We have two dogs – a Cavalier King Charles spaniel who is fun and frisky, and a big brown bear-like mutt that we refer to us as our “rescue dog.” Koko was found tied up outside one of the local humane societies, and she instantly became a fixture in our home. I wish there was a way to breed more of her. She’s one of a kind and has been a great family friend for more than a decade.
The other day, I ran across this bumper sticker on a nearby car, I thought of Koko, and had to smile. The truth is that while we probably saved Koko from a very bad outcome, our family has derived many benefits from her presence. She is sweet, smart, loving, and has never given us a bad moment.
And in a strange sort of way, I had a metaphorical experience much like that late last month that I wanted to share with you. I was asked to be the guest speaker at the 2012 banquet for WSDP (88.1 The Escape), a high school FM station that operates out of the Plymouth-Canton district here in suburban Detroit.
It turned out to be a tough day for me – some stressful moments with clients, the Conclave Techsurvey8 webinar – and then a last minute drive to get to this radio awards dinner on time.
I have been a regular guest lecturer for their radio class, courtesy of Bill Keith and Lauren Cummings, but the chance to speak at their annual radio banquet was an honor I couldn’t pass up. Here was my opportunity to give these fledgling radio stars my best advice, culled from decades of in-the-trenches experience.
And that I did. But after my speech, I was treated to an experience that I only wish you could have been there with me to see. In the process of handing out awards and wishing WSDP’s graduating seniors well, I was witness to something that most radio professionals rarely, if ever, get to see – more than three dozen excited, passionate high school kids who LOVE radio. At WSDP, they do play-by-play sports, they jock, they have a digital presence, there’s production and imaging, and yes, fund-raising. In short, 360° of radio.
Earlier in the year, WSDP changed formats from deepish Indie Rock to a more mainstream pop hits approach. The students, led by senior PD Kyle Linford, had to completely revamp the entire station – the music, the production, the sound, and the vibe. Listening to them explain how they relied on each other to get important tasks accomplished, and how they spent hours and hours at the station to make it happen was nothing short of inspiring.
Music Director Christina Edgerton delivered a great speech about how working for WSDP changed her life, energized her, and gave her a new-found appreciation of camaraderie and working toward a common goal. And many of the other students stepped to echo her comments, and tell their stories about how their times in radio were plain old unparalleled fun.
Kyle Linford (pictured) is the guts and glue of the place, and most definitely a star of the future, having already secured work at Ann Arbor’s 107.1 while still in high school. Keep an eye on this guy.
You’ve probably all seen some impressive college radio up-and-comers, but this group of high schoolers so impressed me with their unbridled passion for a medium that many of us shrug about or take for granted. And their enthusiastic parents were in attendance, supporting these kids in every possible way.
On this night, there was no talk about Pandora or EBITDA or unfriendly takeovers or voicetracking. There were no jaded attitudes, rumors about cutbacks, or paranoia about the new format. Instead, it was about good old-fashioned roll-up-your-sleeves local radio. The students had just come off an incredibly successful auction where they raised nearly $13,000. (If you’re so inclined and inspired by this story, you can donate here. Under “select a fund,” use the dropdown to click on WSDP).
So, did I do them a favor by taking time out of my crazy-busy schedule to speak at their radio banquet?
Or did I get something much more out of the deal in the form of some much-need inspiration on a not-so-great day in the life of a grizzled radio vet?
I think the answer’s obvious.
Thanks, WSDP. Ask me back anytime.
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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