Some random thoughts as I finish up doing a snowstorm radio show from my basement. Mainly: Why Isn’t Jon Stewart on the radio?
In this era with so many voices coming out of so many places, I gravitate toward original, provocative, and insightful thoughts. Like him or not, disagree with him or not, Jon Stewart is smart, witty, and most importantly, unafraid.
His first Monday on The Daily Show will get praise and heat in equal doses, but his most important line about the public needing the ability to criticize leaders was so spot on.
I have not watched all of it, but it was refreshing for someone like Jon Stewart on the national scene to scream that it’s ok to say that the two men running for President are too old – and that it’s a real problem. Most people think it; few people say it.
It would be nice to get that more often and not just on the video screen.
Note: Some company should pony up $20 million a year to try it. I mean, if Sean Hannity is worth in the neighborhood of $25 million on radio, then Jon Stewart would be worth a multi-million dollar flyer.
Studio Is King
Hate is a strong word, reserved for despots, splinters … and the Yankees. But I really don’t like being outside of the studio, unless perhaps, it’s on remote for an event.
Looking back, I am glad that I was not full-time on the radio when the pandemic prohibited people in the office/studio. Others embraced it, got comfortable at home, and may still do it; but it is not for me.
Having said that, I must admit that on our only legitimate snowstorm of the season, it was kind of cool to get off the air and take the dogs on a long snow-filled walk.
The only difference from the pandemic-era was there was no drinking. For one day, I can handle tabling the hate.
Social Headaches
You never feel as old as when people start talking about social media.
I really felt for Ben Affleck when, in the extended version of his Dunkin’ add, mega influencer Charli D’Amelio asked him who he was.
She had no idea (in the skit).
Some people over 50 have embraced elements of social media, while some have actually learned to edit and a small few unicorns are actually good at it.
Not this guy.
I know it can be a great way to increase reach, impact, and name recognition; but I just stink at it.
But then, of course, I get a snowstorm, and I want to share stuff.
Weird.
I guess I can relate to snowy pics more than 15-second dances.
I wish I had the same fervor when taking in-studio videos, promoting interviews or simply taking a selfie, yet I do not see it happening.
And it’s a problem.
Be Accountable
It’s mid-February, where New Year’s resolutions go to die.
Admit it. You stopped doing core exercises, and weekday drinking is back.
As for radio and all of my ideas – from TikTok to remotes to listener meet-ups, it’s time for a temperature check. Yes, I am often the guy with the great idea and no follow-through. I’m a concept guy, I can’t deny it.
I’m trying to get better though. To that end, I’ve had some L’s, but I’m also on my way to a few possible W’s.
TikTok: Lopsided “L” — Not happening right now. It’s a crisis of confidence and ignorance (and my daughter says a fundamental lack of humor).
Other areas, not so bad.
We made a dart board of a map with every town in Connecticut. We filmed me throwing darts at towns, and in two weeks, we go visit our first one – will let you know how it goes.
Food: We solicited all the donut shop recommendations we could from our listeners and will soon start sampling and rating – though I’d like to find a way to fold this into “Darting Across Connecticut”.
We have a listener meet-up at a minor league hockey game in two weeks, and you can fully expect me to chug a beer while wearing a Hartford Whalers jersey. No brainer.
More to come, but in the meantime, enjoy the snow if you have it.
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.
