Well, well, well…
After I blogged on the problem with shock jocks and not being funny when the content of your show consists of making fun of people because of their race, class, or gender, I saw an article in Radio Ink that Mancow (he’s syndicated and a former shock jock) has advocated “responsible radio.” And because he’s trying very hard to remake himself (and get his show added to more stations), he’s come up with the Commandments for Radio Personalities:
1. Thou shalt never endanger listeners.
2. Racism is always a dumb idea.
3. Complacency on the inside loses listeners from the outside. Work at your art.
4. Contests must always be straight forward. (Being too cute with contests can be costly.)
5. Advertisers pay you. They are your friends.
6. Have a delay button (preferably 20 seconds or more) and when in doubt use it.
7. Don’t dis someone’s religion.
8. Don’t let anyone curse in your studio ever. Get them out of that habit. If they are comfortable with cursing, it can someday accidentally get on the radio.
9. Instruct guests on your radio standards so they don’t get you in trouble.
10. Do good. (We’re not on earth to mark time. We’re here to make a difference).
While I think it’s great that someone like Mancow has tried to do things a little differently to build an audience, I think he’s probably doing so not out of any kind of heart-felt desire to be “responsible,” but rather out of a heart-felt desire to keep his job!
–PK
Tommorrow: A special Mix Six for my niece — who graduates from U.C. Berkeley today!!! Yay! Go Shannon, Go!
Gina
May 17, 2007 at 8:55 amCrassness, you gotta love it.
Although I have no problem with his list. Excpet he only uses “thou” once.
Ml
May 17, 2007 at 10:38 amI concur, he’s trying to keep his job.
Ml
May 17, 2007 at 10:39 amYAY for Shannon! 🙂
Maya's Granny
May 17, 2007 at 12:06 pmSince I’ve never heard him, I can’t tell about his motivation, but I’m glad he’s walking the right path, wherever he thinks it leads.
Beenzzz
May 17, 2007 at 12:54 pmCongrats to Shannon! Yeh, that shock jock was trying to preserve his behind, wasn’t he?
Lalunas
May 17, 2007 at 3:40 pmMoney talks, but somewhere deep inside I would like to believe that he is kind hearted.