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 For the Love of Radio A few months ago, a member on the CSIRP listserve asked a seemingly simple question: "Why do YOU do radio?" The responses were to good to keep to ourselves. Here are some of the answers. From: Lyla Miklos I do my show because I get to play my fave kind of music - broadway musicals - and I also get free tickets to shows and lots of free CDs filled with show tunes. I also like my little time on Sunday to have my own space, music, and thoughts on-air to share with my listeners. That part is all about *me*. Plus there isn't any other local station doing my particular kind of music. From: sandeep chauhan I think for me, a better question is why not? And you know what? I can't come up with an answer. From: Zac Taylor I think that in most of our cases we keep going because we provide an outlet for creative expression that is unparalleled. We provide a soapbox for local artists ranging from Ivan Hicks and the Maritime Express (I'll admit I'm not the biggest fan of bluegrass) to wrestling punks The Carmines and everyone in between. Past alumni have ended up running record labels, crossing the country in bands and broadcasting from CBC. Its worth noting we are not a training type station or whatever the CRTC calls it. We provide the only local newscast in a town seemingly blessed with special events. A few years ago it was a byelection with Jean Chretien, this year a truckers' blockade just outside of town. Its still my only source of new music in a town that's devoid of all outside bands for about 5 months of the year. From: John K. Muir The girls, the leather, the machismo, the death squads at my fingertips, the limo, the numbered Swiss bank account, and piles of cocaine. All an integral part of the job, right? Isn't that what they told you? From: Barry Rueger Same here, except for leather substitute Nascar T-shirt, for death squad substitute 378 pound town sherriff, for numbered Swiss account substitute great wads of dead presidents, and for cocaine subsitute moonshine.... Yup. We're in Kentucky.... From: Wayne Harrett We started off and continue to do special events-community radio. While we aren't on the air full time, we have been pushed more and more by the supporters, 2000+ to do such that. There are times when we feel like giving up the goal, since others were able to avoid and con their ways through some legal red tape to gain access to the air waves, which some level headed people still shake their heads at. Deep down, you really have to love radio and its effect on the listeners. Always remember, the listeners are the stars, and broadcaster's egos should be left outside the studios. I have used this on our broadcasters and it has worked. To be honest, we had to let a few go because they had egos and didn't want to support others at the station. Commercial radio stations have become juke boxes, and they can only do limited things. I spend some time at stations, and it's pretty sad to see a broadcaster before going on air, and she/he knows which tune they will be playing at a given certain time....all programmed. It's also sad when the broadcasters just has to read on air station IDs, promos, weatherand timer checks....nothing beyond that. Radio is an art .......theater of the mind.....it goes with the feeling of the listeners. A good broadcaster can sense the listeners as they listen to the radio. Speak to the listeners, listen to the listeners, laugh with the listeners and if needed .....cry with the listeners. Radio is for the people and if they really want to support your station, you have to sell the product like crazy. If you have nothing to say to the listeners.....move on...you shouldn't be on the airwaves...... Another reason why I enjoy the biz, is the "positive" feedback from listeners....I love it when the listeners call up or write and praise the station and the broadcasters. We took a few calls that indicated that we were the "happy gang" of the airwaves. Why's that?...... because we enjoy the tunes and the listeners. We relate to them! Sure, we get some negative feedback, but with that we grow even stronger and better! Remember, if one listener calls you up and drags you or your station through the mud, just remember all those that outweighed that one listener. Carry on and go back to what you were doing. Remember.... not all your listeners will call in or write to you. The last few paragraphs may not what you wanted to hear or you may already know of the facts. For me, that's what keeps me and our members going.....it's for the listeners that "want" your station! W. Harrett Special Events Community Radio 97.9/CKEP-FM From: "ted" When my mother was pregnant with me, she must have come in contact with some kind of Radio-Signal...... waves, beams, or something.......! As a result, my DNA was altered. That's right....! I'm genetically pre-disposed. Try as I might to avoid it...........radio is in my blood. Like wallowing in mud is to pigs....... without it, ( I fear ), I'd soon become Sausages......... or Yesterday's Lunch Meat.! Ted...... CFUV (volunteer) From: Paddy Johnson Radio is about filling a space. It is the thing that makes the air a little warmer in my room at night...it is friendly company when I have none, or a guest among many. And as much as I like to invite radio into my space, I also like to contribute. I am one more layer in stacks of sound...and for some reason I find this very comforting. From: Douglas Samuel I think what Paddy is talking about is a sense of community. I suggest that to listen is to be entertained, to contribute is to become an active part of the community. From: George Lessard Radio is right there.... between the mouth and the ear... along with the brain... what better place is there??? Copyright CSIRP 2001 Copyright for materials on this website is the property of the content creators and the Canadian Society for Independent Radio Production, unless otherwise noted. Materials may be freely used by non-profit organizations and educational institutions for non-commercial purposes only. For evaluation purposes, CSIRP would appreciate it if you would let us know how you have used these materials, and in what context. Material reproduced from this website must include the CSIRP logo, website address and this message. |
