How To Create A Radio Demo Package

(By Randy Lane) The new year has not been a happy one for many air talents and programmers. Many of you were let go AND you were doing a good job. I know how much that sucks because it happened to me with Viacom in the mid ’90s. When that door closed, it enabled me to start this business.

If you’ve been “restructured,” here’s a checklist for putting together a demo and resume package that will get you noticed.

The Highlight Demo and the Follow-Up Demo
• An ideal Highlight Demo is approximately three to four minutes of your best content. Include humor, a personal story, an external story with commentary, your point of view, a popular benchmark, listener/guest interaction, and selling a station promotion/contest/event.
• Have a follow-up demo ready when your highlight demo gets the attention of an employer. Now they want to hear more of your show! Have a scoped killer hour and one of your best full shows prepared. Be sure to include endorsements.
• Make your content is inclusive, in context, and easy to follow for a first-time listener. Be sure you are distinguishable if you are a part of an ensemble cast.
• Start strong. Hit ‘em hard in the first 10 seconds with an attention-getting moment of your best content that makes a strong impression — and keeps them listening.
• Eliminate barriers to listening. Everyone is busy, so make it easy to access your package with one click. Have it available in an mp3 format small enough to email if requested.
• Prepare for the worst. If you’re still employed and are concerned that more changes are coming, save and archive every show you do. We know talented people who haven’t saved much audio and don’t have access to it once they been let go.
•  DAR.FM is a cost effective and easy way to begin archiving your show. It’s like DVR for radio.

The Resume and Package
• Devise a concise resume/bio that highlights ratings, social media links with followers, community work, and articles written about you and your show. A bio section gives potential employers a glimpse into who you are as a person.
• Underscore any additional skills you have that increases your value to a company, such as production/imaging, programming/music, producing experience, social media, and technical abilities.
• Videos are an essential component of your personality brand. Include links to a few of your best videos and to your YouTube channel if you have one.
• Entertainers of all genres today are hosting podcasts. If you podcast, include links to a sample and mention any success metrics you can brag about.
• If you’re a good writer, include a link to one or two of your best blogs.
• Gather three testimonials or references from key people in the industry.
• Invest a few dollars in a professional head shot.

Here’s a link to more excellent tips on writing an effective resume.

Randy Lane launched his media talent coaching and personal brand development company in 1996. He can be contacted by phone at 805-497-7177 or email at [email protected].