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aaaa Thursday night I was looking at an old video I did with Amy Freeman Lee, San Antonio's beloved artist, teacher and humanitarian. She passed away July 20th.
In addition to noting that I was much younger then -- with more hair, and it was all black -- I also realized, proudly, that the interview was a good one. It was filled with subjects and questions that I still find interesting and informative now, 19 years later! No, it wasn't just my own ego. The me of then is so different and the subjects so little discussed today, that I came to it as a stranger. Today there is no room for anything like that on commercial radio. By that I mean subjects that really cause one to question and reflect on what we know, and what we don't know; topics that might make a difference in our lives, even if only in a small way. Today the mega corps that control radio all across America, believe that all you want is "entertainment", defined as, "sexy, light, trashy, or provacative in some daring, bold, or outrageous" way. Sort of Entertainment Tonight, combined with Howard Stern! The Infinity guy who fired Eliza Sonneland and me said he thought really great contemporary radio includes asking girls in to show their breasts on the air, while describing them, or making fun of handicapped people, or topics that have a lot of sex talk. No, I'm not kidding. The Infinity guy sent a memo to the entire staff (he is famous for his memos) about a great new hire he had made for the FM station. He said we were so "fortunate" to get this new DJ. The new guy in question was known for playing on air games like, again, no kidding, "vaginal golf." I'll let you figure out how the game is played, but it involves a girl, a ping pong ball and a cup. He actually did this at his previous station. Yes, I know this is shocking and yes, it does appeal to some listeners, but I think there is a difference in the kind of person that listens to this bold, daring, sexy, radio and the audience that shared that TV interview with me and Amy Lee so long ago. I think there is more involved in being a radio service than just numbers. That doesn't mean you can't make money doing something better. In fact, last year in San Antonio, KTSA was the number two billing radio station. Only KISS sold more advertising in this city. This wasn't unexpected by me because I had known for many years that advertisers will pay a premium for quality results. Results, meaning customers who come to their businesses with the ability to purchase their products or services, and the intelligence to know why they are there. Results. I think this was very surprising and totally mystifying to the new corporate agent appointed, temporarily, to this weird market. I have to wonder: What would Amy Freeman Lee think about all of this? I'll let you digest that question till next week. For now, I have some chores to do at the Bar-B-Que Wagon Carlw. * * * CLICK HERE TO VISIT CARL'S OPEN MIND FORUM
SAL, San Antonio Lightning Newspaper,
SanAntonioLightning.Com And SALSA Connection |
