Stop Chasing Students: How to Build Buy-In That Actually Lasts

Students don't stay because of incentives.

They stay because the program means something.

If you've ever felt like you're carrying your broadcast program alone—constantly reminding, covering, and picking up the slack—you're not alone.

We hear this from teachers all the time.

That's why Episode 2 of the Broadcast Ops Playbook tackles one of the most frustrating realities in student-led programs:

Students start strong… then fade.

The Real Problem Isn't Motivation

Here's the pattern we see over and over:

Students don't see value. They stop showing up. Teachers pick up the slack.

And without realizing it, teachers become the reason the program survives.

But students don't drift because they're lazy. They drift when the program feels optional—or when the teacher feels like the only one who cares.

This is where belonging vs. obligation shows up.

If students feel like helpers, they fade.

If they feel like owners, they stay.

How Teachers Accidentally Create Dependency

This is the hard truth:

When teachers over-remind, over-cover, and over-extend—students under-commit.

Good intentions create bad outcomes.

The fix? Set boundaries. Lock in commitments. Let no-shows have consequences. Make accountability part of the system—not something you carry emotionally.

The system handles it. So the relationship doesn't have to.

Why Incentives Fail (And Ownership Works)

Free food. Extra credit. Guilt.

They work—temporarily.

But they don't create long-term buy-in. They create transactions.

In the episode, we talk about Jordan Burns, whose program grew from six students to over fifty. Not by motivating kids with food or favors.

He gave them clear roles, real responsibility, and consequences that weren't personal. Students weren't showing up for him. They were showing up for each other.

His students showed up because they were live. People were watching. Their role mattered. Their absence affected the team.

Motivation came from identity, not rewards.

Culture Makes Commitment Stick

Here's something teachers don't always think about:

This is work. It takes prep. It takes practice. It takes responsibility.

But if students aren't looking forward to game night, something's off.

Think about an athletic team. Players practice all week to prepare for the game. It would make zero sense for a player to practice, study film, learn the plays, and then skip the game.

If that's happening, the problem isn't a lack of effort. It's culture.

The same applies to broadcast programs. If students are preparing all week—learning roles, practicing, setting up—but don't want to show up and go live with their crew, the program isn't giving them the payoff.

Students come back for shared moments. The gym is loud. They're on headsets. They're talking to each other. They're reacting in real time. They're live.

Talking on comms isn't a distraction. It's connection. It's how students build chemistry, problem-solve together, and feel like a team.

That's why kids come back. They don't come back for checklists. They come back for shared moments.

When the culture is right:

• the work leads to something exciting

• the broadcast itself is the reward

• students want to show up because their peers are counting on them

That's when commitment sticks.

Structure Creates Space for Fun

This is why structure matters before game day.

When prep, roles, and expectations are clear, students can enjoy the moment instead of stressing through it.

Structure creates space for fun—not the other way around.

Why We Created the Broadcast Ops Playbook

We created the Broadcast Ops Playbook to help teachers think differently about student-led programs.

Each episode breaks down what works in real schools—and why systems and culture beat motivation tactics every time.

Listen to Episode 2

If you're tired of begging students to care, Episode 2 will help you reset expectations and rebuild buy-in the right way.

🎧 Watch or listen to Episode 2:

• YouTube: https://youtu.be/S8Sn9O2kf1k

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/broadcast-ops-playbook/id1866687202

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7w6Dca7WaoTmNShsm03C80?si=ui-PjOw1RX6S7Ld9lmSeLQ

And if this topic resonates with you, we'd love to hear from you.

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