Show Prep Theory
Your prep time is the most important part of your show. This is when you set your themes, command information, goals and objectives, what readers and bits you'll set up and what interview questions you'll use. It's also the time to plan your audience interactions and prime the pump for engagement.
PRO TIP: Show prep = planning how your entire show will go!
NOTE: Remember that most of your show happens off air. This includes preparing for your show, researching topics of conversation and building content. Being live on air is only a small part of the job.
Per the Eagle Playbook Part 1, page 34, you should have 20 minutes of prep time per hour you are on air. So a four-hour show needs about 80 minutes of prep. If you are not getting this time to produce a quality on-air product, talk with your leadership.
You already show prep every day. Each time you like or share a social media post, you're curating the content you're interested in. The conversation you had in line at the chow hall about the new menu options or the buzz in the community groups about new check-in procedures at your healthcare facility, that's show prep material. Chances are other audience members are interested in the same topics.
Sourcing Material
Start making a list of topics you can bring from your life into your show prep. The "save for later" feature on many social media apps is a great tool for this. If you and your friends are talking about it, the audience probably is too, but exercise good judgment.
Your affiliate has access to subscription services that build daily radio show prep. These sources not only have articles and commentaries, they often include audio elements you can download and use during your live show, including pre-constructed bits, but more on that in our bit development module.
NOTE: Cutting-edge content is great, but remember you have a strategic goal to accomplish. Work with leaders within your organization and reach out to the host command Public Affairs to see what messaging is important to commanders. Demonstrate value added for commanders so they can advocate for your continued presence.
Planning Intros & Outros
Not knowing how to enter or exit a break is one of the easiest ways to stumble on air. Taking the time during your show prep to lay out and write out your intros and outros will make your show run smoothly.
PRO TIP: Use relevant songs to enhance your breaks!
If you are talking about budgeting and finances, use a song like "Bills" by Lunch Money Lewis. As the song ends, the phrase "errybody got bills" repeats twice and ends with a dramatic groan. Attack the song fade and script yourself an intro to the topic.
FOR EXAMPLE
[Song ending with groaning sound overlaid] "...and the bills don't stop coming, do they? We're just a couple of days away from payday, so if you're looking to make better use of your money, be sure to check out the financial readiness seminar. Army community..."
You can script your outro to this break ahead of time as well. After the bulk of your break is done, plan to walk the ramp of a song that helps package this break. A piece like Britney Spears' "Work" can fit. Write out the final sentences of your break, so you have a pre-built exit and are properly timed to use the ramp.
FOR EXAMPLE
[Music playing in the background] "I was checking out my Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions the other day, and you just gotta make sure you're maxing those out; you gotta make that money work for you. Britney definitely knows what's up. [New song starts to play] This hit from 2013 is her reminder to keep your eyes on that financial prize." [New song ramps up]
Planning your intros and outros helps you stay on track with your show prep and prevents rambling.
Teasing & Tying Breaks Together
Teasing is the art of offering enough upcoming content to incentivize the listener to stay tuned but not giving away the payoff. If you're talking about money management in one break, try connecting the topic to the tuition assistance program by mentioning to the listener how they can get over $4,000 for free with just a few clicks.
PRO TIP: Tease something your audience cares about!
Most people who hear free money will be motivated to stick around. The key is not to directly say you're talking about tuition assistance. This invites the audience to listen to your next break, where you talk about the tuition assistance program and direct them to the local education center.
PRO TIP: Be vague in your tease!
Successful teasing hints at the most interesting part of your upcoming content without giving it away. You want to keep the listener motivated to stay tuned. Your listeners want to hear exciting and relevant information to their everyday lives.
NOTE: Don't tease like this:
"Up next, we are talking about upcoming trips..."
Instead, say something like:
"There's an opportunity coming up to explore Europe in comfort while you build lifelong memories as MWR visits one of the world's most beautiful cities. I'll tell you more next."
You are not revealing the location, but sparking an interest by teasing the actual content, not just the context of your next break.
Command Information to Entertainment Ratio
It's our job to integrate command information (CI) into a fun, accessible package the listener can enjoy. A general rule of thumb is to think about how the CI you're pushing affects you personally and start there. Most of your content should link back to CI in some form.
PRO TIP: Talk about CI that impacts you!
Themed Hours & Breaks
Themes tie your show into a cohesive package. They come from all levels. They start with the DoD Communications Playbook and are shaped by your service and combatant commands, especially by your local installation commanders.
PRO TIP: Start with the DoD Playbook and work your way down!
Your local commanders' themes and messages are the most important issues in your area and will help you sync with their initiatives. Use them in your show prep.
PRO TIP: Use current events to plan your show prep!
If the command has noticed an increase in DUI incidents, your show prep should include more integration with the substance abuse program, topics about responsible drinking, advertising base shuttle services and other ways your local community can respond to the issue. This increases AFN's value to our local commanders.
Wider DoD-level themes are always relevant and should be localized in your show prep. If the DoD is pushing focus on life outside the uniform, schedule an interview with the soldier that plays in a band, or feature an airman that volunteers at a food kitchen on the weekends. Get creative.
The DoD recognizes monthly observations that are great places to start show prep. You can even weave these into news breaks and spots.
Service Elements
Your listeners expect to hear certain radio elements when they tune in, like top-of-the-hour news, weather and traffic updates, time checks, etcetera. Make these more exciting and relevant by weaving your themes and events into them.
PRO TIP: Weave your CI into your show elements!
During your weather break, plan a shout-out for the morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) event on the upcoming sunny Saturday. Heavy traffic in your area? A good time to remind people of the late hours at the base exchange. Every moment of your show can integrate CI and be more than basic Eagle format.
PRO TIP: Tie local events into your service elements!
Micro Slots
Breaks don't have to be long; a short 10 to 15-second talk break after a song and before a spot break is a great time to open your mic. You can mention a gate change, give traffic updates or any other short, useful info. These short breaks keep you present throughout your show and allow more flexibility in delivering content. Prep for them.
PRO TIP: Short breaks = a better show!
Show Prep Platforms
There is no one correct way to show prep. You'll have your own style that works for you. Here are a few ideas that work for others; take what you can and adapt it for your use.
NOTE: AFN is licensed to download audio elements from sites like Wise Brother. They produce daily clips you can download that have the latest entertainment buzz, wacky news, daily history and sports updates.
Here's an example of show prep mapped out for an entire show. Note that this does not include the break intros and outros.
Here's a wider scope show prep that lets the DJ plan their week. This is only a part of the DJ's prep and is used more for planning.
The following is a more in-depth prep a DJ has built with specific information relevant to their show.
The possibilities are endless. Good prep makes a tight show. Get creative, try new things and, most importantly, have fun. Practice makes perfect. Have a great show.