This sentence creates more anxiety for talent than

Why It Pays to Get Feedback Part 2:

“Okay, Brian, but our station does aircheck, and things have improved a little, but not the ratings.” 
Then you’re station is ready for “Content Checks,” (which is a Randy Lane Company specialty.)

TALENT AND PDs SHOULD THINK ABOUT THIS:  BRIAN’S  – FREE CONTENT “CHECK” IDEA.

Find that one station staffer (every station has one) that you know is a “P1” of your station.  Give them just a scoped random hour to hear.  That should be 6-9 breaks, 15 minutes absolute max.  Have them “score” each break on this 3 point scale.  (Overtime, include the sweepers and imaging, because listeners perceive that as the station talking to me.)

3 – I would definitely keep listening
2 – It’s okay
1- You lost me, I would punch out.

(BTW- Don’t stand over them while they do it- you’ll skew their response.   Instant responses, no rewind and listen again.  Quick and done.) 
 
Because that staffer is a fan of the station, they will likely “rate” the content higher than the average cume.  But, if that Station Staffer P1 can help you identify “content” that doesn’t appeal to them at all, that’s a good starting point when you’re trying to figure out what “Content” needs overhauling.
 
WHY AIRCHECK AT ALL?  AND WHY EVOLVE TO CONTENT CHECKS? 
Because it’s not just about improving in the basic execution of the formatics, but also in content choices that need to mirror who your target audience is.  Especially in PPM, Talent and PDs need to think about how to get their station to sound more “Cohesive,” “Consistent,” and “Connected”; regular feedback (that doesn’t trigger fight or flight responses) is the fastest way to improve.  Feedback not just from the PD, but from the target audience. 

–Brian Egan