“How can you teach young jocks to ‘be real’ — to break out of the ‘I’m a DJ’ persona and become communicators?”
Critique others jocks’ airchecks in front of the young radio jock.
From your collection of airchecks from rejected job applicants, play some samples that in some way reflect areas of weakness shared by your young jock.
Critique them, break by break.
You do not need to point out that the jock on the aircheck is doing something your young jock also does.
And you should not make the connection too obvious. If you’ve been trying to help your jock ramble less, don’t play just a single break in which someone else rambles a lot; play several breaks from that aircheck.
Include with the “bad” airchecks samples of jocks who embody “real” radio communication.
The month began with a trip to Appleton, Wisconsin, where I conducted a full-day radio programming seminar for the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.
I flew from L.A. to Chicago, then changed to a very small jet for the brief flight to Appleton. Seated next to me was an Australian chap who, judging from his aroma, apparently hadn’t had an opportunity to bathe for several weeks.
Coincidentally, my return flight from Chicago to L.A. was highlighted by two very loud drunks across the aisle from me. Australians, both of them.
This, by the way, is the way New Zealanders say all Aussies are.
I refuse to take sides. In the battle between Australia and New Zealand, I’m Switzerland.
