When I first considered writing this column, my initial thought was that it was, frankly, a relatively weak idea. And it may still be, but a couple of things happened this week that made me decide to give it a shot.
I wrote feature pieces, one on Bob Rivers’s legacy and the other with Throwback Nation CEO and host Tony Lorino.
Something emerged from those two pieces and the social media comments that seemed to strike a nerve.
Rivers’ friends, BJ Shea and Paul Anderson spoke of his kindness, loyalty, and gratitude for life. Anderson said that even as he knew his time was short, “he just had such gratitude for his life and no bitterness at all.”
Lorino spoke of the need for the radio industry to be complimentary and kind to one another, saying, “The most important thing right now for radio people to do is to support each other and complement each other when you think someone is doing something good.” If you see someone trying something on a social platform and sharing a video from on the air, send them a DM and say, ‘Hey, that’s really cool.”
Lazer 103.3 Des Moines morning co-host Mike Wickett highlighted that part of the story in a Facebook comment, saying, “This is so important.”
I wrote last week that the radio industry needs to do a better job addressing its members’ mental health. That, too, received a great deal of positive feedback.
I worked in a market where the competitor and I had few boundaries when it came to outdoing each other. This included when his station called and changed the message on a banner we were flying behind an airplane at a stadium concert.
We would compete like hell and then have a beer together. To this day, I consider him a mentor and a great friend.
Times are tough these days. Many people constantly look over their shoulders, wondering if they are the next target for budget cuts.
Reaching out and complementing someone, even in your market, doesn’t make you look weak. The brotherhood and sisterhood that were once enjoyed by so many of us are slipping away.
I recently met two young talents. Kadie Daye and Paisley Dunn-Banks. They are the future of radio. When we meet these people, let’s take a moment to encourage, mentor, and nurture them. There’s not much of a farm team anymore. I would hate to see them become jaded, like people we can all think of.
And the veteran talent. I’ll bet you will be surprised by the reaction you get just by reaching out with a compliment.
This has begun to sound like the plot for a Hallmark movie. But when you are gone, and someone asks your friends, like I did Bob Rivers’, what is your legacy? How would you like to be remembered?
Community Connections:
Audacy Pittsburgh’s radio stations joined together to provide 258,000 meals with its Giant Eagle Feed the Need Radiothon. The meals will help those facing food insecurity in the Pittsburg area.
104.1 KAFE Bellingham, WA, partnered with the Children’s Museum of Skagit County for the first-ever Basics for Babies event. The event raised nearly $16,000 for local families in need.
95 Country in Natchez, MS, held its annual 95 Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon. This year’s total of $56,237 exceeded last year’s total by nearly $5,000.
In the aftermath of recent Arkansas tornados, Saga’s Jonesboro Media Group provided hot meals to first responders, storm victims, and volunteers in three particularly hard-hit area communities.
Industry Happenings:
Artists and performers have been announced for the annual CMA Fest, which will take place June 5-8 in Nashville. The stage lineups are here.
The 2025 NAB Show is just around the corner, April 5-9, in Las Vegas. Familiarize yourself with all things NAB here. Look for an app soon. Next week, I will have a feature interview with NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt, who will offer insights into this year’s show and provide valuable advice for first-time attendees.
Add Ons:
“Southern Soul Mix with Jammin’ Jay” is a new mix show launched by Superradio Networks. Hosted by Jammin’ Jay, the show will showcase Southern R&B, blues, and funk
“Classic Rock U,” hosted by Adam Reader as the Professor of Rock, has surpassed 20 affiliates. The show launched six months ago through syndication partner Skyview Networks.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
Jeff Lynn serves as Editor of Barrett Media’s Music Radio coverage. Prior to joining Barrett Media, Jeff spent time programming in Milwaukee, Omaha, Cleveland, Des Moines, and Madison for multiple radio groups, including iHeartMedia, Townsquare Media, NRG Media, and Entercom (now Audacy). He also worked as a Country Format Editor for All Access until the outlet shut down in August 2023.
To get in touch with Jeff by email, reach him at Jeff@BarrettMedia.com.
