I’d like to share a pleasant experience with you. Last week I filled in on the morning show on WLS-AM in Chicago. The regular host, Mancow, was on vacation and asked if I’d like to strap on the 50,000 watt blower for five days. I was thrilled to be asked because flapping my soup coolers into a microphone is what I do and I also thought it was a great way to promote my podcast. This was my third tour of duty at WLS, the first was a 5 year run and the second was an 8 year run. Both shows were number 1 and both ended weirdly. Now let’s dial up to last week. Everybody at the station is aces and I couldn’t have asked for a more enjoyable week. A number of the people there I had worked with before and it felt like we hadn’t missed a step even though I hadn’t done a full time radio show in five years. Not only did the people at WLS make me feel welcome but so did the callers and texters to the show when I was on. It reminded me of why I got into this business in the first place, to have f-u-n! Sadly the fun factor has been siphoned out of a lot of radio stations for a myriad of reasons and the sands are shifting dramatically beneath the transmitters. I think at least half the damage has been self-inflicted. WGN, the last radio station I worked at pulled the plug on me and it was their highest rated show! A friend of mine, Jack Silver, was my boss years ago and he said something to me that was true then and remains true today and it applies not only to radio but any business. “Never get rid of someone unless you have someone as good or better waiting in a hotel room across the street.” Radio is a very tough slog these days, stations are being sold for a fraction of what they were worth even five years ago and having a number 1 show today seems almost impossible to achieve. Getting rid of shows that were working and paying people to stay home has come to roost for the radio industry. That’s why last week was so great to swim in, for five days I went in and was able to taste the radio vibe that I knew and loved and not have to think or worry about all the nonsense I’ve had to endure in the past. It reminded me of why I wanted to get into the business in the first place. Thank you WLS for a tremendous stay this summer in your blabbin’ cabin!

Gunga, galunga,
Garry