Carl Hartley demo tips, helping you take the next step in radio

Carl Hartley, a radio professional with over 10 years experience, and Programme Manager of 96.5 Bolton FM advice for demo’s.

“The team at the Pips have asked me to put a list together of what a Programme Manager is looking for when he receives a demo. Well the truth is it varies, and each one has their own ideas of what sounds great! However, don’t despair; this article will take time to look at some of the things you can do to get noticed.

I remember when I first started sending demos out. I got the radio authorities book, looked at all the radio stations in the North West and sent them my tape alongside a letter and my CV. Some replied saying “No jobs at the moment, but we’ll keep you on file” others didn’t bother. The thing was I hadn’t really listened to the format of the station, and to be honest I didn’t know what I was doing. More importantly than that though, I didn’t stand out.

In a world where more and more networking is happening and radio presenters with bags of experience are being made redundant, you need to be different. Now this doesn’t mean you changing who you are because being natural is also important. But it means you need to be original. If I got a pound for every time that I
have received a demo from a Chris Moyles or Steve Wright sound-alike, I’d be holidaying this year in the Bahamas on my new yacht. I don’t want to hear them, I want to hear you, with your ideas and creativeness.

Another thing to remember when sending a demo to a programme manager is that if it doesn’t catch their ear in the first 20 – 30 seconds they’ll probably not listen any further, so make sure that your first link really is great and shows how good you are!”

Here’s 5 other things to think about before sending your demo:

1)     Content is king – Is your content engaging and relevant

2)     Are you showing off the different aspectsof your presenting style (handling interviews, presenting speed links, sign posting, telling stories etc)

3)     Do you deliver it in a style that is comfortable for the listener (relaxed and natural is the key), and will help the programme manager to drive up the audience figures. Remember he wants to hear YOU, not another Scott Mills.

4)     Are your links planned and do you always have a destination? (you are concise and to the point, not waffling!)

5)     Are you enjoying what you’re doing? (radio is something that should be fun and enjoyable, if you’re not sounding like you’re happy, then how can you expect the listener to be?)

Hope these pointers help, and good luck!”