Just before the British invasion in Winnipeg, CKY had the Yankee invasion.The station had recently hired Jimmy Darin to be their new program director, and he, in turn, had hired fellow Americans Gary Todd, Chuck Dann, and Dean Scott. (Gary, Jim, Dean, and me pictured on top, and me as a rookie at CKY-FM pictured at the bottom.)
Right from the get-go, I learned how big-time radio worked, and before long, I was producing and writing promos and also producing some radio programs.
“Jim was only in Canada for a short period of time but nonetheless he changed Canadian Radio forever.
Some of the Hall of Fame legends that Jim influenced while he was in Winnipeg were, J Robert Wood, Chuck McCoy, Gary Russell, Daryl ‘B’, Rick Hallson, and Bob McMillan. Hell, even Warren Cosford who worked across the street at CJOB claimed that he was inspired by Jim. (Gary Russell, J Robert Wood, Me, and Chuck McCoy, pictured above all worked at CKY.)
The way it worked was, the folks would call the Pastor and tell him about their problems (primarily romantic), and he would offer up his advice.
However, before I got to produce my first show, I had to meet with Jim to discuss how he wanted the whole thing to go.
At that meeting, Jim told me that the reason he wanted me on the already popular show was that he thought that I could make it even bigger.
He went on to explain that not all of the callers will be legitimate but the “phony calls” will be hard to spot because they will be well-thought-out and scripted.
However, when the pastor begins to offer up his advice, the caller will “punk” him with some vile and disgusting language.
“Not so fast squirrel,” he says, “You and I are programmers and what programmers do is get ratings.”
In fact,” he claimed, “The slower you fade out their disgusting phone calls, the faster our ratings will rise.”
He claims now that our meeting was merely a figment of my imagination. Right, Jimmy!!!
It’s ok to make mistakes but just not the same ones over and over again.
A habit is much easier to continue with than a commitment is.
Media of the past has never recognized the media of the future
If you ever reach the point where you finally understand women, you may have to be killed.
When I was a kid, all my dreams were pretty stupid because none were based on reality. Amazingly enough, they all came true.
Radio makes its own choices and suffers the consequences.
Winning ain’t everything; standing for something is everything.
For every Yin, there’s a Yang, so there must be something good about Global Warming?
The only people making decent money today are those who decide what we make.
Aren’t CFOs just scorekeepers? Why do we let them in the game?
Other than taking a knee, what else have these rich athletes done for their communities?
Almost all talent comes from the dark side but much too often, the dark side wins.
There are six sides to every story which means that Republican and Democrat supporters are missing five of them.
How are you? Great blog, and speaking of you “leaving it all behind to do radio in America,” I have an idea I’m kicking around in my head and wanted to ask your opinion. I’ve got a new song I wrote and recorded called “Children of America,” and it’s getting some great responses from a few music friends in Nashville and even my old songwriting partner Steve Miller. I also think it could be re-recorded by a male country artist (maybe even Kid Rock now that he’s on a Nashville record label) and maybe even as a duet with the brilliant young Canadian country artist Lindsey Ell. Who knows, maybe Steve would get in on the fun, and I’d love to see something happen right away.
I think the current Nike controversy and the ‘taking a knee’ issue might even help my very ‘American’ song get some traction in country radio and, especially, for the upcoming holiday season. I guess that’s about it for now, and keep on writing those sizzling great blogs!
Here’s the link to stream and/or download “Children of America”
https://mccartyondylan.
Pre-president Trump was, at the very least, a con man, more than likely a criminal and possibly a traitor. But, oh, let’s not disparage the poor man.
This is the same guy David Letterman chose as his favorite buffoon during The Late, Late Show era. They’d get him to do and say all sorts of ridiculous things because Trump loves attention. That’s the key to all of it.
I’ll admit, “The Donald’s” immigration policies are similar to what I agree with, which also happen to be very similar to Obama’s – other than the wall. But I think it’s important to remember, too, that Obama came into office with a severe global financial crisis on his plate in 2008 inherited from W, who foolishly suspended banking/housing regulations. Obama and the legislative branch got us out of it, thank goodness. When Trump took office, all he had to do was tear Obama a new one. And so he has. (Unthinkable Trump)
Irene Nys Lester: I last saw Bill Wakeman about 10 to 12 years ago. He was with his wife and was entertaining a group of TCI alumni at a restaurant. We used to get together once a year, but I haven’t heard of any more get-togethers in years. They were quite good and apparently did this for a living. I’m sorry he’s gone; we have lost many good people, including my husband.
Keep up these blogs I enjoy all the info! (Do You Believe In Magic?)
Michael Gillespie: I don’t have to click on the picture – I can hear the Jury in my head! I can “hear” the acoustics and recognize the room where it was recorded! Or I could walk over and open my box of treasured ’45s’ and hold it to my forehead. (Not Guilty – The Jury)
Anita Mitchell: I started to work at WDW before we opened and graduated in the first Walt Disney World University class. Mike Vance was absolutely one of the best in training, and after years of attending a lot of lectures like this, he still rates as one of the best. (There Are 6 Sides To Every Story)
Geo: Only once Bill, it’s all I could afford.
Geo: Life’s been good to me, Merilee.
Geo: Knowing you, Bill, you’ve probably still got that 26K.
It filled me with glee
The travels, the stations…
And little ol’ me! Your coaching is brilliant
Your humor, divine
I appreciate your wisdom
And that you enjoy wine! We’re lucky to know you
I apply your technique
No DJ delivery
Just pure Magnifique! (Or will be soon:-) (Rhyming My Life Away)
Geo: Angela, I love this almost as much as I love working with you.
Geo’s Media Blog is a politically incorrect inside look at Radio, TV, Music, Movies, and Life. For a sneak peek at some upcoming Blogs, or to see some that you may have missed, go to Geo’s Media Blog @ GeorgeJohns.com. On Twitter @GeoOfTheRadio.Sharing and commenting is not only encouraged; it’s appreciated.
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When I left Fairbanks Broadcasting in Indiana and headed to California to start my own consulting company, I had no idea how it all worked.