Don't Be Surprised!!

Courtesy of Al Peterson's NTS Aircheck:

» "We All Should Be Fair And Balanced!" That's what U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) said in an interview on FOX News earlier today when asked if he favored a return of the repealed Fairness Doctrine. On the eve of what polls predict will be a Democratic majority in Congress and a Democrat in the White House, Schumer was asked if he supports the idea of government intervention into what broadcast radio -- primarily Talk radio -- programs. "The very same people who don't want the Fairness Doctrine want the FCC to limit pornography on the air," said the NY Senator. "I am for that, but you can't say government [should be] hands off in one area to a commercial enterprise, but you are allowed to intervene in another. That's not consistent." Schumer's remarks come in the wake of recent indications of support for a return of the Fairness Doctrine by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and other congressional Democrats.

It doesn't matter what side of the political spectrum you are on, if this were to come to fruition it would dramatically change the talk radio landscape--for the worse. It potentially could further hurt an already hurting industry.

We need to remain dillegent and not let this creep up on us.

On The Road In Phoenix

Hopped a plane today to attend Al Peterson's Talk Media Conference. The opening keynote speech was Paul Harvey Jr. He has been writing "The Rest of the Story" for his dad Paul Harvey Sr. for 30 years and has been behind the mic many times himself over the years as well.

He talked about the need for unique content, and to have it written and produced to the highest standards. He criticized some of the "lesser" content on the radio and suggested the industry was in dire need of writers and producers to bring the content to life. He also spoke of a day when some longer term broadcasters might re-enter the broadcasting business and commit to broadcast excellence. He's certainly not the first person to speak similar words and he won't be the last.

It's hard to argue that our industry would benefit from these suggestions, but, given today's thrifty environment it's hard to imagine any of it happening in the near term.

Dave Ramsey-Radio Star

Today in Al Peterson's NTS Aircheck update:

» Ramsey Draws A Crowd: Nationally syndicated talker Dave Ramsey drew more than 9,000 paid attendees to his first "Total Money Makeover" event of 2008, held last night (1/24) in very chilly Grand Rapids, MI in conjunction with Dave Ramsey Show affiliates WTKG and WOOD. Ramsey, who seems to be popping up just about everywhere on TV this past month, will host a slew of live events this spring, with stops scheduled for Dallas, Kansas City, Portland (OR), Louisville, Birmingham and San Antonio. He'll also be a featured speaker at the upcoming Al Peterson's Talk Media Conference, Feb. 20-22, in Phoenix.

Let me repeat...9000 PAID attendees in Grand Rapids, MI. That's huge! Now I know Dave Ramsey has written popular books and gotten lots of TV exposure including his own show on the fledgling Fox Business Network. But let's not forget all of that happened as a byproduct of the radio show.

A lot of what gets discussed on this blog and numerous others tend to highlight the ills of our industry and what we need to do better. I thought as the week comes to a close it would be nice to highlight a guy who is successfully doing what we all talk about-creating great and compelling content.

Let me also take this opportunity to recommend Al Peterson's Talk Media Conference, Feb. 20-22, in Phoenix. The lineup is excellent and I am looking forward to attending. If you are going to be there let's be sure to get together.