Recently I ran across an article about the often strange but very typical things that people say to those who work in not-so-common professions. The article listed all sorts of different jobs, followed by some of the weird, odd, but very common statements or questions that are encountered.
And it got me thinking about some of those same remarks that many of us hear when we first meet someone who finds out we work in radio. We’ve all been there, but I thought it might be a nice diversion from our usual conversations to think about some of the strange and weird things that people say or ask.
As a radio consultant, my list looks like this:
- Oh, and have I heard you on the air?
- What is it you consult exactly?
- So you probably have a great connection to get Eagles tickets, right?
- How much can a popular morning guy in this market actually make?
- Did you have anything to do with the classical station changing format?
- You know, I worked as a DJ back at my college radio station.
So, today, it’s the audience participation part of our blog. As a DJ, a radio salesperson, or any other profession in radio, what do you often hear when someone first finds out that you work in radio? Leave your “FHRs” (“frequently heard remarks”) as comments here on the blog. I’ll tweet out some of the better ones.
And here’s a bonus round:
Typical remarks you heard from your parents when you first told them you were going into radio. Knock yourself out:
- ______________________________
- ______________________________
- ______________________________
- ______________________________
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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“Oh, you’re a DJ? My brother-in-law is a DJ.” “Really? What station?” “No, not on a station. He DJs at the local VFW hall every Friday night.”
Exactly!
I was asked this within the past year: “How do they know how many people are listening? By how much power they send to the antennae?”
Bonus round…My mom after me being in the business for 20 years: “Can we go to lunch sometime and you explain what you do?”
Tim, I have a feeling your last line will generate a lot of nods. Thanks!
Most often asked when it’s learned I’m in radio – “I had an (insert relative here) who was in radio back in (insert smallest town in the world here). Do you know Him/her?”
Bonus round – from very blue-collar Dad when I told him of my career intention – “Let me get this straight….you’re going to get play records and get paid for it?”……shook his head and walked away,
And interestingly, John, many listeners still look at us radio people and can’t believe we actually get paid to this for a living. Thanks.
Question asked: “Have you ever met (enter artist/celebrity name here)?
When I told my parents I was going into Radio, my step-dad started telling people I was going to be a teacher (my minor in college).
Ha!
Are you ever going to move up to TV?
“I’m not surprised…you have a radio voice.”
When I respond, “I work with radio stations in the digital and social space – help them develop better fan relationships.” They always say one of two things, “My favorite radio station needs you.” (lol) OR “I could tell, you have a great voice.” I don’t bother to say I’m not actually on the air…
I don’t really hear what they say anymore. They get excited and use their best “Truck Pull” voice. :/
My other favorite is.. Oh Wow..you must be a celebrity or something. (this is the tipping point) When I respond..no not really..I put my pants on the same way anyone else does…they get disappointed. And my attempt at being normal fails. lol
1.”Wow, you sound a lot bigger on the radio”
2.”Oh, you work in radio? I never listen to the radio. (Followed by a story of something they heard on the radio)”
3. “So you must know so and so in (pick a city around the country). I used to listen to him/her all the time.”
4.”You must be really worried about satellite radio. They’re going to kill regular radio.”
LOL! Crowley, I used to get, “You look a lot better than you sound.” In my face.
People have no filter sometimes! I wonder if they consider how rude they’re being. Can you imagine being introduced to someone, and finding out what they do…and saying, Oh, I never use such and such a product? It’s amusing to just watch/listen to people.
Someone met me the first time in person and said, “You know, you sound bald on the radio.” How does one SOUND bald?!? LOL
You’re on radio? That’s cool, but what do you really do? (for a living)
“You’re in radio?” “That means you must know Fred Jacobs….what’s he like in real life”? 🙂
Yeah, right! 🙂
“Do you repair broken radios?”
“You’re on the radio? Oooh, say something!”
Some comments I often get are “wow—you must be rollin’ in the dough” and “I only listen in the morning to get weather and traffic. I love ___ and____ in the morning.”(insert morning show team here).
Fave comment from my parents back when I first wanted to get into radio: DAD: “What do you wanna do THAT for? Why don’t you get a job with the TOWN. You’ll get benefits and a pension”
(not bad advice, Dad. but I ignored you anyway)
1. You don’t sound like a radio announcer; you talk kind of “regular”. 2. (If I say I’m in broadcasting) Do you think you could take a look at my TV some time – the picture isn’t that good. 3. Does that pay well? I’ve always thought about being on the radio. 4. Did you ever interview anyone famous?
First comment ever: I was 16, and Mrs.Sullivan, a neighbor said, “Eddie, your mom said you’re in radio. Can you fix the one in my kitchen.” More recent, most often on airplanes: “Satellite radio is realling killing you guys, right?” And “Why did Clear Channel take over my radio station?”
1. Do you know____? (either big morning guy or hot female jock)
2. Where do you come up with all that great rock trivia?
3. Do you get to pick all the songs?
4. People tell me I have a great voice/personality and should be on the radio. Who do I see about that?
5. C’MON – Is Philpott your real name?
My father had a Master’s in Electrical Engineering and said: “I want you to do what makes you happy. I’ll build the euqipment and you can use it to be creative.”
Perfect, Jay, thanks and to everyone who has submitted some truly great one-liners and questions.
“What’s Garth Brooks like?” –wouldn’t know, heard he’s awesome, never met him myself…
“Are you Ronni?” (as in our amazing morning host, Ronni Chase) –No, but I hope to be one day
“I won tickets from you…I sold them for $50!) –simply smile and nod
Would you like your hair rounded or squared in back?
I always get asked if Steve Brown is my real name or my “radio” name. And I always respond by saying if I was going to make up a radio name, it would be way better than “Steve Brown”.
“Say something in radio”……like it’s a totally different language that even Rosetta Stone doesn’t have a CD series for
“How close to real life is ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’?” — to which I normally reply, “You have noooooooo idea”
1. Do your radio voice!
2. I don’t listen to the radio anymore. (Hipster. Yes you do.)
Yes, it has sadly become hip to say you don’t listen to the radio. Not true for many. Thanks, Drew.
Years ago, I asked a girl I was interested in out for coffee. When I told her I did radio she said “umm…am I supposed to know you? I mean, like, are you…famous?”
Another response I used to get from people was “how do ya know what to say??”
Wow – “how do you know what to say?” That’s something even a consultant wouldn’t think to ask. Thanks, Nick.
Being in talk radio I get… I don’t listen to you because… and then they go on to repeat numerous things I’ve said in the last week.
I also get… I don’t listen to your station. Which always makes me wonder if they were meeting a guy who worked in any other business if they would just tell them that they don’t go there and go on to talk about their competition for a half an hour.
There’s something about meeting someone in radio that often seems to empower people to say some pretty amazing things. Thanks, Tom.
One of the comments I usually get, even before I tell people I’m in radio, is: “You have a great radio voice.” Which gets me to wonder, what if I had decided to become a lawyer or a doctor. I guess I’d be a great lawyer or doctor with a great radio voice!
Alan, it does NOT work that way for other professions. You made the right call getting into radio. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
“What kind of music do you play?”
“My daughter loves (teen act of the moment). Any chance you can get her backstage passes?”
Ooh, the backstage pass request. I really don’t like that one. Thanks, Jerry.
“You probably don’t remember me, , but I’m the one that called about the car.” Who’s car, hers,mine, a phoner, , a contest….HELP ME OUT!!
“I thought you out be blonde.” Because………????
My fave…l”You’re really pretty…much prettier than you sound.” GREAT!!
“They are talking about you guys right now over on W***. Man they are letting you guys have it.” Where is my producer? 1. How did you get thru, and 2. Would you like a job as my next producer?
“Are you REALLY Mexican?”
Yes.
“Is your name REALLY John?”
Ummmm…
“How many hours a day do you work?”
More than you think.
“Can you get me backstage?”
Why? Nothing happens there. Unless you are a hot chick and that pleasure is only temporary, the shame and STD’s last forever.
John, those great lines just keep on coming. Thanks for contributing.