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How a Great Radio Programmer Thinks Like a Great Chef

By David Kidd, BPR

An award-winning chef and a great radio programmer have more in common than you might think. Both are creators of experiences. Both rely on instinct, precision and a deep understanding of their audience/customers. And both know that true brilliance isn’t just about ingredients: it’s about balance, timing and presentation.

A chef begins with raw ingredients…fresh produce, bold spices and textures that complement and contrast. A radio programmer works with songs, station imaging, talent and promotions. Each element on its own may seem ordinary, but when blended thoughtfully, it becomes a distinctive experience.

But it’s more than just the ingredients. The important part is the plating—the presentation. A chef knows that before a meal is tasted, it’s seen. The way the dish looks on the plate sets the expectation for the experience that follows. In radio, the same is true: the station’s branding and sound design, the tone of the announcers, the music policy, the promos and sweepers—all are part of how the “meal” is presented to the listener. Great content can fall flat if it’s served sloppily; mediocre content can shine if it’s beautifully “plated.”

Both the chef and the programmer also share an obsession with feedback and refinement. The chef tastes and adjusts seasoning until the dish sings. The programmer listens and tweaks: the music sweeps, the clocks, the talk breaks, the balance between familiarity and freshness.

And ultimately, both understand that consistency builds trust. A restaurant earns loyalty when every meal delights. A station earns it when every hour feels right. Consistency doesn’t mean sameness—it means having a signature style that listeners (or diners) can count on, even as the menu evolves.

So next time you hear a radio station that flows effortlessly from song to song, where everything just feels right, remember: behind that station is a master chef: carefully selecting, tasting, seasoning, and plating a perfectly crafted audio experience, one listener at a time.