Do you use paid-for Show Prep? There are a lot of options out there...each with their own benefits and plusses. Below, I've listed a few to give you an idea of what's available. Most are UK and North America based.
Here we go...!!
ShowPrep from Radio Warfare
We've been fans of Francis Currie's prep service ever since it launched. Very UK focused, it has pretty much everything covered from TV to sports to politics, newspapers, quirky stories, trends, surveys. Also, the weekend version is good value and means you don't have to fork out for days you won't be able to fully use.
Free Trial? Sort of...£1 for One Week.
Cost - Pay-As-You-Go for £3.50 per day or £19.95 to £39.95 per month (depending on the plan you go for).
Smash Prep is kind of unique in that it covers artists and bands only. So, if you need a lot of artist info, this is perfect. It's not just an "On This Day" resource though, everything is current along with social media posts from artists and relevant information for NOW. This prep service definitely makes you a music authority on air. If that's your thing, Smash Prep is a fantastic service.
Free Trial? Yep, 7 days Free.
Cost: Depending on your plan, from £24.99 for a personal account and up to £76.99 per station.
The CHR Prep Sheet. Another UK centred prep service. Well run and operated by producer Jamie in the UK. Weekday and Weekend versions available, which we love. This service has proven itself to be a player in the 'prep' market and is well worth a look.
Free Trial? Yep. ONE Month!!!
Cost: Daily - £10 p/m. Weekend - £3 p/m. **Best Price**
I used Radio-Online for a few years in the early 2000's and really liked it. Every day, you receive a massive amount of content. You really couldn't use it all. Dozens of stories, jokes, news items, sports, TV. It's comprehensive and more detailed than any other service I've seen. Very US skewing so you'll need to use your editing powers to get what your listener needs from it. Well worth a look though.
Free Trial? 10 day.
Cost: $35 p/m (not bad considering the amount of prep you get every day).
It's called 'Personality Magnet' and is filled with the type of daily prep you would expect anyway. Add to that: games, contest, ideas, talk topics, 'listener situations' and an archive. There's a lot in here. Yes, it's US originating but can easily be used internationally. A good deal from a giant in the industry.
Free Trial? 14 day trial for $1.
Cost: Depends on the plan you go for...average is $20.75 p/m
So, this one is a little different in that you can access Sound effects, show openers, imaging elements, song parodies and audio montages. So, it's not just the written word for you to interpret. I used these for a while in the past and, while I really loved what they do, the audio was just too American for the market I was in. One good thing...if you want the audio but not the prep, they can do a deal on that for you. Handy!
Free Trial? Yep. On request.
Cost? Depends on market size.
Another service I've tried in the past. From Canada, The Bullsheet has been on the go since 1993, so they have credibility. It translates well internationally too. Lots of prep here every day including "The BS List" "Showbiz" "Music News" "BS Phone Starter"...all good quality stuff from a pro outfit.
Free Trial? Yep. Two weeks!
Cost? CDN$50 p/m.
Do you use any Show Prep service? Which one? Let me know and what you think of it and we'll share your thoughts.
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