MY RADIO HERO FOR THE WEEK

[allenv]

In this business so often we tend to focus on what is wrong with a particular station and I am certainly guilty of this probably too often. July will mark my 25th
year of hanging in,hanging out, & hanging on in radio. I have worked and am working with some great people so instead of zeroing in on what isn't right I want to focus on people that I admire and that I think have contributed alot of positives to the industry that I love.....

First up is my friend John Cannon.......

If John had never set foot in 107.9/1070 I would still admire him greatly because he is a good person. John is guy who is always trying to help others.I admire him because he has a big heart and a great temperment.If John gets pissed with you you probably deserve it.He has been with 107.9/1070 for 25 plus years which speaks volumes about his work ethic. How many GM's,sales managers, PD's,salespeople,cleaning crews etc... have come and gone in John's tenure???
He is there because he is simply the glue that holds the place together. He knows all the in's and out's of the stations period..... I hopes Beasley & Hinton Media Group appreciates
him because they could never pay him what he is truly worth. John is shy and unasumming and would never toot his own horn so I'll do it for him.Very few people are really irreplaceable in this business but John is about as close as you can get. John would not want me to write this but facts are facts and John Cannon is one of the greats in this business.He is one of my heros and I am proud to call him a friend and to be one of the chosen few to have his cell phone nunber.In a crazy,goofy, sometimes simply beyond words business, John Cannon is the kind of person/employee every station needs five of. Thanks for everything John...You are a legend in Eastern NC. radio....

 

[tothedj]

I'm glad to know there are some people out there who have stayed with radio all these years, i will
celebrate my 25th Anniversary in this business come March 2008, in the time i've done this, i've been
on the air only at two stations, WEED in Rocky Mount from March 1983 until August 1986, and then
coming to Wilmington and working for WGNI from August 1986 until this day, inbetween i have done
some production and on air time for stations like WAAV and WMNX.
There have been days that i wanted to leave because of situations that i won't go into, but i stayed
with it, but with changes going on, i'm not sure how much longer i will remain in radio, the business
climate will tell this story.
Congradulations to you Allen Vick and John Cannon in serving Eastern North Carolina for 25 years!

 

[JimA]

Congrats to you long time survivors in this KrAzY radio world

 

[allenv]

Thanks for the kind words. I love this business despite the craziness. Only a couple of times do I look back and say I would have done things differently.As a man of modest ability I have worked hard to stay in radio. In a couple of situations I should have worked harder,been more patient and rolled with the flow but for the most part I think I've been a good employee,sacrificed alot for radio and tried to be a good co-worker as well.As I said I'm not the most talented guy around but for a guy who doesn't want to relocate because this is home and I don't want to put my wife and kids through a move I've done OK. I've got some great memories and have met some talented and super people in this business.When its all said and done I hope I've done some positive things in radio. I still love it as much as that 16 year old kid did in July 1983 making $3.35 an hour and working all the crappy shifts and maybe, just maybe, one day I'll get a raise...

Allen

 

[ZAX Double J]

Here's my .02 worth.

Well I too am in the 20+ year in the biz 21 to be exact. I was out for about 5 of those years but during that time I wanted to get back in it so bad. As crazy and all as this business is I still love it and have a passion for it, but I don't think the business truly appreciates what I can contribute to it. At times I think it doesn't think I know anything or am experienced enough to do anything or exist for that matter. But, I have done just about every job in it except sales, management (PD, MD, GM etc.), and play-by-play. I hope that when I am dead and gone someone will say "you know that Double J was a great announcer and radio person we should induct him into the broadcasters' Hall of Fame or something".

I don't know everything, but I know what sounds good and listeners really want to hear because I am a listerner too and a lot of that has disappeared from the airwaves over the last 20-25 years. It's a hard business to be in one that I wouldn't recommend my kids going into, but I guess it must be the RF radiation that keeps some of us in it, myself included. It's people like Allen and John Cannon and many others that will keep this business going, but it is consultants, corporate and other forms of delivery that will ultimately put an end to the industry that I love. I can see it as clear as anything, it will oneday happen IF the industry doesn't realize what it is doing to itself.

I too hope that I have been a good employee, friend, co-worker and industry advocate over the years and if I have not then, well I tried. I have met a few great people in my years that I call heroes. Allen is one, Al Connors is another, Ron Eric Lundy is another, Rick Braswell is another, Mike James is another name that comes to mind. All these people know this business way more than I do and have been there in the trenches far longer than I and in much bigger positions than me. If the little needles aren't moving then I know I'm not doing something right. I guess Bill Jordan was right when he told me "John, run don't walk away from this busness as fast as you can". He too is one of my "heroes".

I've only been at a few stations in my radio "career" and in some ways that's been good since I cannot drive, but sometimes I wish that had been "up and down the dial" it may have made me a better on-air personality or better recognized in the industry or something. At least I MIGHT have gotten something FULL-TIME rather than being part-time the whole 21 years and working all those crappy hours, holidays, etc. But, then again, I wasn't popular in school so why would I ever think that I'd be popular or recognized/respected anywhere else. Oh well I guess someone has to do it, might as well be me, maybe that must be my purpose in life to be the lowest on the totem pole. I guess I haven't worked hard enough, long enough or kissed the right a$$ to make a difference as some have.

Don't get me wrong I'm not compaining, for I have a job and a fairly stable one at that that pays just enough to say I make SOME money, but no ways enough to really do the things I want to do when there are some people that don't even have a job and I do work with some good people.

 

[allenv]

Well put Double J not the part about me but your take on the state of the industry is right on the money...

Allen

 

[ZAX Double J]

Well put Double J not the part about me but your take on the state of the industry is right on the money...

Allen

Well you are a hero to some, namely me. You know more than you give yourself credit about this business and it shows. You've got/have/had more on-air opportunities than I ever will.

 

[allenv]

Double J,
It is a shame they don't put you on more. Its a shame they aren't live in all dayparts. When you there babysitting you should be live. Its the only way you are gonna be able to knock the rust off.I don't think your superiors realize how much knowledge and talent you have and I think they frankly take you for granted because you don't have a big ego and are not a chest beater and you are not a shameless self promoter like some in the business. They need to use your radio instincts and knowlege to make better programming decisions. I know
you have a great radio mind John. Your programming abilities are as good or better than most. I truly believe that...

Allen

 

[ZAX Double J]

Double J,
It is a shame they don't put you on more. Its a shame they aren't live in all dayparts. When you there babysitting you should be live. Its the only way you are gonna be able to knock the rust off.I don't think your superiors realize how much knowledge and talent you have and I think they frankly take you for granted because you don't have a big ego and are not a chest beater and you are not a shameless self promoter like some in the business. They need to use your radio instincts and knowlege to make better programming decisions. I know
you have a great radio mind John. Your programming abilities are as good or better than most. I truly believe that...

Allen

I couldn't have said it any better. However, those that have the power don't seem to see me the way you do, but hey it's a job it sure beats the alternative. I do thank you for the kind words too. It's good to know I have a friend like you. And maybe one day when I win the lottery I'll have my own station and therefore work for myself.

 

[allenv]

Double J,

We are in the same boat to a degree. We both have mild handicaps and I believe in
some situations it has worked against us. The fact of the matter is I have a limp and you have eyesight issues but that doesn't hinder our love for, or knowlege of, the business.There have been people who have made assumptions about my abilities without really finding out what I can do and there are some who look past my limp and realize what a handsome,talented,& witty lovestud I am .This is the first time I've really thought about it but you know some people are shallow are some are not. Its easy to get pigeonholed in life and its hard to overcome sometimes but we both has busted our tails in this business and I think we will both
continue to do so.If I didn't believe in you I wouldn't write it.The two most important qualities in a person to me are honesty & loyalty & you have both.I don't know it all and I've made mistakes but I hope when I write on this board my passion
for radio shines through whether people agree with my opinions or not.People read this and say to me I agree with you 100% and some think I'm stupid as hell
but trust me alot of people in positions of power in radio around read this board but won't admit it aloud and maybe,just maybe if 2% of our ideas seep through somebody will have the guts to shake this market up with something different one
day...

Allen

 

[ZAX Double J]

Double J,

We are in the same boat to a degree. We both have mild handicaps and I believe in
some situations it has worked against us. The fact of the matter is I have a limp and you have eyesight issues but that doesn't hinder our love for, or knowlege of, the business.There have been people who have made assumptions about my abilities without really finding out what I can do and there are some who look past my limp and realize what a handsome,talented,& witty lovestud I am .This is the first time I've really thought about it but you know some people are shallow are some are not. Its easy to get pigeonholed in life and its hard to overcome sometimes but we both has busted our tails in this business and I think we will both
continue to do so.If I didn't believe in you I wouldn't write it.The two most important qualities in a person to me are honesty & loyalty & you have both.I don't know it all and I've made mistakes but I hope when I write on this board my passion
for radio shines through whether people agree with my opinions or not.People read this and say to me I agree with you 100% and some think I'm stupid as hell
but trust me alot of people in positions of power in radio around read this board but won't admit it aloud and maybe,just maybe if 2% of our ideas seep through somebody will have the guts to shake this market up with something different one
day...

Allen

Yes this is true. Dispite the law, discrimination against those with disabilities is quite prevelant in the workplace. We have to work twice as hard to just prove we can do something where someone else with a "normal" disposition would have gotten the position without any problems. I too think like you I know I don't know it all and I will openly say so where as some won't. I know when there are people who know way more than I are out there that I pat them on the back and let them know that I think they are great. I'm not a quitter I leep on trying and I think I have the perserverance to take on anything. After going through 8 operations in the first 9 years of my life I am here for some reason. My love for radio will always be there. This is the career that I chose many years ago and darn it all I'm going to make it my career one way or another whether anyone likes me or not.

 

[tothedj]

In the many years i've been in radio, everything you have said on this board applies
to those who try to shine a light and do the right things, It's sad that those who want
all the attention are the ones who get the breaks, but keep in mind we all are only
human, and they like ourselves won't stay the same, as shown a few days ago when
a format change altered those on the air there, and now are in the process of trying
to find other jobs, and possibly not in radio.
In the next few years, broadcasting as we know it will be different, as seen by those
using voicetracking and automation systems, and whatever may be coming our way.

 

[ZAX Double J]

In the many years i've been in radio, everything you have said on this board applies
to those who try to shine a light and do the right things, It's sad that those who want
all the attention are the ones who get the breaks, but keep in mind we all are only
human, and they like ourselves won't stay the same, as shown a few days ago when
a format change altered those on the air there, and now are in the process of trying
to find other jobs, and possibly not in radio.
In the next few years, broadcasting as we know it will be different, as seen by those
using voicetracking and automation systems, and whatever may be coming our way.

Yeah it's sad that automation systems aren't used as the tools to make our jobs better. Management sees automation systems the way to slash the staff and make the bottom line fatter. But in reality they're only hurting themselves because the on-air product suffers and listeners turn away, then the clients. Unfortunately all businesses in this country are pricing themselves out of business because the top management wants to make the "BIG BUCKS NOW" and to hell with the employees as long as they fatten their back pockets. Greed is bad, very bad.

 

[mjcarter1981]

Double J,

I am honored and humbled that you would include me in your list of heroes. Christmas Eve will mark the 25th anniversary of my first ever air shift in this crazy world of radio. I have always tried to do the best job I could, and if anyone over the years looked up to me, well, again, I am humbled. My only goal is to be a hero to my 4 little ones.

JJ, you have a great voice and an incredible knowledge of this business. I pray that someone would finally realize that. You deserve the chance. You have more than paid your dues. I wish you all the best.

Keep praying for me as well...it looks like the Mike James Radio Show will return to the airwaves in Mid-January in Northeast Indiana.

 

[ZAX Double J]

Double J,

I am honored and humbled that you would include me in your list of heroes. Christmas Eve will mark the 25th anniversary of my first ever air shift in this crazy world of radio. I have always tried to do the best job I could, and if anyone over the years looked up to me, well, again, I am humbled. My only goal is to be a hero to my 4 little ones.

JJ, you have a great voice and an incredible knowledge of this business. I pray that someone would finally realize that. You deserve the chance. You have more than paid your dues. I wish you all the best.

Keep praying for me as well...it looks like the Mike James Radio Show will return to the airwaves in Mid-January in Northeast Indiana.

Mike,

You're welcome I do my best to let those that have made an influence on me know they have done so. Yes I agree it is past time for me to move to the next level in this business and Lord willing I will somewhere, somehow, someday do just that.

I will keep you and your family in my prayers and I wish you the best in your new show. I know it will be a good one and an enjoyable one. Thank you for the kind words.

 

[allenv]

John,
You see man Mike is a well respected radio professional and he sees your talent.
Those of us who can see past the end of our nose know what you can do.There are some in this business who have false impressions about others and once they form their opinion its almost impossible to change those opinions but keep working as hard as you can to make them change those opinions. Be confident
in what you can do.Again I agree with Mike 1000%. He is right on the money....

Allen

 

[ZAX Double J]

John,
You see man Mike is a well respected radio professional and he sees your talent.
Those of us who can see past the end of our nose know what you can do.There are some in this business who have false impressions about others and once they form their opinion its almost impossible to change those opinions but keep working as hard as you can to make them change those opinions. Be confident
in what you can do.Again I agree with Mike 1000%. He is right on the money....

Allen

Allen,

I agree with him too he is right on the money for sure. Yes I keep on plugging away doing the best I can given the situation. You know how it is. Yes, it is very difficult to change those perceptions, but if you're not given the opportunity to shine how can you possibly change them???

 

[allenv]

You need to go to your bosses and talk with them openly,humbly, and honestly about the way you feel and in areas you think you could improve ask for help and show them your strengths.Just be honest and ask them to be honest and shoot straight with you.You have been there long enough to have a serious adult conversation about your concerns. Take compliments and criticism and learn from both. Merry Christmas Double J!!!!!!

Allen

 

[ZAX Double J]

You need to go to your bosses and talk with them openly,humbly, and honestly about the way you feel and in areas you think you could improve ask for help and show them your strengths.Just be honest and ask them to be honest and shoot straight with you.You have been there long enough to have a serious adult conversation about your concerns. Take compliments and criticism and learn from both. Merry Christmas Double J!!!!!!

Allen

I'll keep that in mind. You have a Merry Christmas too and to everyone out there in radio land!