Tuesday, July 18, 2006

on being a talk show host...

Well, my guest hosting on WSPD for three hours was fun, but a lot of work. Don't get me wrong - I'm sure there are more strenuous jobs out there. But it's not as easy as you would think just listening every day.

Between watching one screen on the left for callers and one screen on the right for the time and breaks (you'd think they'd be able to combine the two), and having one sheet with the schedule and another with the cue lines (and yes - I messed up on those a couple of times), along with all your notes for discussion or topic AND making sure to keep your mouth facing the the mike.....Well, let's just say that you juggle.

Some of the things that didn't flow well are simply a matter of experience. People who want to do this for a living have probably had the lessons and market research in branding and consistency. I know that the tag line is "news talk 1370 WSPD," but remembering that I had to say it before they could go to the news was something else entirely. Likewise the time...I don't think that I did the time right more than once. It's not just "it's 3:15," it's supposed to be "it's 3:15, 15 minutes after 3." Now WHY it's this way I still don't get, but I understand that the market research says this is the best way to do it.

Overall, I enjoyed the experience. I did three interviews: Dr. Paul Heinrichs, from the board of the Dental Center of NWO, Matthew Faltes (sp?) for the regular 'after the bell' segment, and Lisa Renee Ward of GlassCityJungle. Although my sincere apologies because I'd written, in several places, Lisa RENEE, but called her Lisa MARIE. Extremely embarassing, but she's forgiven me, thank goodness.

I'm very grateful for all the positive comments about my stint - and for the understanding when I goofed something up - thank you!

As Brian Wilson explained, most radio stations don't have a backup of talent for covering vacations, so having a couple of people in the community who are willing to come in and host is an added advantage. Maybe I'll be invited do this again sometime.

5 comments:

Maggie said...

thanks, do...I know city council had an important issue for you...we did talk about it and encouraged people to come down.

And yes, a good lesson for all.

:)

Unknown said...

I think you did a great job and and I hope they invite you back on again. It was a very good show, informative and entertaining.

I wasn't upset about the name thing, it happens. Heck I've called my children by the wrong name.

:-)

Maggie said...

radio oldie - thanks for the advice and the explanations. Rather similar to the 'lesson' Brian gave me after my stint.

I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity Brian gave me and very appreciative of his advice both before and after the show.

And I agree about Brian being willing to listen and discuss. One of the things he said is that talk radio is about discussion...the more callers and the more animated (yet respectful) discussion, the better.

historymike said...

I only caught about 30 minutes of the Maggie SHow, but from what I heard (4:30-5:00) you did fine, Maggie.

Hooda Thunkit (Dave Zawodny) said...

Maggie,
Don’t sell yourself short, you did very well, especially for your first time out, at least on this show.

A few shows and things would begin to smooth out very nicely. Why, in a month, you’d be a seasoned pro!

Oh yeah, and that segment with Lisa Marie (Too much watching ET?) character couldn’t even hurt your performance :-]

There is the stigma thing about filling in for Brian to overcome though…

Next/every time that you do another radio show, please post it in advance on the blog, I don’t listen to Brian’s show.

(And, thanks to Brian for inadvertently turning me on to The Dave Ramsey Show, m-f 3:00-6:00 p.m. on WTOD-1560).

Google Analytics Alternative