I found myself retrospective on a long drive. I started recalling phrases, instances, and lessons I learned or at least retained from the many, many talented people I’ve been fortunate enough to encounter in the radio business over the last three decades.
It’s a funny thing in and of itself: what stays with you over the years and what you never forget, what shapes you as a career broadcaster, manager, or even fan. So, in no particular order:
“Now, I shouldn’t have heard that from you.” This was an important lesson and, luckily, one I learned very early on as I began my journey while still in grade school. My earliest assignments included pulling records and carts for one of the on-air talent, and I’d occasionally do so for others as well.
Our PD was covering a shift, and as he back-timed his hour, he looked at what he needed to drop to stay on time. I chirped in that the guy I worked with would usually “drop the song he didn’t like.” The PD turned and replied with that phrase. It was my first lesson in managing up to a boss and being a good teammate; it was not mine to report
“I like radio stations that are sticky.” You’ve probably heard this one, as it comes from Michael Scott Shannon. Scott writes imaging and promos, names contests and features, and uses twists of phrase, all designed to stand out while still being pithy so they “stick out and stick with” the listener.
“You really are a contrarian.” I think of this one often, and it’s a badge of honor, as I once worked for a rigid manager who was resistant to thinking outside the box, in favor of the status quo, and never challenged corporate cram-downs. I was constantly pushing the envelope and navigating those parameters, and they could never understand it
“Hire talented people and then know they likely only meet you 80% of the way to your vision.” It’s what makes talent talent, creativity, the spark of imagination and experimentation. Many managers make the mistake of hiring hyper-talented individuals and then trying to force them into a hole, inevitably damaging their confidence in their performance and abilities.
“Take a calculated risk and, at the end of the day, go with your gut.” This speaks for itself. While research, consulting, and collaboration are all important and useful, ultimately, it all comes down to the magic of the moment. It sits next to another great analogic quote: “Wear the coat of your knowledge, but when it’s time to perform, take it off and just hang it up nearby so as not to constrict performance.”
“There is a triangle of success in radio and many skills, desire to do, talent to accomplish, discipline to achieve.”
The last is from Bill Drake (which many of us got from Shannon).
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Robby Bridges works for Press Communications where he serves as the VP of Programming for 99.7 and 107.1 The Boss. He also hosts the morning show ‘Robby and Rochelle’ alongside his wife, Rochelle. He’s been with the company/stations since September, 2021.
Prior to arriving in New Jersey, Robby spent decades working across the country in many top markets for many highly successful brands. Among them include Z100, WPLJ and Q102. He has also worked in Detroit, Boston, Providence, Portsmouth, NH, and served as an exclusive guest host for Scott Shannon on the True Oldies Channel.
To get in touch, reach Robby by email at RobbyBridges@hotmail.com.
