I loved Mike McVay’s column in Radio Ink yesterday. “A Lesson From Media’s Barbie Era” takes a smart look at two very prominent females in the news – the aforementioned Barbie and Taylor Swift. Both are creating tons of buzz, selling untold amounts of tickets and merch, and setting the tone for our pop culture. In fact, both women are proving themselves to be bigger than life. Mike did a great job of connecting the dots.
Late yesterday, the news of Paul Reubens death was the topic of “Breaking News” and push alerts. A huge force in the late 80’s among millions of Gen Xers, Reubens was better known as Pee-wee Herman, a true cult character. Reubens died of cancer at the age of 70, just days after the passing of Sinead O’Connor, another pop culture star from the same era.
Since the news of each of their deaths broke, news media outlets and social media sites have been teeming with heartfelt tributes, slathering on the accolades. And why not? Each was an immense talent in their own right, Reubens a brilliant comedian and satirist, and O’Connor as a singer, songwriter, and activist of amazing range, courage, and depth.
And yet for both, their careers for all intents and purposes ended tragically, due in part to the choices each made and the reaction of media and society. By now you likely know the stories behind their respective demises.
For O’Connor, it was a musical appearance on “Saturday Night Live” in October of 1992. She tore up a photo of Pope John Paul II, declaring “Fight the real enemy.” It was a shot in protest of sexual abuse in the Catholic church – and she paid the price for what was considered at the time, an outrageous, gross stunt.
“SNL’s” Lorne Michaels declared a lifetime ban of O’Connor, and many took her to task, including even Madonna, no stranger to attention getting stunts on live TV of her own.
O’Connor’s career would never recover. Despite being right, she was a constant victim of jokes, vitriol, and ridicule. She passed away last week at 56.
Reubens had a massive TV hit with his “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.” The whacked-out show aired on CBS on Saturday mornings between 1986 and 1991, after his hit movie “Pee-wee Big Adventure.” Here’s the show’s theme song:
Reubens was brilliant, outrageously funny, and cult hero to millions…until he was arrested in a Sarasota, Florida adult movie theater on an indecent exposure charge.
While Reubens resumed his career after shedding the Pee-wee Herman persona, that incident in Florida stayed with him, limiting his stardom.
The deaths of both O’Connor and Reubens just days apart made me think about other talented radio stars who were often misunderstood or simply are unable to overcome an unfortunate decision or incident.
Don Imus comes to mind, a big star on WNBC in New York until drugs, his lifestyle, and his brash comments chased him to Cleveland. Of course, he returned to WNBC, and later found immense fame on WFAN.
Jim Ladd is another immensely talented star whose adherence to playing the music he wants to play no doubt cost him career stability and compensation. Always a rebel, Jim has always been a man of conviction, no matter the cost.
And more recently, the dynamic WFAN personality Craig Carton, convicted of wire and securities fraud. After serving a year in prison, Carton was released in 2020, and then rejoined the station. His career survived the momentary legal glitch and Carton has now been hired by Fox Sports 1.
And I’m sure most of you can think of other capable radio personalities who have been punished for their free spirits or who unfortunately found themselves out of work or even unemployable due to a questionable decision or simply going against the grain.
As radio pros behind the mic or behind the scenes know all too well, some of the most talented personalities can be unmanageable, incorrigible, or simply a handful.
Yesterday, this year’s inductees for the Radio Hall of Fame were announced. Among the air personalities in that august group, I’m proud to count John DeBella and Bob Rivers as pros I’ve had the honor to work with. (I’m also thrilled for native Detroiter, Pat St. John, who also made the HoF cut this year.)
I’m sure that when DeBella and Rivers look back on their careers, they remember the glory days, but also the rough patches; those moments when someone in management took a chance on them, despite the odds, the research, and even common sense.
The passings of O’Connor and Reubens are especially sad because we were deprived of their talents, and they likely suffered the cost of their sullied images and the media fallout that followed.
It’s a reminder to all of us tasked with discovering, nurturing, and trying to bring out the best in talent to be more tolerant and understanding, especially in the face of adversity.
It is their rebellious spirit that makes them popular and enigmatic. We need to respect that, and help them navigate the inevitable rough waters that accompany every high-profile career.
Every great personality plying their trade on the broadcast radio airwaves needs all the help, understanding, support, and empathy we can give them.
Thanks to “the posse,” Steve Goldstein, Tom Bender, and Buzz Knight.
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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Good timing on this column… Don Geronimo in DC just got bit the other day for disparaging comments about a female sports journalist.
Seems to me it could have been handled a whole lot differently, but that was the decision.
Probably would have been handled differently had it not been associated with Dan Snyder’s former team days after the “new” era had begun…I typically root for Geronimo – since his days (nights) at PGC…and was a bit surprised when iHeart hired him at all knowing that company better than some. I guess he could end up at Audacy in some capacity…but who knows
Fred: Once again you are right on the money. I had the pleasure of working with a bunch of very talented on air pros including Craig and of course Howard and Rush in his early days. I only had two that, due to upper management misunderstanding and narrow mindedness, was forced to move them on. Craig was one of them. Great talent, and wonderful on air instincts. We will leave the other name off the list as he went on to be one of the countries best major radio company programming executives. His brief on air carrier proved he had the juice. As you mentioned the mind set of the very talented is different. Your three compatriots and you are part of the few who truly understand. Thanks for reminding me. J
Thanks, Fred — always timely and insightful. These aren’t the first or the last personalities needed to be bailed out.
I like your comment, “ It is their rebellious spirit that makes them popular and enigmatic. We need to respect that, and help them navigate the inevitable rough waters…” I’m not sure if that’s even possible in today’s climate. Or, if any person or corporation has the stamina to do that. And that’s worrisome for whomever the next generation, if there is one, turns out to be. Without some ability to make sustainable “noise”, what creates/defines personality to an extent that passionate fans form? Great topic for discussion. Seems like a pizza brainstorming session we would have had in the 80’s/90’s when trying to hire a new morning show to combat the cross town competitor…
I’ve always felt that the much maligned Paul Jacobs deserves more credit. This often misunderstood consultant has admittedly come close to crossing the line with his humor. But still, those who know him well admire his boldness and perspicacity.
The truth hurts!
Resonates with me. On the Facebook posting, Greg Lee posted about Jim Ladd, and I replied. Fred, you were definitely mentioning him as an example. Many of us swim against the tide. Little story about Paul Reubens. Had the pleasure of meeting him backstage at the first Comic Relief show in 1986. Was doing mornings at KNAC, LA that year, and we were chatting about comedy. Since I had a small tape recorder with me, I asked him to do an I.D. He switched on the Pee Wee Herman persona in a heartbeat and recorded a very funny one. Later on, The Lobster Breakfast had the good fortune of migrated up the coast. I was home again in San Francisco at CBS’ FM, 97.3, KRQR The Rocker, San Francisco. BJ Shea was trying out as my sidekick that day when the Sarasota bust happened. Needless to say, we were off and running. A call to the Sarasota Sheriff’s office resulted in our being faxed the arrest sheet, complete with mug shot. Our consultant asked for a copy faxed to him, so he could share with other client stations. It went viral before viral was a thing. RIP, Paul Reubens and Sinead O’Connor.
Appreciate the great comment & the inside story, Paul. Everyone who met Paul Reubens came away impressed by what a truly nice – and truly funny – person he was.
Just about any personality on radio,TV,movies,etc. have a fault that can be hidden from view unless an incident occurs.Another fault the person can have is being disagreeable or not following the rules like Jim Ladd.The thing that makes a personality fun for listeners can be a irritant for management.
Managers since the start of broadcasting know this.Why do you think “moral clauses” are included in contracts?
You are correct – listeners often vicariously live out their fantasies about telling the boss off through a rebellious radio personality like Howard Stern.
I hope this connects with a lot of programmers.
Me, too.