The 12th episode of Season 2 features a conversation with Charlotte sports radio morning host Chris McClain. Over the course of thirty two minutes, “Mac” as he’s known by his audience, shares his thoughts on being drawn to sports radio at the age of 11 by listening to WIP and WFAN and arguing with and getting hung up on by local hosts, transitioning to a new city, working with the same producer for over a decade, the importance of calls, the goal when conducting interviews, hosting a sports radio show in the summer in a market with no major league baseball team, how he navigates social issues, plus the early days of his career which included sharing space in the same building with Craig Carton, Scott Kaplan and Sid Rosenberg.
Also, in this week’s 5 in 5, Jason offers his opinions on Entercom choosing WEEI over 98.5 The Sports Hub, Shan and RJ’s interview with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, Bill Simmons’ column on ESPN, Barstool Sports being put on blast for their legal language in contracts, and the NFL’s ratings decline.
SUBJECTS COVERED WITH CHRIS MCCLAIN:
- Taking a liking to sports radio as an 11-year old in York, PA
- Getting started in broadcasting at Towson University
- Landing his first job in Florida at CBS Sportsline
- Moving into local radio in Jacksonville and getting fired
- How WFNZ has changed since he joined the station 13 years ago
- Keeping a 13-year relationship fresh and productive with a producer
- Hosting mornings with Jim Celania and what he learned from him
- Working for a PD (Tony DiGiacomo) who rose up the ranks internally
- Separating personal fandom from what’s professionally beneficial
- Choosing what to feature when the Hornets and college hoops are hot
- How NASCAR content in Charlotte has been reduced in recent years
- The battle of creating content in the summer without interest in MLB
- Deciding on whether or not to dive into social issues on his show
- What his daily routine consists of as a morning talk show host
- Featuring callers but also adapting to include texts and tweets
- Conducting interviews and what his goal is with each guest
- The most difficult part of hosting a sports radio morning show
- Quick Hits: Cam Newton, Charlotte host, Strength/Weakness, Final goal
FROM THE GUEST
Chris’ Twitter handle: @MacWFNZ
Jason Barrett is the Founder and CEO of Barrett Media. The company launched in September 2015 and has provided consulting services to America’s top audio and video brands, while simultaneously covering the media industry at BarrettMedia.com, becoming a daily destination for media professionals. Prior to Barrett Media, Jason built and programmed 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He was also the first sports programmer for SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, which later became 97.5 The Fanatic. Barrett also led 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY, and worked on-air and behind the scenes at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years at ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT producing ‘The Dan Patrick Show’ and ‘GameNight’. JB can be reached on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
