Good hosts and shows aren’t struggling for content right now, but who knows how long it will be before we get live sports again? Hell, we’ll have been without sports for nearly a month and a half at that point.
We’re all in this together, right? That’s why Barrett Sports Media has created a content grab bag and we’re asking everyone to pitch in.
Got an idea that can help someone else? Do you have a perfect bit in mind, but maybe your situation has changed and now you have nowhere to pull it off? Don’t let it go to waste! If you want to contribute, reach out to Demetri Ravanos on Twitter.
Nick Wilson is the host of Wilson & Parcell, the mid-day show on Charlotte’s heritage sports talker WFNZ. Today Wilson writes that while the show has always put a focus on personality-driven content, the hosts are really leaning into those topics during this pandemic. He says it all started with recognizing the comedic potential in someone that was never intended to be a character on the show.
Classic Rom-Com shenanigans: That’s how we found each other.
I was a fish out of water, visiting Charlotte to audition for a spot on the famed WFNZ. He was a lowly paid part-time board operator who walked like a WWE legend.
There’s been a lot of discussion about the day-to-day fight for content for sports talk show hosts, producers and board operators. How can you thrive without sports when it’s literally in the name of your occupation?
The questions and challenges from this pandemic are certainly numerous and I understand if this time has seemed overwhelming. Our survival on Wilson & Parcell has its roots on that fateful June day when I witnessed Stephen Helbig lumber past the studio window like Hacksaw Jim Duggan.
WFNZ’s Hacksaw was born that day.
An important theme for our show since its inception has been character development. I’m not referring to hackneyed, one-dimensional, disposable Wack Pack characters but adding dimension and definition to the very real personalities on our show. Finding simple ways to work in personal stories, bits, benchmarks or ideas into your show was important during our old normal. In this pandemic? It might be the difference between success and failure.
Hacksaw can’t spell. Well, Hacksaw can’t spell when you add the pressures of live radio. It’s as if the fears of failure and humiliation completely remove his ability to properly spell even the most basic of words.
One day in our pre-show meeting, we discovered his spelling blind spot. I tried a few fairly simple words and laughed at how flustered he got.
“This is going on the show!”
I uttered those words like I had just discovered electricity. Everyone agreed. Yes, even Hacksaw.
That’s how Hack’d On Phonics began.
It started as a simple weekly spelling contest. We even brought in elementary school teachers to quiz him on 1st, 3rd & 5th grade words. They were all quite attractive which caused a flustered Hacksaw to redefine the idea of failure on live radio.
Hack’d On Phonics then begat Hack’d On History which begat Hack’d On Science which begat Hack’d On Sports.
We’ve had him challenge another member of the station’s staff to a history trivia battle. Audience participation with spelling or science question suggestions has surged. It’s a moment in the show every week where listeners can set a reminder to have a good laugh.
The residual benefits of this silly benchmark have paid dividends in this pandemic. This one bit has grown his confidence where he’s able to act as a true 3rd mic on the show. The audience now knows and likes Hacksaw.
Anyone can read a box score on air. Anyone can quote the times they were right as if they were referencing Shakespeare’s finest sonnets. Anyone can pontificate in a way that makes them seem intelligent or holier than thou and call it a radio show.
But can you show the audience something real? Are you willing to poke fun at yourself? Tell the truth about yourself? The ones who can will be painting on the greatest canvas they’ll likely ever be afforded.
No live sports can be daunting if you think of yourself as only a sports talk show host. My suggestion? Consider yourself an entertainer too. The possibilities become endless and topics/bits/ideas do too.
As a show, we never stopped after Hack’d On *Insert subject here*.
My co-host has thrived with a segment called Web Junk. He’s growing his “character” while talking about the latest adventures of Florida man and the Korean Baseball team putting sex dolls in the stands in place of fans. (Gives new meaning to the “Hit It Here” signs)
I’ve enjoyed expanding my roots as a story teller, sharing topics or ideas on homeschooling horrors as a dad, tales of misadventure in my haughty neighborhood and even riffing on a gooch spasm. (Dear God, don’t look that up.)
Its daunting to face the uncertain world of sports when you are a sports talk show host. It also might be one of the best things to happen to your career.
Building up yourself and your supporting cast with bits, benchmarks and ideas is the best way to take your show to the next level during this pandemic. Not only is it great content but it gives your show an added dimension that helps you look even better as a host.
You know, the only thing that we sports talk hosts care about…ourselves.
Nick you are destined for greatness. No wait you have arrived.