What is your podcast listener wants and needs?

I was talking with a chap who has just left university and is working for me as an intern. He’s someone I’m training. He brings a great deal not withstanding his existing skills but also enthusiasm, can do attitude and a good amount of Indie music knowledge.

As our Broadcast Assistant among other things he’ll be learning about music scheduling and general radio programming techniques. We were talking about how you make a playlist flow for the relevant audience and how to understand the wants and needs of the listener.  It is surely something you have thought about for your Podcast?

want

wɒnt/

verb

Have a desire to possess or do (something); wish for. desire, wish for, hope for, fancy, have a fancy for, take a fancy to, have an inclination for, care for, like, set one’s heart on;  “I want an apple”.

Dealing with ‘want’ first, in music radio this is the music, you have a desire to hear the type of music you want to listen to. More so you want to hear the big hits and favourites.  You may also want entertaining speech between the songs.  In speech radio you may want to hear the familiar voice helping you start your day.

need

niːd/

verb

Require (something) because it is essential or very important rather than just desirable. require, be in need of, stand in need of, have need of, want, be in want of, be crying out for, be desperate for;  “I need help now”.

A ‘need’ is more immediate. If radio stations don’t deliver a need they can loose listeners fairly quickly. These needs include travel, weather, time checks and news.  Some are at certain times of the day.  All are those things that keep us going. Other needs could include social armoury – knowledge of what’s happening in the world to share with friends at work – the not left out of the conversation moment.

It does go deeper, but for now for your Podcast and as an initial thought starter. Have you considered the wants and needs of your listener?