice. If someone cannot look at your print piece and tell EXACTLY what they are looking at in the first blink of an eye - your print becomes wasted space.
DOUBLE (ALMOST TRIPLE) RAINBOW REMINDER: If you aren't engaging with your listeners in your social media communities, you're wasting your time all around. Don't waste your time (or anyone else's) promoting a dead community.
Posted by David Huffman on Wed, Sep 15, 2010 @ 11:11 AM
David Huffman
huffman.d@beonair.com
twitter: @davemhuffman
A few weeks ago our Ohio Center for Broadcasting Cleveland campus held a competition where contestants had the chance to audition for the ESPN affiliate in Cleveland, OH. The contest was called "The Next Star of KNR."
Leading up to the contest we thought it might be cool if the air-staff there at KNR provided the contestants with some tips for jumping into a career in sports broadcasting. I thought it could be a long shot - since they are all super busy - but worth a shot, right?
Welp, they abliged. And they were super cool about it. Giving some very passionate responses.
If you are a current student at one of our Ohio or Illinois campuses, you have no doubt heard a lot of the same advice before. That is because, there really is no magic pill. A lot of what makes people successful transcends across all industries. I'm talking about things like passion, hard work, technical know-how, etc.
However, the WKNR guys really provided some actionable show hosting techniques here. Which I think is great for a couple of reasons:
1. If you are already a student - you could take these and employ them immediately during your air-shift.
2. If you are looking to attend our program and you LOVE the idea of sports broadcasting but are afraid you "don't know enough about sports" - you might see that you don't really have to know a lot if you are, say, entertaining - energetic, opinionated, or funny.
Anywho, enough blabber. Here are those tips from ESPN Cleveland WKNR:
- Don't overload your take with meaningless stats or boring details. Instead, try to make your listeners laugh, cry, and think about sports in a new way. -- Hammer
- People listen to shows because they are interested in the host's opinions. Rather than simply laying out the big topics of the day, find something that you are passionate about and share your feelings. Everyone knows the Indians are a bad team. Everyone wants LeBron to stay in Cleveland. What can you bring to the marketplace of ideas that isn't totally obvious? -- Hammer
- Don't be affraid or rejection or the word "NO". It's a competative field and you have to keep on fighting especially when you get turned down or told no. – Kenny Roda
- Every great sports talk host has one thing in common: ENERGY! No one wants to listen to someone who sounds tired, bored, or sick.? Sit up, smile, scream, yell, rant, and rave. -- Hammer
- Be versatile and know as much as you can about all aspects of broadcasting (Hosting/Reporting/Production/Engineering etc.) The more you know about all aspects, the better off you will be and more valuable you will be to the company. --Chris Fedor
- ALWAYS try to be BETTER THAN THE LAST TIME when you open the mic!? -- Munch
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Posted by David Huffman on Tue, Sep 07, 2010 @ 12:41 PM
By Jodi Franks
Ohio Center for Broadcasting
Cincinnati, OH campus
franks.j@beonair.com
"It's not just any team, it's the BE Team!" - Anonymous
One of the best things about choosing to attend The Ohio Center for Broadcasting is it is a 10 month, accelerated, hands on program to prepare you for an entry level position in the broadcasting industry. Ten months is lightening fast, and there is so much to learn. So, how do you teach a class relevant to team work and promotions? You don’t really, you create the BeTeam!
Here are the top 5 reasons, Letterman Style, you should take advantage of being part of the BeTeam.
5. It prepares you for an internship in a promotions department.
Much like the resume you will present when you are ready to look for a job, the internship resume is your first step to getting in the door for a tv or radio internship. Most people starting out have had absolutely no real experience in our industry, anything that makes you stand out as someone who has a better idea of what’s going on, is more qualified, will be the one who gets that internship first.
4. It teaches you how to delegate responsibility in a team environment.
It’s the well oiled machine that moves mountains. Nothing will ever catch a potential employer’s eye quicker than seeing great teamwork. Nothing will move you up the ladder quicker than understanding how to work/delegate/give credit to others within the framework of a team.
3. It prepares you for the enormous amount of community service you will do as a broadcaster.
TV or Radio, this industry is about giving back. You will get to meet people and have experiences that will change your life forever, AND as part of the media, you’ll get to spread the word to get more people involved in the future.
2. You get to attend local concerts and events for FREE!
Do you need more of an explanation? FREE! How about the fact that you get to play a role in building awareness of the music and arts scene in your city?
And the #1 reason you should be part of the BeTeam?
You get to work side by side with your Instructor, GA, or Internship Coordinator. You will start building that network that will be so important as you begin your broadcasting career.
Instead of completing a project for a grade, you get to see first hand what worked for them during their career. These people are your first “references” in the business. Instead of a future employer calling OCB to see what “grade” you received for your music video, they will be able to contact the person who heads the BeTeam to talk about your dependability, work ethic, and character.
They will be your strongest advocates during your job search, and more than likely, your biggest cheerleaders.
Haven’t signed up for the BeTeam yet? What in the world are you waiting for? If you are a current student, go see your campus marketing/promotions coordinator.
If you aren't a current student and just thinking about attending Ohio Illinois Center for Broadcasting - GO HERE to connect with us and get more info.
Posted by David Huffman on Thu, Sep 02, 2010 @ 12:36 PM
No great dissection or analysis here. Just wanted to share a video with you of Congressman Peter Roskam visiting the Illinois Center for Broadcasting in Lombard, IL.
You'll get to take a little light hearted tour along with the Congressman and also check out some of the things our students do on campus from day to day.
Video below!