Most every broadcaster is dreading 2009.  It will be difficult, but with everyone around you severely distracted you must resolve to be a strong leader and take advantage of the situation.  You see, opportunity to gain market share abounds in 2009 if you focus on winning, not whining.

So, while others may be distracted and depressed by budget cuts and a difficult revenue situation, make it your New Year's resolution to be a strong leader with a plan and the resolve to push it forward.  Here are 7 steps to do just that in 2009:

• Be A Leader.  I have written about this before - don't simply manage your staff  - be a true leader and inspire them to meet your goals to gain audience share.  Have a vision, share the vision and stay on point for that vision every day of the year.
• Communicate.  The vision must be communicated to the news staff every day beginning with the morning meeting.  As the leader, you must set the agenda that meets your image goals every day.  Hold frequent news staff meetings to inspire them to follow your vision.  Celebrate victories on a daily basis.
• Set Newsroom Expectations.   Everyone sets newsroom goals - you must set newsroom expectations.  Clearly outline what you expect from each employee.  What is their individual role in executing your vision?   Set the expectation - and hold them accountable.  Many managers miss the second step in that sentence.  Leaders don't miss that step.
• Stay Focused on Your Goals.  Set goals to make your newscast different and better in a manner that is valued by viewers - and then keep laser-focused on that goal every day - and be sure the news staff buys-in and meets your expectations every day.
• Execute.  It's an old cliche - but you must walk the talk every day.  Execute your goals - and hold your staff accountable for that daily execution.
• It's Still All About The Economy.   The economy - and surviving it - remains the most important daily content for your viewers in 2009.  You must be on top of this story - and in touch with your viewers every day.
• Multi-Platform News Delivery.   Make a resolution to improve your delivery of local news content on multiple platforms in 2009.  To connect with your viewers - you must be available not only on air - and not only on the Internet - but also on the other portable devices they use every day.  Vow to deliver news on a continuous basis throughout the day.

So, there you have it, seven goals that will make you and your newscasts extremely successful in 2009.   Be a leader - and refuse to be distracted from your mission.

Happy New Year!

Jim

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 30th, 2008 at 9:12 am and is filed under Willi. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.