GM keeps breaking big-company ground with their Fastlane blog. They’ve just released their first podcasts in a few weeks (one, two), which are billed as “conversations with the personalities behind GM…”
The podcasts are set up as an interviews between “host” Deb Ochs and GM’s Director of High Performance Vehicles John Heinricy (for the Caddy interview) and with Clay Dean, director of design for small and mid-size vehicles for the Solstice interview. As opposed to the first podcast they did a few weeks back (which met with mixed reviews, and was basically a repurposed auto show presentation), these podcasts set expectations much more effectively, billing themselves as a “FastLane Radio.”
The ‘casts are well-produced, with an intro sweeper, etc. and are focused on the messaging (most powerful, etc…) for each car. Lots of stats, feeds-n-speeds, etc.
Assuming the typical audience of these podcasts would be GM enthusiasts, both editions give the kind of “behind the scenes” skinny that is appropriate. In particular, both Heinricy and Dean give the feeling they’re definitely passionate about the cars, and each gives the clear feeling that they are very engaged with what they’re doing.
Yeah, the “questions” from the interviewer are contrived, but overall GM is moving in the right direction on this one.
The best bit, at the end: “We’d like to hear your comments and suggestions for FastLane Radio. Please email us at [email protected].”
I think I’ll do that right now myself.
Chris,
The questions really sound contrived??? There was no script and no rehearsal for either one. Any suggestions for future programs?
michael
Michael- welcome back! Yeah, the questions that Deb Ochs asked did sound a bit contrived, but maybe that’s just the cynic in me coming out (grin)…when an interviewer from an organization interviews someone else from the same organization, I guess my predisposition is to feel that what’s being asked is the litany of the “messaging platform” for whatever is being discussed. However…to reiterate what was said above, an awesome effort. You guys are doing a great job on this.
So, you asked for a suggestion…how about this? In the same way that Bob Lutz is doing an outstanding job of responding to comments, how about having Ochs ask questions that have come in from customers? These questions could have come in via the blog, or through other channels (email, maybe even via dealerships!). That would really start to show the authenticity of what you guys are doing, wouldn’t it? Make FastLane Radio just that…the podcast equivalent of a call-in show. Obviously for new annoucements and “first takes” of things, this may be more difficult, but for products that have been announced, there has *got* to be enough input coming in that a few questions from real customers could be addressed.
And as a guy who runs SCCA Solo2 on the weekends, looking forward to seeing some Solstices (Solstii?) out on course. Maybe even bring a recorder and get some thoughts from the owners to send ya.
Heck, on that front, why don’t you guys do that? Can you imagine anything cooler on FastLane Radio than the stories of real enthusiasts out there in the wild talking about their passions?
Chris,
Sorry for taking so long to reply, I read your comments immediately and go sidetracked…
This is excellent feedback and I’ve shared it with the team.