October 3, 2016, Issue 519
Political Content: Off Limits?
“People who want to share their religious or political views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.” So says writer and humorist Dave Barry, your Facebook feed and many a radio program director. Is avoiding political talk still a smart onair approach in the midst of the most-talked-about presidential election in modern history? Country Aircheck tapped a leading radio talent coach, a Texas Radio Hall Of Famer and a veteran programmer to find out. Polarization Express: Air talent on music-based radio stations are generally directed to avoid political content completely, to do it a way that’s fluffy or funny, or to be an open book and engage at a level that’s Steve Reynolds comfortable and authentic. Talent coach Steve Reynolds says the best approach is the one that fits the talent’s connection with the audience. “It’s a lot like real life,” he argues. “If we have a deep relationship with someone, we can share political perspectives. But if we don’t, we shouldn’t as it’s too polarizing.” And polarizing Country Aircheck polled the industry’s ticket content is a surefire way preference last week. These are the results. to shrink an audience. Consider Facebook. A Donald Trump & Mike Pence 46% Pew study conducted Hillary Clinton & Tim Kaine 41% during the 2012 election Gary Johnson & Bill Weld 13% cycle found that 18% of social media users had blocked or hidden someone for political reasons. (continued on page 11)
2016 Presidential Poll Results
Musta Had A Good Time: Stoney Creek’s Parmalee at the 2016 BMI Island Hopper Songwriter Fest in Fort Meyers Beach, FL. Pictured are (l-r) songwriter Tim James, BMI’s Dan Spears, Parmalee’s Josh McSwain and Barry Knox, WCKT’s’ Mike Tyler and Amy Lynn, the band’s Matt Thomas, songwriter Danny Myrick and Parmalee’s Scott Thomas.
On The Write Track
In Nashville, it all begins with a song. And more and more, that song begins with a beat or a loop instead of a lyric. A mainstay of pop and R&B for decades, track-based writing is becoming the norm in country. Country Aircheck spoke to three of Music City’s Jimmy chart-topping “track guys” about why it’s Robbins increasingly the preferred method. Traccidental: Round Hill Music writer/ producer Jimmy Robbins moved to town five years ago and became a track guy out of necessity. “I wanted to make a record, but couldn’t afford a producer,” he says. “But I could afford the starter kit for Pro Tools. So I bought Pro Tools, taught myself and made a record. That was what I used to get a publishing deal.
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