Embedded in the headline’s question is whether a good radio talk show needs two hosts. It’s something I go back and forth on a lot, mostly during quiet moments in between naps and sips of coffee.
My morning show is called Brian & Company. The emphasis is on the “Company”. Our staff bandied about a bunch of concepts when we relaunched two years ago. Ultimately, we decided on this name because it clearly delineated that there would be a single host but that said host would not be alone. The “company” is the weather guy, traffic guy, news guy, and producer guy. (Note: We do need a little gender diversity, although it must be noted that two of our three bosses are women.)
It also clearly delineates that there would be no official second host.
You can chalk it up to ego, but with all the breaks for news/weather/traffic in the morning, a second host voice felt unnecessary. Most importantly, as I’ve discussed in the past, I also don’t love sharing interviews.
People think television shows like CNBC’s Squawk Box or MSNBC’s Morning Joe are so fluid and organic, but it’s not really true. Most CNBC shows assign a lead anchor to a particular interview segment. They get at least the first two questions before anyone else can chime in. Sometimes, you’ll even notice the other anchors don’t get a question at all.
On Morning Joe, the producers usually make it clear who gets to talk and when. About 15 years in, most regulars know not to step on the hosts during a conversation. (Hint: Not a good idea if you want to come back.)
It works so well because they’re all just really good at making it seem organic.
With most interviews, the first questions often don’t get the best responses. Follow-ups make for a good conversation, and for me, on the radio, I didn’t want to deal with sharing them. I want them – all the time.
Unless it’s professional wrestling.
Actually, we did do a wrestling segment, and the producer asked most of the questions.
In all seriousness, solo interviews are what I love most about the radio format; and in my opinion, it’s what separates radio from local or cable news.
The problem, however, is that interviews are only a portion of what a host does during three-plus hours of live radio. That is where, sometimes, a lack of a second host can be apparent.
Listen, I know. I am not Rush. I am not Hannity. People are like, “Duh”, but I actually don’t want to be either, other than having, perhaps, 10 percent of their paychecks. I am not at that level, but at the same time, I also don’t want to share everything 50-50. It’s not selfish; it’s better radio.
With an active “producer” like a Stanford Steve with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt or a Bernie McGuirk with Imus back in the day, it’s more like 80-20.
I like that.
Some days, it’s 70-30. Others, it’s 90-10.
All of those scenarios help fill any gaps.
Then, there’s something like opening thoughts or commentary on a major news story. Even with the 90-10 split, sometimes it’s invasive. When I am passionate about something, there are particular ways I want to share my thoughts with the audience. Even a small interjection can throw it all out of whack. You never want to restrict anyone, even a consistent albeit partial contributor, but a good – and lasting – working relationship usually creates a dynamic where it’s understood.
Sometimes, you just need to raise your hand in studio and ask for a minute. The listener won’t know, and the flow is uninterrupted.
Having said all that, here’s the thing: Even on days when it is 90-10, I would not survive without the 10. There are times when there is nothing interesting, zero happening or I don’t feel well. Our show’s producer Matt Sirois is always there when needed. Always.
To be honest, I am not good enough to carry 100 percent of the show 100 percent of the time. I need the help, and I need the foil. I just don’t want it all the time and don’t want to share my interviews and major news story thoughts.
Maybe you do, but I would argue that it’s better radio if you didn’t.
Brian Shactman is a weekly columnist for Barrett News Radio. In addition to writing for BNM, Brian can be heard weekday mornings in Hartford, CT on 1080 WTIC hosting the popular morning program ‘Brian & Company’. During his career, Brian has worked for ESPN, CNBC, MSNBC, and local TV channels in Connecticut and Massachusetts. You can find him on Twitter @bshactman.
