Practical, no-cost strategies to boost your station - shared on Norsk Lokalradioforbund 2025 in Bergen
I had the privilege of sharing these 20 tips at the Norsk Lokalradioforbund 2025 conference in Bergen, where local radio pros gathered to grow and innovate. Drawing from my decades in radio, from DJ to radio automation software developer and global consultant, these no-cost strategies can help your station stand out. Scroll down to discover how to boost your playlists, operations, and revenue, and let’s work together to make your station shine!
(Vladimir, the founder of IT4RADIO)
Many small stations misjudge their reflection. You're small but nimble. Use it. Tap your resources; staff, tools, community. Swim past the (national coverage) with agility.
Take any effort to outmaneuver bigger stations (e.g. a live broadcast from a local fish market can connect with listeners in way the national coverage stations can't).
In a world where music, entertainment, and information are everywhere, your station must offer added value to stand out.
For example, never just play two songs back-to-back. Each time you do so, someone at Spotify says a huge "Thank you".
Instead, add a local event tease, a song trivia or at least a time or temperature announcement between tracks.
Value Added Radio is a survival strategy - ensure you add unique value to every programming segment.
Tried your best but still not satisfied with your station’s added value? Let’s talk!
Next tip: Key Tool for Your Success
Surprisingly, many radio stations keep trying to make 2+2 equal 5, wondering why it doesn’t work. Use this free, multi-platform, open-source, bug-free tool to get it right. Ensure the number and average duration of songs, commercial breaks, presenter announcements, and audio imaging in an hour align perfectly with your goals and strategies. Equally important, always know exactly how many advertisers your station can accommodate and how many slots are already filled.
Next tip: Know Your Market
A nearby helicopter blade factory might be good for a strong employment rate, but a small local bakery is more likely to sponsor your morning show. As a local station, you must know every bakery, car tire repair service, and foreign language school in your area. Use any tool you’re comfortable with to maintain a database - even old-school notebooks work fine.
Next tip: Squeeze Every Drop
Your playout software can do more. Maximize its potential. Brainstorm a detailed strategy for the slots between songs, squeezing every drop from your playout system. For example, transform a basic station ID like ‘Local Radio. More Hits, More Information’ into ‘It’s Jennie with your Local Radio, 12 degrees in our beautiful city - now, back to the 80s with this Roxette classic.’
Next five tips
