Jammer, WEZB: Play the hits and add in great personality.

R Dub! Z90: Strong leadership from the top with a strong set of values/mission statement. Consistency, identity, and amazing people.

Valentine, WBHT: Playing the right hits for your market, and having the right personalities for your market. The right people who connect. Along with all the other things like promotions, community events, and total engagement.

Rich Davis, KDWB: Maybe it’s because I’m an old-school guy, but I always go back to the three M’s of music, marketing, and mornings. These days you can add a few other factors as well. You have to consistently do the little things right because all of those things add up to your station sounding good or not.

Toby Knapp, WASH: A kick-ass coach and leader as PD, who keeps the clutter and crap off your plate and out of site so you can create on-air. They also need to be WIZARDS when it comes to playing the RIGHT songs with the right research because that right there wins. You need talent who constantly evolve. Who doesn’t say the same thing the same way every damn time? Who tweak the sauce every break so it’s enticing, enchanting, authentic, and resonating to those listening. You need talent who realize this ain’t a job, it’s a lifestyle and the ‘four-and-out-the-door’ mentality doesn’t win. Do more. Finally, I think you need people who are passionate about winning, who will do whatever it takes no matter how long it takes or how late you have to stay up to get it done. People who live in a state of CAN-I. Constant and Never-Ending Improvement. Get that all together, throw it in the crockpot, let it marinate, and kick-ass when it comes to the ratings. Oh… and be remembered.

Buzz Knight, Buzz Knight Media: Great stations nail the element of “fear of missing out” day in and day out. They are always excellent “in the moment.” They are the pulse of their market.

Max Volume, KOZZ: Quality content, compelling talent.

Kobe, WZNE: Top performing stations are quick to adapt to change without overreacting. They also know their lane, and how to protect it when needed. They are also very current on social media and have consistent content updated regularly on all platforms.

Jon Zellner, iHeart Media: Clearly defined music positioning and scheduling, creative and exciting personalities, consistent and memorable branding and imaging, and a strong digital and social presence.

Fish, WKRZ: Primarily, it’s all about LOCAL and knowing how to play your market. You also do not need to jump on the streaming bandwagon that’s (at times) pushed upon us. Know what works for you.

Randi West, WRMF: Be community-minded, entertaining, fun, and MEMORABLE. Most of all is being consistent at these.

Mikey V, Kiss 108: Attention to detail and creating consistent quality content.

Jana Sutter, WXXL: Localization, listener interaction, and responsive social media.

Rick Vaughn, KENZ: Picking a target and sticking to it regardless of how the meters fall. Even when things are going well, you have to believe in your plan. Don’t chase the meters, chase your target.

Mike “OD” O’Donnell, WKRZ: Strong local personality brands, a customized local music playlist (not a national one), and an excellent sense of connection with the community and community events.

Bob Patrick, WXLK: Play the hits, steady DJ lineup for 20 years and local, local, local.