investigative story idea

[SmokeRing]

For you TV reporters who troll this board, here is a story idea. A slam dunk.

It is pretty common knowledge among radio pros that radio DeeJays who personally endorse weight loss products almost never use the products. In fact, most are scared to touch the stuff. I know of one DJ in Dallas who tried to decline one of these endorsements and was forced to do it by his GM--or else.

I think there is a public interest in putting a stop these exercises in false advertising.

 

[newsmark]

It's a great story. But would any of those DJs talk--particularly on camera and with their real voice?

 

[SmokeRing]

It's a great story. But would any of those DJs talk--particularly on camera and with their real voice?

I wouldn't count on it. I think your best chance is to find people who have been let go by a radio station within the last 1 to 5 years. Otherwise, they would be risking their jobs in a right-to-work state with little to no protection from employer retribution.

You might also listen for current endorsements, and try to fact check certain claims. Many of these DeeJays will claim to have dropped 20, 30, maybe even 50 pounds within the last few months. Some of them have made the same claim several times over the years with different weight loss products.

Often, you can find pictures of personalities at live events on the radio station's Web site. Have they truly been shrinking in these pictures?

Will they consent to an interview on the topic? Most radio personalities absolutely love TV publicity. And if they've been losing weight, you would think they would want to display the goods. You'll know you're hot on the scent when you contact someone who will have nothing to do with you.

 

[stevezodiac]

I agree, that would make a great story! See, radio still lets the future consumer use their imagination. Just like the 'ol days.

 

[klifhanger]

I concur it would make a good story,but hey let's face the truth,media reporting on media? Its virtually non-existent here. No one is willing to step forward and talk about personalities using questionable products due either perceived lawsuits,the owner of broadcast co. A knows or used to work for Company B where the personality is currently employed. Their was a pending story about Dr, Boothe the eye care Doctor,where an employee had secretly taped him berating,and degrading not only that employee but several others . The story couldn't fly because ,guess what?
The Dr. has several "celebrity" endorsements among most media channels here ,plus he has a solid connection with the Gov., Lt. Gov and The Atty. Gen of Texas. So who would win the law suit?
The old days of "gut" <no pun intended > reporting are pretty much gone.