| Here's another nugget of know-how to encourage you | | | | you and your crew, it's legit. The methods used to |
| to get back to the basics of broadcasting. Today's tip: | | | | prepare for a program are also a matter of personal |
| Be prepared! Being on-the-air and being in-the-air have | | | | preference. In today's information age, using one or |
| some parallels. The term 'flying by the seat of your | | | | more Internet-based show prep services seems the |
| pants' is an old aviation expression for the act of | | | | easiest way to give yourself a shortcut. A subscription |
| successfully flying and landing an aircraft without | | | | to a show prep service can provide you with both the |
| access to functional instrumentation and/or proper | | | | foundation on which to build your show as well as a |
| communication. Granted, some brave pilots manage to | | | | safety net to fall back on when you're struggling to |
| pull off this stunt but it can be a dangerous and | | | | hold things together. The key is to make sure the |
| harrowing experience. Given a choice, most flyers | | | | show prep service you choose matches up with your |
| would opt to have knowledge of where they are in | | | | on-air strengths. There's no sense subscribing to a joke |
| the air and confirmation they are cleared to land safely. | | | | sheet if comedy doesn't come to you naturally. |
| So as a broadcaster why would you ever choose to | | | | Similarly, a news clipping service isn't of much use |
| "fly by the seat of your pants," performing with no | | | | unless your program is news and information oriented. |
| preparation and relying on your instincts and | | | | Best bet is to find a service that offers a wide variety |
| experience, much like a pilot "flying blind"? You might | | | | of material that can be used in numerous ways. |
| pull it off, once or twice. But the easiest way to | | | | Fortunately, most show prep services offer the |
| develop consistency is to always be fully prepared. | | | | chance to sample a week or two at no charge. |
| And that means show prep. | | | | Like a pilot, many broadcasters like to run down a last |
| When and how you prepare is up to you. Many | | | | minute checklist before taking to the air. You want to |
| morning personalities choose to assemble their material | | | | make sure that all the components are in place and |
| the evening before; some early risers prefer to get it | | | | that the entire crew is on the same page. That |
| together immediately before show time; others start | | | | ensures a concerted effort and, most times, a |
| working on tomorrow's show immediately after signing | | | | successful broadcast. The same can't be said about |
| off today's. There's no right or wrong; if it works for | | | | "flying by the seat of your pants. |