I recently had a conversation with Armando Rivera, a respected programming professional, now producing some great music in the Chicago market. Our discussion echoed what I’m hearing from colleagues across the country — the challenges facing our industry are remarkably consistent, regardless of market size.
What’s missing is leadership, creative guidance, and coaching. Many in decision-making roles are left without resources or strategic support. There’s no one encouraging innovation or offering critical feedback. As a result, the product has become stagnant. The spontaneity, the excitement, the “wow” factor that once defined engaging radio has largely disappeared.
This decline in creative energy is directly impacting audience engagement. In some cases, stations are unknowingly pushing their listeners away. That’s why I’ve launched Radio News Now — a platform where I’ll be offering commentary and critique on industry trends and programming direction. The goal isn’t to call out individuals or stations, but to provide insight into what we can do collectively to rebuild audience trust and enthusiasm in the medium we love.
