Dayparting

Term from Radio Broadcasting industry explained for recruiters

Dayparting is a strategy used in radio and broadcasting to divide the day into different time segments, making it easier to plan programs and advertisements based on when different audiences are likely to be listening. It's like creating a detailed schedule that matches content with the daily routines of listeners. For example, morning shows are scheduled when people are driving to work, while evening segments might focus on music for the drive home. This helps stations organize their content and sell advertising spots more effectively. Other media like television and digital streaming also use similar scheduling approaches.

Examples in Resumes

Managed Dayparting strategies resulting in 30% increase in morning drive-time advertising revenue

Created innovative Daypart schedules for weekend programming

Analyzed audience metrics to optimize Dayparting across multiple radio stations

Typical job title: "Program Directors"

Also try searching for:

Radio Program Director Programming Manager Radio Operations Manager Broadcast Scheduler Radio Programming Specialist Content Planning Manager Media Programming Director

Where to Find Program Directors

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop a dayparting strategy for a new radio station entering a competitive market?

Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss analyzing market research, competitor programming, target demographics, and how to structure programming blocks to maximize audience engagement and advertising revenue across different times of day.

Q: How do you measure the success of your dayparting strategy?

Expected Answer: Should mention audience ratings, revenue metrics, advertiser feedback, and listener engagement across different time slots, plus how to adjust programming based on these metrics.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you adjust dayparting for special events or holidays?

Expected Answer: Should explain how to modify regular programming schedules for special occasions while maintaining audience engagement and advertising commitments.

Q: What factors do you consider when scheduling content within specific dayparts?

Expected Answer: Should discuss audience demographics, listening habits, competitor programming, and advertising requirements for different times of day.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the main dayparts in radio broadcasting?

Expected Answer: Should identify key time blocks like morning drive, midday, afternoon drive, and evening, and explain typical content for each.

Q: Why is dayparting important in radio programming?

Expected Answer: Should explain how dayparting helps match content to listener availability and habits, making advertising more effective.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Understanding of basic radio dayparts
  • Knowledge of audience demographics
  • Basic scheduling software operation
  • Understanding of ratings and metrics

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Programming strategy development
  • Audience analysis
  • Advertising placement optimization
  • Content planning across dayparts

Senior (5+ years)

  • Market analysis and strategy
  • Revenue optimization
  • Team management
  • Multi-station programming coordination

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No understanding of basic daypart time blocks
  • Lack of knowledge about audience demographics
  • No experience with ratings and metrics
  • Unable to explain relationship between programming and advertising

Related Terms