Thought about this thread all night.
In this business, criticism is absolutely constant and totally a part of the job. I’d love to play the company line and say “I don’t read it”, or “doesn’t bother me”, but it does. I take it incredibly personally, and I don’t say that to offer guilt or come at those criticizing. My job is to provide entertainment on someone’s commute, and if they say the show is unlistenable, I have failed.
I also understand that the show numbers and sponsors are doing quite well, but I think to hide behind that and blow off criticisms is cowardly and a bit pompous, and that’s just not me. In many ways, I’m still that caller from Carmichael who is very much learning and trying to overcome my weaknesses.
John, I’ve known you for a long time on this board, and reading what you said absolutely kills me. I don’t know the context in which I said that, but I can’t imagine it was not with humor attached. I try to make it a point to not only not hide from my errors like many in sports talk do, but to celebrate the mistakes. I often say I’m simply a fan with a large microphone, and everything Sprouts from there.
With social media, the text line, and so many other forms of communication these days, there is a constant deluge of snark. I should probably ignore them more, but I am drawn to them- just reading and retweeting complements again seems cowardly. But I assure you my goal is to continue to be an avatar for Joe and Jane fan, not to ever take myself or my opinions (Kings start 3-17) too seriously.
Sergmatt- a lot of things to cover. Though I can’t change how I am at the core, I am sorry you have to switch stations. I love Kyle. I’ve had to go through quite a few partners since I came back in 2012, and I have a special fondness for Kyle. I’ve always been the kid at the station, growing up with guys like Grant, Koz, and Whitey as my “older brothers”. Kyle is really the first time the roles have been switched, and I admire his talent and work ethic. I feel like it’s my duty to pass on the opportunities I was afforded, and now I try to be the “veteran presence” that I always had. It’s far from perfect, and there are growing pains, but I like to think it’s better this year than last, and that of the year before.
No matter what, getting universal appeal can never happen in radio, and the biggest error would be to constantly adjust styles chasing that unicorn. But I love feedback. My ego is in check enough to know I always need to improve and evolve, otherwise everything will pass me by.
I don’t want this thread to turn into a flamefest, at least not from me. I read this site almost every day, and value the opinions.
So I would ask you- what improvements would any of you suggest? What would you like to see more/less of?
I’ll admit we face a hurdle rare in morning drive, a two man show. That’s our entire staff. No profucers, no nothing. We do 100% of the content and prep. That’s not an excuse, it’s a fact that we try to make up for with extra work. But there’s always something we can improve on, and whenever I feel particularly up or down, i make sure to plug in where I came from, and where I feel my natural home still is- wherever fellow fans are.
You’re definitely right about one thing- this business is cyclical. I’ve probably been in this business longer than I will BE in this business, and it’s only a matter of time before things change. That threat is constantly over my head, I’ve experienced it before. Last time it was a blessing, this time I’m a 40 year old guy with two young kids and a responsibility to them to make sure my house is as much in order as possible.
Thank you for the feedback. Truly. I’m on the air in less than an hour.
I shall try to limit the millennial catchphrases