Twenty Twenty More

Happy New Year!

I remember two years ago at home we dubbed the year as “Twenty Twenty DO”- after lockdowns and isolation it was the first year of being able to finally get out and DO stuff and so we embraced the opportunity. This year we have dubbed it “Twenty Twenty MORE”- if nothing else an excuse to get stuck in, indulge and revel in the things that bring enjoyment.

With that in mind we spent mine and my wife’s birthday, and the turn of the year in New York (yes, we have Christmas, our birthdays and New Year all in a week!). It was a delayed trip, originally planned just before the pandemic and this was the first opportunity to actually make it happen, to kick off Twenty Twenty MORE in fine style!

Of course, typically the first few weeks of a year is a time when plans are made, reviews are executed and resolutions are set. A new year and a new plan and all those well-trodden cliches.

Radio stations, audio outlets and podcasts are no different and even if no amazing grand plan exists, reflecting listener lifestyle is important. The turn of the year also sees a good opportunity to launch a few new things, whether entirely new stations (and 2024 has seen a few announced already), new shows (again no shortage of those in recent days) and show features, presenters and more. I’ve written in the past about the listener lifestyle opportunities with a New Year when it comes to launching new things, or refreshing old things. It’s a great time to purge, refresh and renew.

As far as my own plan- it is the same story really. As we begin 2024 I look at my diary and year planner and ponder on a few ideas.

Last year had me re-enter radio very briefly and it re-ignited something. I have rarely mentioned my current day-to-day work, but my weeks are filled with a few days lecturing at University- which is great fun and very rewarding. It’s also not radio related, but general media. I have talked about this at little on the excellent podcast, “Crunch and Roll”. You can find the episodes via the usual podcast apps and via the website.

Crunch & Roll- Listen / rate / follow: podfollow.com/1644313527/view

I mentioned the podcast a few weeks ago when John Fox chatted with Joanna Russell, and it prompted a blog post. I had the pleasure to record with John and producer Simon just the other night and it was great fun. I believe the episode drops today too (Monday), but if not, then soon.

One thing which I touched upon in the episode was the mind of a programmer. Everyone in radio can recall bizarre decisions, contradictions, and general follies brought about by a programmer or a manager in thier station or group. I often here those stories and cringe at the crazy. I also replay moments from my own career when things have gone a bit weird, or down a rabbit hole.

One often mentioned topic of programmers is prep and I’m pleased to say I managed to follow some of my own advice. I found myself rehearsing for the podcast a little, talking to myself in the car (not for the first time!), and thinking through a few bits or thoughts to mention. Only a few of these I actually brought up in the recording, but it goes to show the benefit of prep! Of course as soon as we had finished I had a million things I wished I had mentioned or said.

I need to take this opportunity to say that I’m extremely grateful to John, Simon and my ex-colleague Simon Monk for recommending me for the pod. As I type I don’t know what will make the final edit, and so look forward to next week’s post when I will be writing an apology to all the people I inadvertently upset!

Even before my small Radio Re-Entry, as I’m calling it (for dramatic effect), I had missed the world of radio greatly and mentioned this in the recording. The re-engagement only helped to crystalise for me that it is really what I know best. It was like coming home. Even the difficult bits, or hard conversations or challenges seemed joyous to me. Radio is my happy place I think and I long to return.

With that, my mind turns to Twenty Twenty MORE. If anyone is in need of some media experience, then I’d be welcome of a message- there are links at the bottom of this blog post.