It’s that time of year when “It’s A Wonderful Life” will be popping up all over television. Of course, since the advent of VCRs, DVRs, and Netflix, we can watch this Christmas classic – and pretty much anything else – anytime we like. Even in July.
Still, there’s something warmly nostalgic about this Frank Capra film at this time of the year that resonates with viewers more than 70 years after its lackluster release. While a box office loser at first, it has gone on to become perhaps the signature Christmas movie because of its universal story, the quality and passion of the actors and the script, and its powerful message.
In the film, George Bailey is given the “gift” of seeing what his life would have been like had he never existed. In the process, he learns – the hard way – just how many lives he touched along the way.
I had an “IAWL” moment the other night at the National Radio Hall of Fame Awards induction ceremony in snowy New York City. Except it was sort of a reversal of the movie’s theme.
Eleven were honored that evening, and each and every one talked about the people who touched their lives along the way, giving them their first big break, mentoring them, taking them under their wings, or just believing in their abilities. It was like listening to a series of Ted TALKS from radio’s biggest successes – and I paid rapt attention to them all.
Whether it was Jim Kerr‘s passionate speech about his career rise as a teen DJ growing up in radio in Michigan or Joan Hamburg explaining her unlikely rise to stardom on the biggest radio stations in New York City, each and every honoree talked about the seemingly insignificant people who made a difference in our career and life paths.
From Jonathan Brandmeier to Mike & Mike to Kid Kelly, one after the other pointed to those special people who took an interest in them when there was no obvious reason to do so.
Some of the honorees talked about their tough climbs. Others told funny and ironic stories about getting hired and later fired by radio executives who didn’t recognize their talent or potential. But in each and every case, it was about the early years – those “salad days” – when career paths are cloudy and success is not the least bit inevitable.
There wasn’t a single person who received the beautiful glass trophy who knew they would one day be welcomed into the Hall of Fame. We all needed help.
Now, I don’t want to go all Zuzu’s petals on you, but the evening was a reminder to all of us of the importance of that “touch” – the ability we all have to help others get ahead, recognize their gifts, and give them a boost along the way – especially when things aren’t going swimmingly. And there wasn’t a single honoree who didn’t recognize the setbacks that made them stronger.
For those working in radio today – and the many who find themselves on the outside looking in – the industry has become a sort of Pottersville – a 
nightmare version of the business they first enthusiastically jumped into. The evolution radio broadcasting in the U.S. has experienced has echoed the fortunes of many industries – consolidation, recession, layoffs, cutbacks, and more consolidation.
But that’s easy for me to say. I’ve managed to surf the changes – not always gracefully, successfully, or profitably. But for others, it’s been a tougher, disappointing, and even heartbreaking road. And for them, I feel great sympathy.
And that’s why it’s incumbent on all of us in the radio business who have made it through the gauntlet of time and change to help those struggling to make their way in radio as well as those who have fallen on hard times.
There are many ways to accomplish this, from writing a check to associations as diverse as the Broadcasters Foundation of America to sponsoring and supporting Dan Vallie’s National Radio Talent System and the curricula they create to give fledgling radio stars a chance. Each of these supports the industry, whether it’s radio veterans who have fallen on hard times or the next generation of talent trying to get their foot in the door.
But I would submit that beyond your financial support, the other gift you can give is your time. As the many inductees reminded us the other night, it was often a pat on the back, an “atta girl,” and a kind word that spurred all those Hall of Famers onto greatness.
We’ve all got that in us, whether we’re at the pinnacle of the business or still figuring out how to run the board. Sometimes it’s as simple as a text response, an email, or simply reaching out to help connect people – something that’s never been easier thanks to our great connectivity.
Service to our community means more than just helping when there’s a national disaster, a mass shooting, or some other calamity. It means supporting the broadcast radio community – its past, present, and future.
George Bailey had to endure the trauma of a near-death experience to understand the impact he had on so many people in his community of Bedford Falls. In what turned out to be the first GoFundMe campaign, George’s peeps banded together to help him overcome his tragic circumstances by contributing basketfuls of cash. (And no service fees.)
In the days that have followed the Hall of Fame ceremony, I’ve received many well wishes from people I’ve known throughout the decades as well as those who I barely remember. In so many cases, they’re reminding me of the impact I’ve knowingly or unknowingly had on them. And that’s gratifying.
But it’s also a reminder to me that especially for those of us who are accomplished, for whom radio has been a great career path from which we’ve profited financially and personally, it is our responsibility to pay it forward.
And sometimes we don’t realize when we’re doing something good for someone in need because even the small, simple gestures and efforts matter. It’s easy to forget just how insecure it can be for fledgling radio broadcasters, still not sure whether they’re got the right stuff.
So, as we enter the holiday season, let’s remember it’s not just about finishing Q4 strong , playing the right holiday songs, or getting this year’s “Christmas Wish” off the ground.
It’s a chance for many of us to remember our wonderful radio lives, and give back where we can.
Thanks to Kraig Kitchin, Amir Forester, & the National Radio Hall of Fame board and committee for a memorable evening.
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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Fred, at this time of the year when we give thanks for all our blessings, your post this morning was filled with gratitude. Thank You.
Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees.
God Bless You,
Dick
Many thanks, Dick. I appreciate all you do to create positive messagges and vibes. All the best to you this season.
Your message is so important, Fred. I’ve had the good fortune of working with some of the most talented and successful personalities in radio over the past 30 years. I’ve studied the careers of many others. The one thing they all seem to have in common, the breakthrough in their careers, is finding that one person who believed in them, understood and recognized their talent, allowed them to be themselves, gave them constant encouragement and support, and gave them the time to find their audience.
Bill, that’s how it felt sitting there, watching one acceptance speech after another. As massively successful as this group is, it wouldn’t have happened for any of them without the “angel” who saw their talent. Thanks for the comment.
Fred: What a brilliant reminder of at the core what is important. Thanks for your leadership!
Buzz, you’ve played a huge role in my career. Thanks for all you’ve done for me, your counsel, and your friendship.
Thank you, Fred, for a “wonderful” article. You speak the truth. None of us would have been there without the help and encouragement of other people. That’s why I purchased an ad in the Journal, so I could name some of them. If I named everyone it would have filled a book. Two of the people I named I didn’t even know. One, a celebrated (and very famous) PD spent half an hour with me. He listened to my tape and told me that he didn’t have an opening, but if he did, he would consider me. I was 18, had just been let go by my hometown station, WKNR, and was afraid that it was all over for me. Even if he was telling me a gentle lie, his words gave me the strength to carry on. Another person on my list was a man I had never met. All we did was speak on the phone. Once. He didn’t have anything open, but he gave me a name and a number and told me I could use HIS name when I called. That led to 17 years at ABC. If you haven’t had the chance yet, Fred, please read my ad. You’ll recognize a lot of the names. I’m sure some of those same people helped you (and a lot of others) too.
Jim, I will check out your ad because it speaks to the emotion I felt Thursday night. It was such an honor to be inducted in the same “class” as yours. And congrats for truly being “best of show.” Congrats again to you for your amazing accomplishment, as well as to Shelli. Like Paul for me, we wouldn’t have been up on that stage without our “better halves.” All the best to you.
Great piece, Fred. A timeless message and a terrific reminder for all of us during the holiday season and throughout the year. Congrats on your recent honor from the NRHOF.
Al, many thanks. Hope all is well.
Wow, what a beautiful article. Made me stop to remember and be thankful for some of those key “angels” that made my own “wonderful life” in radio” possible–while also giving me a chuckle at the thought of George Bailey being the recipient of the first GoFundMe campaign! (Leave it YOU to see that unique perspective.)
And the video–which I literally applauded while watching–also reminded me of a key person in the business whose name I didn’t know at the time, but who I now realize was very instrumental in providing such a wonderful soundtrack to my life through the years. If you’ll indulge me, I’d like to take a moment to thank him in the event he’s reading this. Thank you, Fred Jacobs. And a very Happy Thanksgiving to you, your family and all the Jacobs team!
David, truly appreciate those kind remarks. Thanks for reading this blog and being a voice who regularly contributes to the conversation. It’s beccause of people like you this platform has become more relevant over times. And Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
I appreciate Paul‘s comments and am inspired by Fred‘s. To everyone who has left a comment, “what they said.“ The HOF recognition is well deserved.
Here’s the thing, with so many veterans of the biz (50 years for me) who have continued to speak optimistic and positive words about the past, present and future of radio… why are we struggling to be heard, trying to speak truth to today’s operators and getting slammed by bean counting Wall Streeters?
Radio was my first love. And it will be my last. To paraphrase Mr. Rogers, “LISTEN for the helpers, they’ve got stuff to say.”
Bobby, perhaps we’ve fallen out of favor as a medium because we haven’t worked as hard to stay visible. Consumers, investors, advertisers take us for granted because we often position ourselves that way. Radio has its challengers, to be sure, but still provides a great service to millions every day. Thanks for the reminder and the kind note.
Dear Fred,
A thanks to Jim Gilles formerly of WTMJ for calling my attention to this. I appreciate your big-picture view of the broadcasting industry.
For 15 years in Upper Midwest radio, I was BJ Crocker – from 1970 to 1985 – back when the radio personality was still an integral part of the music. Radio for me then was as important as oxygen.
From there, I spent 30 years in the in-home sales industry. In those 3 decades, I learned that the 2 words that broadcasting and sales have most in common are the words “Thank You” – which are like WD40 in the communication business. “Thank you for inviting me into your home and your life today.”
Thank you, Fred for sharing your heart in the article above…and for allowing me to reminisce with you today.
Ken, I very much appreciate hearing from you. It sounds like you’re had quite a career. And even though you moved away from radio in the 80s, some of the same fundamentals about serving customers and running a business are in place. I enjoyed reading your comment. And let’s not leave out the “THANK YOU.”