NSPUNX said:
You're absolutely right. I am looking at it from a business point of view. Radio is a business. There are literally tens of thousands of dollars in ratings incentives on the line several times a year. It's not about being afraid of the competition. It's about being smart. Arbitron's ratings methodology is so flawed that we have to minimize any chance for them to screw us out of ratings. From a business standpoint, do what you do. Forget telling people what the other guys do. Be aware. But don't give your audience any reason to leave. That ratings bonus is a steak on the table to a starving man. I'll be damned if I'm going to let the other guy in the room where he can see it. That's my attitude. Right, or wrong. Winning is the only thing. Otherwise...why keep score? Screw the other guy. Let them try to beat you. Don't give them any time on your show. Ever.
NSPUNX said:
There is a note of legitimacy to that idea. Once you have established credibility with your audience, they are more likely to accept your opinion of another show as fact. However, it can be argued that a show composed of imported personalities in a parochial market such as Boston, who've been on the air for just about 2 years, and whose ratings haven't put them at the top, has yet to establish that level of credibility. Again...the risk outweighs the reward until you know for sure you have the cred to pull it off. You never hear winning shows rip the guys behind them. Talking about the other guy is the trademark of someone out of first place, desperate for attention.
NSPUNX said:
Again. Extremely valid contention...I would respectfully counter on two points.
1. You are correct. There is an aura of outdated, and inconsistent methodology in our business these days.
That discussion is one that I know just about everyone in this forum would love to engage in. Unfortunately, you never know who's reading. Some people who might espouse a critical viewpoint could offend the very people who sign their paychecks. And with that in mind....
2. I am in the business. Have been for over 2 decades.
That's not intended as a self-congratulatory, or ego-stroking statement. When I was still young and starting out, a wise man named Paul Lemieux once told me "You're a smart kid, and you're going to do well. But, you don't know everything, and sometimes it's best to shut the F*ck up and listen."
That's not meant to be insulting or aggressive toward you. What he meant was...You can learn a lot by listening to those who might know more than you. Take that knowledge and combine it with your talents, and motivation, and use it to the best of your abilities if this is what you want to do.
We as an industry, should also should practice the same the other way.
Not enough listening...too much waiting to talk.
And just because it's your opinion...doesn't make it right. It's OK to be "wrong." That's how we learn....by accepting our mistakes and failures, and rebounding from them.
I try to learn from those I've worked with, and around every day.
Good Luck.