Comments on: MY TRAVEL HORROR STORIES INTERRUPED BY BAD RADIO MANAGER BEHAVIOR

By: James Rabe

James Rabe — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:18:22 +0000

I used to work at a station that was THE station for school delays/cancellations, etc. If no travel was advised, we always quoted the authority that issued the advisory ("The State Police advise no travel due to much death!).

I liked that…it got the news out, didn't tick off any clients (because we all know some clients will complain about the dumbest stuff) and gave more weight to the advisory.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 01:20:42 +0000

Here's one-

In the mid-90's, I worked for a News/Talk station that promoted we would have traffic reports both before and after an NFL game. This happened in a major city.

The problem was that they didn't want to pay the traffic reporter to stay "on the clock" for traffic after the game. They only ponied up for the pre-game reports. So, once the game started, they had him feed BOGUS traffic reports to the control room, where they were recorded for later use. The PD told him to record reports that contained only the expected, routine details of what the traffic situation would probably be. Which he did.

Guess what.

After the game, there was a MASSIVE wreck on a major freeway leading from the stadium. Traffic was at a complete standstill. Our listeners were hearing that nothing was going on with not a single mention of the wreck or the delays. We received calls for days asking how our guy had missed the wreck.

Embarrassing.

By: Tony Currie

Tony Currie — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:13:47 +0000

Any attempt to manipulate the facts for commercial reasons would, very rightly, cause the station to face a massive fine from our UK regulator, OFCOM. When five tv faked winners in a competition it was fined £300,000. Even tiny radio stations have faced very hefty fines for misleading listeners/viewers.

Commercial interests should NEVER dictate the way in which news (which includes sports, weather and travel news) is reported.

By: Glen Pavlovich

Glen Pavlovich — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:52:20 +0000

I've seen this A LOT over the years. Not to this extreme, I don't think...but stations who want to adjust the facts for their own benefit.

I don't completely disagree, however. For example, winter sports are big here. It also get VERY cold here... (hence the winter sports). The wx guy can approach a -20 windchill two different ways.

1. "Windchill will be -20 today, a good day to stay indoors."
2. "Windchill will be -20 today, bundle up kids for the schoolbus, and put on some extra layers on the slopes."

If he refuses to take the "positive" approach.. then YES fire him.

By: Brad LaRock

Brad LaRock — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:49:47 +0000

I have worked for people like that. Screw integrity, lets make money at all costs.