Radio Reunion: Perfect

[Motor Head]

Josh, Andy, et all: I had a great time at the reunion! It was fun seeing old friends like Crash,Bob Ford,Kelly Casey and Pam Ivey. O.D.,Dayna and I had great time visiting. I even got a chance to say hello to Joe Ladd...that was great! I wish i had more time to visit with everyone!
Thanks again for a great time!

 

[michaelshiloh]

Highlights of the Radio Reunion for me: Someone telling me in front of Joe Ladd that I should have had a radio career like Joe's; my reply: "What, I should have managed Mark Chestnutt?" Joe laughed, thank goodness.

I could tell Arch Yancy wanted to use that "I used to listen to you when I was a kid" line on me, but he's too gracious. (Yes, I used "gracious" and Arch in the same sentence!)

Val Wilson should be added to the list of people who still look 25.

"Catfish" Crouch is actually funnier than he used to be, which is saying something. He confirmed that Lauren Valley is still his better half. He als confirmed that he once did a live radio show with Wolfman Jack in the nude.

I blinked and missed Roger Gray, got there too late to see Leslie T. and couldn't find FilioScotia (I was the guy who came in behind you at the Houston Press Club awards last year, Fil) -- and I even missed Buck Nekkid.

It was especially great to see people I used to work with who made it to the reunion, like Tom Entwistle (who's now a deputy with Constable Victor Trevino's Gang Resistance Education program). And there was this part timer I used to work with at KFMK, I guess, who's done pretty well. I think he calls himself Outlaw Dave or some deal.

I think most people who've been in broadcasting for years like to meet and follow the careers of people who are starting out, hadenough. It makes us glad to have known them.

And congratulations, Rowdy, on the Texas Radio Hall of Fame award!

 

[leitharenea]

I want to say, though, that as a newcomer who wasn't recognized, I wish there was a better way to socialize. Not trying to ruin the fun, but there seemed to be high schoolish "cliques". I wanted to meet so many people, but it was hard to cut in.

In the future, if you could be more sympathetic to us newcomers, I'd really appreciate it.

I'm pretty sure I'll get blasted, and piss people off for this reply but hey, that's me. I'm the wife of a "longtimer" in the radio biz and just a few credits away from a psychology degree. I say what I mean and I mean what I say.

First of all, this was a REunion, not a meet and greet. Look it up, it has a defination. This wasn't a "meet your favorite DJ" event. I realize a lot of people were meeting their favorite old timers for the first time, but this wasn't a fan event, it was a radio personality REunion. If you didn't know people there you may just need some time to become known. I'll concede that maybe a "meet the radio stars" event would be fun where the "stars" sit at tables and fans line up for meet and greets like they do at that TN thing with the country artist. I even had a reunion participant (non radio guy) say to me "they should do this, open it to the public, charge and donate it to charity". As you can imagine I told him he was crazy. Why would you sell tickets to your family reunion?? If there were a bunch of stalker fans and radio bunnies at this reunion, nobody would have the chance to talk about the fun times and the good old days. The founders of great radio would be standing in a corner alone and the current favorites would be surrounded by strangers, wishing they could trade stories with old friends or meet their radio heros. I know my husband was excited to see old coworkers and meet the legends he listened to in the 60s and 70s. He was thrilled at how many people were just excited to see him again. I guess it's just like a family reunion, they make a big deal of the elders and cousin because they've grown with them and loved them for years, but if you've recently joined the family, it may take a few years before the longtimers crowd around you at a reunion to hear what you might say. Give these guys and gals a break. This wasn't a "networking, get your name out there" event. They came to see old friends, coworkers and yes, even some legends who broke ground in radio. This reunion wasn't about getting to know the newbies in the industry, it was about getting in touch with the past, hence the RE in REunion. And that's my two cents.

 

[ilistentotheradio]

I want to say, though, that as a newcomer who wasn't recognized, I wish there was a better way to socialize. Not trying to ruin the fun, but there seemed to be high schoolish "cliques". I wanted to meet so many people, but it was hard to cut in.

In the future, if you could be more sympathetic to us newcomers, I'd really appreciate it.

I'm pretty sure I'll get blasted, and piss people off for this reply but hey, that's me. I'm the wife of a "longtimer" in the radio biz and just a few credits away from a psychology degree. I say what I mean and I mean what I say.

First of all, this was a REunion, not a meet and greet. Look it up, it has a defination. This wasn't a "meet your favorite DJ" event. I realize a lot of people were meeting their favorite old timers for the first time, but this wasn't a fan event, it was a radio personality REunion. If you didn't know people there you may just need some time to become known. I'll concede that maybe a "meet the radio stars" event would be fun where the "stars" sit at tables and fans line up for meet and greets like they do at that TN thing with the country artist. I even had a reunion participant (non radio guy) say to me "they should do this, open it to the public, charge and donate it to charity". As you can imagine I told him he was crazy. Why would you sell tickets to your family reunion?? If there were a bunch of stalker fans and radio bunnies at this reunion, nobody would have the chance to talk about the fun times and the good old days. The founders of great radio would be standing in a corner alone and the current favorites would be surrounded by strangers, wishing they could trade stories with old friends or meet their radio heros. I know my husband was excited to see old coworkers and meet the legends he listened to in the 60s and 70s. He was thrilled at how many people were just excited to see him again. I guess it's just like a family reunion, they make a big deal of the elders and cousin because they've grown with them and loved them for years, but if you've recently joined the family, it may take a few years before the longtimers crowd around you at a reunion to hear what you might say. Give these guys and gals a break. This wasn't a "networking, get your name out there" event. They came to see old friends, coworkers and yes, even some legends who broke ground in radio. This reunion wasn't about getting to know the newbies in the industry, it was about getting in touch with the past, hence the RE in REunion. And that's my two cents.

Ah. So following that logic, new parents aren't aloud to bring their babies to family reunions, correct? Since it's a REunion, and nobody has met the baby before? I'll have to respectfully disagree. While I can understand when placed in one room, "like attracts like" and it makes plenty sense that people that have been in radio many years would share their war stories, you'd be surprised on what "newbie" would be completely interested in hearing the jock they grew up listening to (and drew inspiration from) tell about the time where their old record was too scratched, or the cart machine functioned improperly. Us "Houston Newbies" aren't out to get autographs of those who come before us, and bombard them in papparazi style with questions. We simply want to gain understanding of the past, draw inspiration, and use the passion and knowledge from the legends on how to create a fantastic path in our futures.

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the event, but I can assure you that I'd be standing there along side the vets listening and learning, and contributing my parts of the conversation where it was welcome. So I'll have to respectfully disagree with your statement that "This reunion wasn't about getting to know the newbies in the industry". Family is family, and we hold those who come before in high regard. Hopefully I'm able to make the next event, so I can show you that all parts of the family can contribute to a great REunion.

 

[leitharenea]

OMGoodness you've made a jump evil kenevil couldn't make. Obviously a new baby at a family reunion would make an impact, but I'm one of 50 some cousins and if we swarmed every new boy or girl friend, we'd never get to catch up with each other. If you're a newbie in a family and you spend your time in the kitchen rather than hanging with the relatives then you have nothing to gripe about. "Nobody came to talk to me", well you poor baby, who did you try to talk to? Did you introduce yourself to a legend and say you admire their work? Have you even heard their work? Because chances are, there are crowds around them because they are legends, real talent, not one of the millions of kids who think because they do a four hour show they should be swarmed with fans. I hate to say it but most of the on air personalities sicken me with the lack of talent they have. You want to go to a reunion and hob-knob with real talent, then you either need to be real talent or you need to have the boob-bas to walk up to a legend and say "hey I respect the path you tread for people like us". It's not all about you, it's about the real stars that made it possible for you. All you've got to do is watch a computer screen and read what it says at the breaks. The people at the REunion are the ones who have the real talent, voice, timing and creativity to make radio what is it today.

 

[ilistentotheradio]

All you've got to do is watch a computer screen and read what it says at the breaks. The people at the REunion are the ones who have the real talent, voice, timing and creativity to make radio what is it today.

No idea where your assumptions on this are coming from. None of my breaks say anything about what to say. Sure, there's "attempt to squeeze in this info within this hour", but have promos not been used on-air for many years? It's simply a live one. This does not even contribute to the content of 10% of breaks per hour. Nobody holds my hand and tells me what to say, and where to say it. And to make another point, all of my coworkers (including myself) have been instructed to NOT let the computer run in AUTO, but to fire off each element manually (with the exception of every spot in each spot block), to ensure that we're delivering the smoothest transitions and best sound that we can. Paper logs have been used for many of years, because it's on a computer screen makes absolutely no difference. I find it quite rediculous that you're attempting to shame my job with false claims and assumptions, and you admittedly haven't worked in radio yourself.

Also, if you're look above, I was not the person that made the claim that "nobody came to talk to me", so your criticism on that matter doesn't apply.

 

[AndyWaldrop]

leitharenea,

It was, primarily, for the reasons you mentioned/outlined that we put this reunion together. Future reunions/events that we put together will be put together, primarily, for those same reasons. Thank you for understanding/appreciating our intent.

Andy

 

[leitharenea]

Point taken and I apologize because I offended you. The only radio I'm familiar with does run on auto, almost nothing is done manually and it does tell the DJ what to say. You are very right, there is still a lot of real talent out there and I was very wrong for saying that. Again I apologize.

This is my last word on the person who felt ignored... Radio people are some of the nicest people I've ever met. If you're willing to listen, you can hear some of the funniest stories (for me that was the best part of the party, just hanging out and listening to the stories). If someone comes to a party full of people like were at this reunion and can't find someone to talk to, the issue isn't the method of socializing. I thought it was perfect and got some great pictures and not a single one was of people not engaged in conversation with one or more other people. I think it's great that some newbies were brave enough to show up to a reunion full of such big personalities (character personalities not air personalities) and legends. I'm only married into the radio family so I knew nobody there, but I had no problem sticking my hand out and saying who I was, why I was there and letting people know it was my pleasure to be amongst them. Again, I apologize to you and anyone else whom I offended, I certainly was on a rant and was wrong.

 

[AndyWaldrop]

Gosh, maybe I'm confused. I was agreeing with you. You didn't offend me. You pretty much hit the nail right on the head. Absolutely no apology necessary.

Look forward to seeing you at the next one!

 

[michaelshiloh]

And I just wanna say thanks, leitharenea.

I don't know who your husband is, but I thank you for appreciating the people who have really dedicated their lives to this medium over a number of years and the art of communication they've displayed, that may not be as prevalent among the newbies.

I appreciate your passion and attitude.

I also hope that there are jobs that can help sustain the newbies who come into radio these days, so they have the chance to grow and, yes, learn from the so-called old pros.

As one guy at the Radio Reunion told me, "There are no new people coming up to take over the ranks."

He's still fairly young but a vastly experienced PD so I know he meant it.

 

[leitharenea]

leitharenea,

It was, primarily, for the reasons you mentioned/outlined that we put this reunion together. Future reunions/events that we put together will be put together, primarily, for those same reasons. Thank you for understanding/appreciating our intent.

Andy

Oops, sorry Andy, I was replying to "Ilistentotheradio" at the same time you were posting your message. You're absolutely right.

 

[FilioScotia]

A Dying Business

I've been reading lately that the job of "radio announcer" is rapidly disappearing. As more and more stations consolidate and automate, the need for dj's and news casters is declining drastically. Look at the way CC and other conglomerates use one staff of jocks and news people to service any number of stations in other cities. Look at all the radio people who're struggling to find work.

I hate to say it, but the work that's made my living for more than 40 years is NOT one I would recommend to a young person. Number one, it's not the "fun" business it once was, and I don't see much of a future for announcers.

Conglomerates are killing this business.

 

[downthedial]

Re: A Dying Business

Conglomerates are killing this business.

AMEN! When members of my family began in the radio business, 40+ years ago, it was a career for them and a wonderful one at that. Yet, when I informed my family in the mid 90s that I, too, wanted to follow in my family's footsteps and pursue a radio career, I was met, not with praise, but, with extreme concern. (This was about the time of the deregulation in 1996.)

It took me a very brief time in the business to realize that my family's concerns were valid and that radio was not for me. I've always led a life of some structure and in today's radio market, the changes are too frequent. I've been far more successful and far happier, away from the business than I ever was during my short time in the business. As I said in another post, 13.0 ratings used to be a commonplace; now, 6 will get you in the top 5. No one is listening and few, beyond the business, (the potential listeners), care.

The product that corporate radio is producing today is not a good product, regardless of how much money Clear Channel and the other big corporations make, financially, or how they try to sugarcoat the product and discuss how "perfect" everything is. (I say that as an ex-CC employee who, while terminated, was done a huge favor by the termination, as I got away from the business and am more successful now, following a different career path.) If you offer a bad product, you'll obviously receive bad results (aka fewer listeners).

I still respect the DJs, PDs, and other personnel who battle the day-to-day corporate dismantling of the radio business, but without question, the large conglomerates have changed the business so much that only memories remain of how it was when my family called it a "career." Radio has been likened to a slow death spiral, by some, for years thanks to the Internet, iPod, and CD popularity; I fear the death spiral, thanks to the conglomerates, is gaining ground in its ability to create the complete DEATH of radio, as we once knew it. Even in my respect for those still actively employed in radio and appreciation for the family members who once worked when radio was still good, I find myself listening less and less, these days. There are just so many other more appealing options than the product that radio is producing.

It's sad, though. Very, very sad, and I'm not surprised that the job of "radio announcer" is disappearing. Automation is the future and likely, the end. I am still fairly young (mid-30s) and I would and could not bring myself to recommend the business to any young person, today --- not in its current form. I've always heard there's a rock bottom for everything; radio couldn't get much lower than it is now.

 

[ColonelStJames]

Don't see too many pin setters in bowling alleys or a lot of buggy whip makers either, and when was the last time you saw a whole symphony orchestra on a radio station's payroll?. That's why that party was so great. Those of us who got to have the experiences that we had got to visit with folks that had that in common, and those of you who are newer to the business, and may never experience the things we have, got to meet on the common ground of radio brother/sisterhood. As for me, I was pleased that the powers that be kept it a non-public event. It was so nice meeting spouses and friends of my fellow broadcasters, but I feel if listeners had been invited, we couldn't have had nearly as much fun catching up with old friends and making new ones. Besides, if they wanna see us, let em come out to our remotes and appearances.

Anyway, back to the subject, Bill Bosse, my former GM at KULF/KYND said something that wraps it up best. He said, "We still had more fun back then, than anybody is having now." I can't argue with that. Can you?

 

[edriskill]

The Col. said, "Anyway, back to the subject, Bill Bosse, my former GM at KULF/KYND said something that wraps it up best. He said, "We still had more fun back then, than anybody is having now." I can't argue with that. Can you?"


When I came to the reunion, I was thinking to myself of the collective amount of 'foolishness' that must have taken place among all the people in that room. I had only worked with about 20-30 people there (that I recognized), but every one of the hundreds of radio veterans I saw in that room made me think of the many thousands of great radio stories I have not yet heard. I have been involved in several businesses since I was in high school, but only one was as much fun as radio, and that was only because I had an unlimited expense account. I know that in the late '60's, the owner of the little station I started at used to make me go home after I got off the air, because I would just hang around the station for hours 'off the clock'. I really hated to leave. Later, at a station in Nacogdoches, we would have control room reunions frequently... guys who moved on to other markets would come back and just hang around the station for hours... sometimes 6 to 10 people just sitting in the control room for hours talking about our collection of 'remember whens'.

I can only imagine what it was like back in the fifties and early sixties... the excitement and creativity that was constantly taking place. Radio was in a constant state of invention. My only connection to that era was in 1969 or 70, when we were doing a 20th anniversary celebration for the station and I got to play old commercial transcriptions made on an old Rek-o-kut (sp?) machine... We also played some music on reel-to-reel tapes because the '45's got cue-burned so fast and the little stations usually only got one copy from the labels... for that station, the cart machine was an amazing new device for spots, and carts were WAY too expensive to use for music. 30's and 60's only, except for one 10-minute cart for pre-recording news and obituaries.

My first radio boss, an owner who started his own station from scratch in 1949, died this summer. You could make 10 halls of fame out of guys like that... many of them pulled daylight to dusk shifts and begged for ad business on the phone, or their wives were the sales department (and traffic, and housekeeping...). Once they managed to make enough to pay the bills and feed their families, they would hire someone like me, and trust me with their livelihood for a few hours a day, and pray I didn't offend anybody or burn the place up.

I'd give anything to be able to go back and do that again. It would be great to have a job again where quitting time meant you HAD to go home (even if you didn't WANT to). And it would be fun to have some of today's young guys come by and see how it was done back in the stone age... Then, after sign-off, we could go sit around and drink a beer and wait impatiently until sign-on so we could start it all over again.

 

[TooMuchCoffee]

Hi all...

Wish I had seen about the reunion earlier. I would have loved to participate as well. I used to work at KULF, KTRH and a few others over the years back in the 70s and 80s. Oh well, maybe next time, even if I do have to travel from Colorado to make it.

I also wax nostalgic for the way radio was back in those days. Just part of how dereg and lifting ownership rules have changed the business forever, and IMO, not in a good way.

Randy K.