Radio has always been a small industry. Sadly these days, it keeps getting smaller.

But like any other environment, if you know your way around, you can learn, grow, and make a nice career out of it. The question is, how do you get better, especially when there’s no one at your station with the time to help you sharpen your skills?

In fact, more than four in ten (44%) air personalities in our new AQ study of commercial radio on-air talent told us they are never airchecked.

But this, I know. When you go to Morning Show Boot Camp – with purpose – it can positively influence your career. It can make you a better broadcaster. That’s because when you’re at this event, you’re among pros willing to help.

This year, our Research Director, Jason Hollins, dug deeper into our AQ6 data. And he learned that Boot Campers are different from others in the industry in myriad ways. In fact, when he compared those registered to attend this year’s conference with the rest of the sample, the differences were obvious and plentiful:

Now don’t ask me to explain the chicken-egg-of-it, because no one can begin to tell you with confidence where things started. Did a more dedicated, serious breed start coming to Boot Camp three or so decades ago, and their spirit turned out to be contagious?

OR…

Did a reasonably representative group of talent come to this event and began to realize something very special was going on – on the stage, in the bar, and over meals?

Don Anthony will tell you the vibe that now permeates Boot Camp wasn’t necessarily part of the plan. He might mention his goal was to facilitate a collegial, friendly, open environment among talent where they’d be comfortable comparing notes – and bits. But so much of what has transpired over the years at Boot Camp has been handed down like family traditions. The matriarchs and patriarchs who were early attendees adopted a pay-it-forward mindset, dedicated to helping the next generation of on-air talent.

When you go to Morning Show Boot Camp, you see that mindset stretched across the entire industry. It’s not the least big clubby. It IS warm, welcoming, and inclusive. Everyone pulls for everyone else. And while all aspire to be #1, there is a palpable spirit at this event you don’t usually see in other businesses, and one that rarely manifests itself throughout the rest of radio.

But at Boot Camp, it’s a community, a family of people in the same boat, defying the odds to entertain week in and week out. And these days, when the average air personality is wearing three “hats” – or jobs – well, there’s a lot of empathy in the room, too.

Yesterday’s blog post covered the overall vibe at Boot Camp, the part I wish every GM, CFO, COO, CEO, and owner could see for themselves. It’s an impressive atmosphere where everyone is pulling for each other.

But the big thing that sets this event apart is how today’s biggest radio stars openly support and actively mentor the newcomers. And how those new kids on the radio block are so open to learning from those who have come before them.

I remember first getting a sense for how the “old guard” felt a sort of responsibility to help the younger wannabes. I can’t tell you what year it was but I walked into the main room and there was a lively discussion going on about the value of social media. And there was Bob Rivers (pictured) and Gene & Julie (Gates) making the case for why social had become such an integral part of a personality’s marketing outreach.

I knew Bob because we had worked together for a couple years at KISW before he parted ways with the station. I had a sense for who he was professionally, but I had never seen him at a personal setting like Boot Camp. And it was exhilarating to watch this major market personality at the top of his game giving back to less experienced members of his community.

Same with the late Gene Gates who told an incredible story about he and Julie agreeing to speak to a women’s group in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, only to find out this organization had an email database over 100,000 women strong – just the type of people they needed to connect with on their morning show on KVIL.

And along with Bob, and Gene & Julie, there was Brother Wease who I knew as a consultant knows a morning show, but I had never seen him impart his wisdom like I did at Boot Camp.

I started connecting the dots, realizing how special this event – and these incredibly talented radio personalities – were in helping guide younger, less experienced Boot Campers.

In writing yesterday’s post, I sent an email to Boot Camp impresario, Don Anthony, asking for a list of those Boot Camp mentors – the ones who generously spend time and share stories with those who desire to step into the headphones of Scott Shannon, Delilah, Bobby Bones, and other greats who have entertained in big and small markets.

Don turned around and forwarded my request along to several of the top personalities he can count on to pick up the ball and help. And in the process of responding, that’s when the magic happened. Reading these replies from these talented radio entertainers reminded me once again why Boot Camp is so special.

Holly O’Connor – (The “Miguel & Holly Show”) – Hits 96.1 Charlotte

“Pretty humbling to be included on THIS email group! The experience Miguel and I get from year attendance is irreplaceable. Here’s to many more!

So fun to watch radio and this industry evolve. In all honesty, I always come back to my show and think I’m so incredibly overrated after hanging with all this damn talent.”

Mojo (of “Mojo in the Morning”) – Channel 95.5 Detroit

“This year I saw bootcamp through the eyes of my producer Lydia, who was a first timer, and it WAS AWESOME! It reminded me of my first. I learned SOO MUCH!!!!”

Mojo

Eric Rowe – Producer: Roula & Ryan Show – KRBE Houston

“Every year, I learn something new that fuels my drive and renews my passion. I return with a refreshed attitude, inspired by the greatness of everyone on this email. Thank you all for motivating me to keep working hard and striving for excellence. Without MSBC, I wouldn’t have the career or the incredible friendships I’ve built with all of you and so many others over the years. Thank you for being such an inspiring part of my journey that I hope keeps on going.”

Eric

Bert Weiss – “The Bert Show” – Atlanta

“So fun to watch radio and this industry evolve.”

Bert

Rick Rumble – FM99 – Norfolk

“Absolutely Love It!

Good for my radio soul.”

Roula Christie – “The Roula & Ryan Show” – KRBE/Houston

“It is ALWAYS a refresher to attend MSBC. I especially feel lucky to see these faces on this thread as I know our lives have grown and sometimes we just can’t make every year like we used to in the past.

Boot camp is also a great reminder to ground yourself. We have been given the gift of time in radio. It’s great to see new ideas and young eager talent coming up. The younger generations need to see our seasoned personalities so they can see a future for themselves as well.

I have enjoyed learning from you all so much over the years and thankful for this group.”

😘

Roula

Dave Smiley – The Smiley Morning Show – WZPL/Indianapolis

“I agree with everyone!!

I love going to bootcamp, learning and visiting with other radio people!

Thanks DON!”

Michelle McKormick – Mornings – WLAV/Grand Rapids

“Changed the way i do radio.. great to see everyone AND get fired up again!”

M2

< the next day >

“Now I feel like I need to say something better … I love you all too! YOU make me WANT to keep learning and evolving … and…  I’m very proud to know all of you idiots. Sigh… tear wipe.”

M2

In the workplace – when people actually show up – paying it forward may be becoming an anachronism. And when an industry goes through tough times – like radio is experiencing – it often becomes even more challenging to summon up the bandwidth to give the next generation a boost.

At Morning Show Boot Camp once again this year, the paying it forward philosophy was on display once again. It is truly a sight – and sound – to behold.

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Fred Jacobs

President & Founder at Jacobs Media

Fred Jacobs founded Jacobs Media in 1983, and quickly became known for the creation of the Classic Rock radio format.

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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