Improve Thy Self

Sometimes, radio drives me nuts.

It kills me when I hear a good new Podcaster, DJ or Talk Host "Stalling Out." That's what I call it when somebody comes on the scene with a lot of initial promise and raw talent, but never improves.

I just don't get it when someone in radio doesn't try to learn anything new, they just rely on being "capable."

I'm always sending my students to Dan O'Day's website, danoday.com

Dan's an old-school consultant who understands radio is a medium that must evolve.

Dan has a lot of great nuggets on his site about improving yourself as a jock, and giving advice (sometimes unwanted) to radio personalities.

I just plunked down $40 to buy two of Dan's books about radio. It's an instant download (they're e-books), and there are 500 or so pages of wisdom he's gotten through the years.

But, if you were to translate that advice into "TiVo Desperate Housewives and play the best drops for your listeners in the morning," it's perfectly valid.

It's a good read. A lot of free stuff on his site as well. DanODay.com.

The ol' Aircheck

I put my annual aircheck together. It's important to keep it fresh, so here goes!

George Noory KOMO Radio Interview

I was filling in for Eric Slocum that day. Lisa Brooks is the videographer/main anchor.

Always the bridesmaid

I'm sure it was close.

I was up for the "Best Local Talent" award from the Puget Sound Radio Broadcasters Association (PSRBA) . Again.

Actually, this year, I pretty much just edited and wrote the nominee. It was for our friend and colleague at KOMO, Larry Nelson.

Larry passed away in November, and I had the privilege of putting together a career retrospective on him. But I only had eight hours to do it. The man was a legend at my workplace, and this was the sort of thing that needed to be done right. I think it sounded pretty good: http://www.komoradio.com/news/11914766.html?video=pop&t=a

Bob Rivers from KZOK won again.

I say "again," because I was up for a Best Broadcast award last year. Actually, three nominations.

And Bob beat me then, too.

Here's the deal, though. I pretty much owe my career to Bob. He got me my first gig at Microsoft and Windows Media doing the radio thing over ten years ago. He's one of the kindest, most generous, and all-around good guys you'll want to meet.

At least I didn't lose to that other guy.