FRANCIS CURRIE - BRAND PROGRAMME DIRECTOR, HEART
- What's your favourite slot on a rival broadcaster? Why does it work so well?
I have always admired Terry Wogan for his talent, staying power and for negotiating a contract that allows him to start a breakfast show at 7.30am. He's a master craftsman, still at the top of his game. The music in his voice (the rhythm, melody and cadence are all utterly seductive), his wonderful use of language and his quirky and off-beat humour combine to make a compelling show.
- What are you most proud of commissioning and why?
Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston. The new breakfast show on Heart 106.2 has only been on air for about 12 weeks and it is already one of the strongest shows on the dial, with bucket-loads of potential. While the audience will take time to get used to such a big change in their morning routines, Jamie has already shown himself to be a natural. The on-air chemistry he has with Harriet Scott and the listeners is terrific.
- What DJ would you most like to employ?
No-one I am going to name here!
- What is the most memorable radio ad on at the moment?
The Honda series. The writing is outstanding, the production first-rate, the performance charismatic and the overall effect magnetic.
- How much competition is there between the different networks within your company?
Beyond the competition to book meeting rooms or to avoid paying for the next round in the local pub, there is very little. Heart, Galaxy and LBC are strong individual brands. The teams share a pride in all of them.
- What was the last CD you bought?
I am ashamed to say I can't remember. I am privileged to have access to just about anything I want to listen to, so have broken my addiction to buying ten CDs a week.
- Do advertisers influence your content? If so, do you find this frustrating?
Heart has a commitment to creativity and we work hard with our commercial partners to create the very best sponsorship and promotions programming, which adds real value for the listeners and our partners. The only frustration comes when people on either side of the partnership lose sight of that need for a win/win.
- The breakfast slot is clearly vital but what efforts have you put in to improving the rest of your schedule?
In London, Heart 106.2 has just signed the former Radio 1 DJ Emma B. In the East Midlands, we are counting down to the launch of the latest member of the family, when Century FM becomes Heart 106. In the West Midlands, we have just appointed Andrew Robson as programme director to grow what is already one of the largest radio stations outside London.
- How will digital radio affect programming? Will it lead to more innovation and genres?
Digital radio is the future. It offers numerous benefits over analogue radio, not least the increased range of stations and the advances in technology.
- How much will advertiser-funded programming become a part of what you do?
The natural path seems to lead to a stronger relationship between editorial teams and commercial partners. Commercial partners allow us to provide even more attractive programming, while programming facilitates a stronger relationship between brands and consumers.
KEITH PRINGLE - MANAGING DIRECTOR, 95.8 CAPITAL FM
- What's your favourite slot on a rival broadcaster? Why does it work so well?
Probably the comedy on Radio 4 in the evenings. Radio 4 does comedy very well and I think it's an important component to its otherwise worthy personality. I also like the fact that, time and again, radio is the creative breeding ground for talent and ideas that TV picks up on later.
- What are you most proud of commissioning and why?
In the past few years, it has to be hiring Johnny Vaughan to take over the Capital FM Breakfast Show. Johnny is playing a key role in showing Londoners that Capital is fresher, more in touch and up to date. He's an absolutely unique talent and a top bloke.
- What DJ would you most like to employ?
Not a simple question! The best presenters are great storytellers, who have a top sense of humour and a real empathy with listeners. My guess is there are lots of people who fit that description and most of them probably don't work on radio or TV at the moment. The next Johnny Vaughan is probably that chatty person down the pub.
- What is the most memorable radio ad on at the moment?
I can't get those Hutchison 3 ads out of my head. They remind me of those "for mash get Smash" robots.
- How much competition is there between the different networks within your company?
We work really closely together. It helps that the portfolio of brands across the group has been well thought out to cover different listener tastes and locations so we complement rather than feed off each other.
- What was the last CD you bought?
Pat Metheny Group, This Way Up.
- Do advertisers influence your content? If so, do you find this frustrating?
Only in a good way. Of course, we need to retain editorial integrity and not shower listeners with things that are not relevant. The relationship between radio station and advertiser is increasingly more a partnership. If it's good for the listener, we'll create something bespoke. We've just launched a Saturday night sponsorship with Archers and have introduced outside broadcasts and a female co -presenter to complement the Archers brand.
- The breakfast slot is clearly vital but what efforts have you put in to improving the rest of your schedule?
Richard Bacon's Go Home Show at drivetime, which launched in May, is an important addition to the station. Richard is funny, quirky and modern and he complements the Breakfast Show perfectly. I know this means our output is book-ended by a couple of guys who have, shall we say, lived a little - but this is 2005.
- How will digital radio affect programming? Will it lead to more innovation and genres?
More outlets will mean more focused products and brand identities and less loyalty among listeners.
- How much will advertiser-funded programming become a part of what you do?
I don't think it will evolve in the way it has on TV. We have been collaborating on content using outside broadcasts and contests for years. There's room for some special ideas that could run across all commercial radio, such as UK Radio Aid, and make a big impact for advertisers.
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