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February 2006 RAP

The RAP CD

February 2006 Highlights

Feature: Attracting Bees

Something strange is happening at the station these days, and it’s something delightfully unexpected as well. The Sales Reps are actually being nice to the Producers! Could it be it’s because we have some newer Reps with us who haven’t been jaded by greed on their commission cheque yet, and could it be just timing with the more difficult account or Reps just rolling existing creative over? Certainly it could, but whatever it is, I like it, and I see it as a strong tool for us in the coming months.

Interview: Todd Manley, WGN Radio, Chicago, IL

There you are, a production guru at a killer music station in a major market. Ever look at the ratings and see an AM talk station perched on the top or near it and said to yourself, “What the heck is that all about?” Even in a world of hi-tech music machines and FM music stations across the dial, it’s not hard to find an old AM station kicking butt and taking names, as well as dollars. Speaking of old AMs, WGN in Chicago recently celebrated its 80th anniversary! It’s kicking a lot of butt in Chicago-land, and even more unique is its ownership. Owned by Tribune, it is the only radio station the company owns. At the creative helm is Todd Manley. We last checked in with Todd about 8 years ago when he was nestled at WCKG. He’s currently in his 7th year at WGN and visits with us this month about this amazing radio station and the creative task at hand.

Test Drive: Digidesign's Pro Tools 7

A full three years after giving us version 6, Digidesign now presents us with Pro Tools 7 for HD, LE, and M-Powered systems. Pro Tools 7 is probably the most significant update to this venerable program since version 5, since it includes a major overhaul of the menus and user interface, as well as some useful new features.

Production 212: Getting the Right Read

Every now and then, as a voice-over artist, I get that dreaded phone call from a PD saying that they no longer require my services. Usually, I react with an urbane "I understand," even though there have been times when I really didn’t. What I’ve often wanted to say is "What? Are you NUTS? You’re taking a pass on the best voice in the business!" While I might think so, clearly I might be wrong. As this column is somewhat of an advice column, I’d like to write about your relationship with your VO talent and how important it is to keeping your reads on point.

(We goofed and didn't get the Kelly Kelly Kelly sampler on the RAP CD this month. Click here to listen. The sampler consists of 2 General Use sweepers, 7 Jox sweepers and a Celebrity Sound Files Promo, all featuring the voices of Kelly Kelly Kelly. Some also feature Dave Kampel, Cubby and performer Ne-Yo. All produced by Dave Foxx.)

Radio Hed: Start Telling the Truth

Continuing on in our pursuit of truth in advertising, here are the rest of the steps in the process I promised you: What emotional need does the client’s product or service meet? Ask a series of questions until you find the emotional gems. The process can be like peeling an onion. Examples: to feel safe, to be loved, to be accepted.

Q It Up: The RAP Network Speaks! - What is your DAW of choice?

Q It Up: It’s time once again to get an update on your DAW of choice. Which DAW are you using for your multi-track work? What are your likes and dislikes about it? Would you like to switch to another DAW? If so, which one and why? Also, if your DAW does not also offer 2-track editing, which 2-track editor do you use? For example, if you use Vegas, do you use Sound Forge or WaveLab or some other 2-track editor? Please add any other comments on the subject you might have.

...And Make It Real Creative:

With all due respect to the experts in the self-help industry, there are times when you really should sweat the small stuff. Investing a little extra time to take care of the small details can really make a huge impact in a piece of creative. What details? Little things, like…