Handing the keys over to the kids in radio....

My long time friend and colleague Pat Holiday is writing some pretty spectactular blogs these days and his successful history in radio makes these blogs 100% relevant and respected.

One recent one covered, and I'll paraphrase the topic, with all the changes in media, distribution, ownership, and technical advances affecting tuning and programming maybe the 'old school guys' (like me/him) may not be as relevant in this new environment as we once were.

For reference the complete blog is here:  http://www.fyimusicnews.ca/articles/2015/11/02/pat-holiday-talent-timeless

I was thinking about an analogy for this and it reminded me of when I first asked my father for the keys to his classic Corvette.  Dad 'hesitatingly' knew I was ready to take his 454 horse power Stingray rocket on the street when I asked for the keys at age 18 BUT before he handed them over he provided some sage advice so that we 'both' felt comfortable with this paradigm shift in our relationship.

That being said I think it's time to do as Pat says - but not without some of "Dad's sage advice before we do!"

I fully 'agree' with Pat's premise but fired back a short retort to him along with a few other thoughts that I think are important before the new kids put the throttle to the floor in the ever changing world of radio.

Here they are:

Another excellent column Pat - and I can certainly identify with your thoughts on 'next gen' broadcasters.  

I too think it's time for new ideas and concepts and they're likely not going to come from 'old guard' programming concepts.

My only concern is that, with the massive layoffs and centralized programming departments, these younger broadcasters still need guidance on WHY and HOW radio works - because if the basics aren't there the rest simply won't matter.

Being digitally integrated is huge - I agree - but if you don't take your eyes up off your smartphone or laptop to 'talk' to listeners; to be in the public eye; to get involved in LOCAL community efforts then these broadcasters aren't utilizing the full magnitude of the elements that make 'good' programming become 'great.'

We've all watched people gravitate to the 'legendary' morning guys at events - people like Terry Dimonte, Gerry Forbes (brother plug), Brother Jake, Humble and Fred, Rob Christie, (and many other highly successful broadcasters) whereas today most of the morning shows on radio have almost faceless single name hosts who never seem to step out of their homes or the station after hours.  Community engagement still works yet it's slipping away from some operations.   

Nothing bothers me more nowadays watching radio station promo booths 'shoved to the corners' at key events and being manned by street team people who are too busy playing Angry Birds or Words with Friends instead of actually chatting with listeners about the radio stations they are there to represent.

Plus, ALL great performers need one thing - 'coaching' - and the greatest losses (in my opinion) are in the mid to upper levels of Programming - so that daily interaction just isn't there anymore.  

You and I got to our positions by working with and for some of the finest minds in broadcasting - a list too lengthy to mention but I'm sure you'd agree that having those people guide us along through the various formats, ownership changes, rule changes, and competitive situations we faced was the key to US ending up in the corner office of Standard Radio of which we both were so fortunate to have done.

As you mentioned in the column a great deal has changed for guys like you and me in the industry over the past few years....some of it obviously good, some of it bad....but witnessing the reaction to your columns with comments on Facebook it's clear that  'mentoring' and 'teaching' is still badly needed in the industry.  

I still love chatting with the 'talent' in the various radio stations I visit constantly - and I hope they don't think of me as just an "old grey haired bugger who used to be in the radio business."

When I offer a comment most of them say "hey - thanks for listening" or "I havent had an aircheck in months (or ever)" - damn simple.   If the very basics of radio are not done well or even done 'at all' some of the new found creativity will simply not be successful and that would be a pity.     One other thing....there's nothing better than 'reverse' mentoring too.  I really love sitting down with young folks in the business, or speaking at things like the Broadcast Educators Association of Canada conventions, to learn from the folks in the business today so that I get a better understanding of the current situation.  It's win/win.

Plus...I love being the 'oldest guy in next gen' - and as you know "I teach Twitter."   

There you have it.  I think most of us in the industry are waiting for the 'next big thing' - something exciting, new, innovative, fun, game changing - kinda like what Netflix did to Blockbuster - and some day somebody will make that breakthrough - I hope.

If nothing else keep reading Pat's blogs - on FYI Music - and follow him on Twitter @patholiday - because I know you will learn lots from a man who accomplished much in his career.

Snowbird season is here - stuff you should know!

It's been awhile since my last Snowbird blog update.  Much has changed.

First off, the Canadian dollar is definitely killing both tourism and real estate in the United States currently and it’s hard to guess when this situation might improve.   

Methinks it won’t be ‘soon.'

However the fact is when it's 30 below in Alberta it's likely 25-30 above in Arizona - so you can sit and freeze your butt off during the winter OR budget accordingly and come enjoy one of America's finest playgrounds in Arizona or California.

In the Phoenix area alone there are over 270 golf courses in and around the city of 4.5 million; with a wide variety of prices and skill levels.   

If you hunt carefully you can find special deals and they DO appreciate their Canadian visitors so don't hesitate to tell them you're playing on a 'reduced' dollar and see what they come up with.

For entertainment there's a world class music or arts facility in each of the cities that make up Phoenix - including the surrounding suburbs.

From 'soft seaters' like the beautiful Scottsdale Performing Centre or Mesa Arts Centre - to downtown Phoenix’s one hundred year old beautiful Orpheum Theatre to the outdoor covered Ak Chin Theatre that holds about 25,000 people.

In a city as large as Phoenix stars from all genres visit 'weekly' - and concerts down there are often priced at about 'half' of what we generally pay here at Canadian venues.   Most of the casinos have small intimate venues where you can see 'classic' bands for a very reasonable ticket price too.

For music lovers the Musical Instruments Museum in Scottsdale is a must...an extremely interesting venue with musical instruments from the beginning of time - and a beautiful intimate theatre were world class musicans play jazz, classical, folk, blues, etc..

Sports lovers can enjoy all the biggies - the Arizona Coyotes (NHL), the Phoenix Suns (NBA), the Arizona Diamondbacks (Baseball); NASCAR races; and of course college teams that draw large crowds too.

Whichever direction you drive in, around, or just outside the city you'll find rich history sites and highlights include stunningly beautiful Sedona, interesting ghost towns and some deep deep copper mines east of Gilbert.

If you're considering buying a condo or home in the area you'd be wise to talk to somebody who specializes in Canadian buyers and I highly recommend Gary Peruzinni who is the contact person who has assisted me and more than a dozen of my friends in their purchases in Arizona.

I asked Gary a few key questions including:

1.  What's the current situation with Phoenix and area real estate?  Has it 'recovered' from the post 2008 dip.

"The Phoenix Metro area has rebounded nicely from the initial down turn.. The correction high has not been attained. In other words we have not recovered completely as of yet however the volume of foreclosures and short sales have been absorbed.

During this correction many groups and hedge funds purchased much of the available inventory. 

These properties have been entered into the rental pool. The expectation was that much of this rental property would be held until the market recovered. Conversely to the strategy expectations these properties are yielding higher rents causing very little motivation to kill the "golden goose". 

The thinking goes something like this. Why sell and lose the cash flow while properties continue to appreciate?

Due to this and a few other conditions the availability of entry level property is down hence rising prices."

2.  What is the biggest thing a Canadian should know about US real estate vs Can real estate?

"Because the US is tied to the development of Real Estate and all of the associated industries as a huge portion of the GDP. There is political capital available to support the market through things like:

A. Low down payments, FHA is 3% down, VA can be a  Zero (zed) down payment
B. Owners of primary residences which are financed have the opportunity to deduct from there federal taxes the interest paid for the year. That calculation is total annual interest times the effective income tax rate of the home owner.

C. There also exists a capital gain free sales window for those that have resided in the home (as their primary residence) for 2 of the last 5 years. The maximum window varies if you are married $500,000 or single $250,000. Currently there is no limit to this exemption. It can be utilized as often as one might qualify for it. If timed correctly a person could live in a home for two years lease it for two years and then sell it without tax. The property owner could have 2-3 homes in play with this strategy."

3.  Any other tips or information you’d like to convey?

"Seasonal use of a property in Arizona provides so many intangibles. What to do with the time in Arizona never seems to be an issue. The cost of living and the property taxes provide for a cost effective way to enjoy some or all of the winter in Arizona. Canadians seem to have a budget for winter escape. When doing the math it very cost effective."

A few other important things you should be aware of if you’re considering visiting or buying over the winter you’d wise to know includes:

1.  Know the 'legal' aspects of buying and visiting the United States.  The most current up-to-date book I recommend is The Border Guide - by Robert Keats.  It's updated often and you can find information on it at theborderguide.com

2.  You are only allowed to be in the United States for 181 days annually - but it's a complicated formula of what counts and what doesn't when you go back and forth.  Both borders are now 'sharing' information so you're wise to set up a formal system tracking your visits.  

It’s not a ‘calendar’ allotment but an annual tally and it resets after you have been out of the US for 30 days.

3.  The Health Care coverage you receive when leaving Canada is different in EACH Province for how many months you are allowed to be out of the country and it does NOT align with the 181 day rules so 'know you're particular rules.'

4.  I highly suggest you join the Canadian Snowbird Association - snowbirds.org - it's very inexpensive and they provide constantly updated information about the US situation.  They provide Health Coverage; organize special events that you can attend for updates (and meet other Snowbirds); and have been lobbying the US Government for a modification to the Days Allowed in the US - attempting to get us 240 days.

5.  Get a HOME CHECKER if you buy a place down there.  Mine goes in 'weekly' - brings my mail in; picks up anything that is left at the front door (menus, etc) that would be left there for months showing that I'm likely not at home; he checks various things around the place - and makes sure the water gets turned on to circulate during the 115F summer days so that pipes and toilets (seals) don't go dry and cause problems.

6.  Get an A/C-Heat deal from one of the local providers.  They come twice a year to make sure that your units are working properly.  I also have an ADT deal that allows me to turn both on - via an iPad app - so that I know they're both working prior to my visits - and to cool the place down prior to my arrival.  These past two suggestions are 'plus' items for your Insurance provider too - don't leave a home empty.

7.  Finally check your cell phone 'roaming' policy and costs as you can get a huge surprise when you head home if you have used your phone extensively down there.  Usually you have a roaming charge and a separate charge for 'text' usage - so again have your provider explain their costs to you - and 'each one in Canada is different.'  ie. Bell, Rogers, Telus, etc.

Be aware that many laws are very different as is the culture.  A sun destination is a wonderful place to wait out winter - but it’s imperative that you remember that you are in another country and their ways and laws can be dramatically different than what ours - so do your homework just in case.

Radio managed by remote control....

I proudly worked with the finest ownership groups in Canadian radio over 4 decades.

They were all great radio stations owned by great radio broadcast groups - plain and simple.

From 'day one' in my career these companies hired the very best General Managers in the business that they could find and/or 'develop' in their systems.

I learned 'everything' from these people - including my late Father who ran 630 CHED when it had a 55 share of listening in the Edmonton market in the 1970's.

Can you imagine that share today :)

A 'great' General Manager does many things to make a radio station highly successful.

He/She "manages by walking around" first and foremost.  Not just in the morning but throughout the day to touch everybody they possibly can regardless of shift or responsabilities.

He/She greeted people in the hallways - at their desks - at the coffee machine and asked about 'their families' - how'd junior do at his first hockey game? - how'd the daughter do in the dance competition? - how your folks health situation was - you know, the things that 'weigh' on somebody's minds while they're at the office doing their job or trying to inform/entertain an audience.

Find me a morning show - your highest paid employees generally - who doesn't enjoy knowing the GM drove in to the station actually 'listening' to their show - popping his/her head in to the control room to say "great show guys" or "thanks for showing up to the station event last night!"

My bro Ger has done mornings for 35 plus years in Toronto, Edmonton, and Calgary and I can assure you he still enjoys a pat on the back or a kick in the ass comment about his show.

OK maybe the kick part isn't accurate but I can tell you that he still loves to learn and adjusts his show to what Management wants to hear with positive input to his show.

A great GM 'manages' the community.

Attending those 'must attend' functions.  Giving back to 'key needs' in the local market.  Putting a face to a name.  Getting out of the corner office and 'learning' what the hot spots are in the city.  Donating time or cash or both to various important causes - like children's hospitals - somebodys wheelchair that was just stolen - chatting with parents, Doctors, Nurses, kids and grandparents that all need a little 'love' or support from their local radio station.

He/She worked on committees - like the United Way for example - where 35 or so 'business leaders' OR their extended family (spouses/kids) are part of important committees 'building' the city.

At those committee meetings 'more than once' I remember discussions by business leaders asking us which companies in town (locally or nationally owned)  'gave back' to the City of Edmonton in which they were receiving 'profits' from their business.

More than once when somebody said a certain non locally based company informed us that they were not going to contribute to the United Way this year - the call went out to us with the message  - 'and which of us are going to use THEIR services from now on?"

Sometimes those donations hit home hard - for example - The Bear once donated several 'heart monitors' to the neonatal section at the Royal Alec here in Edmonton.  At last count I believe THREE family members (or a friend/neighbor) had newborn children that used those monitors.

GM's 'meet and mingle' with leaders of industry. 

The General Manager attended NHL and CFL games - mingling with 'customers' in the concourse - listening to opinions about our various radio stations - our 'performers' - our 'newsrooms' - etc. etc. etc.

A General Manager works hand in hand with ownership centralized in another city to let them know what is "different" in this city and why a National roll out of a concept or idea just may need a little local 'tweaking' to make certain it worked in their own particular market.

And let me assure you Edmonton is different from Vancouver - from Calgary - from Toronto and from Halifax or Penticton.

Good companies listened and gave those General Managers the freedom to make those adjustments.

A Good General Manager 'fights' for his/her employees - his/her format - and his/her special needs in the budget so as not to simply take a carbon copy decision that is often made by an HR or Financial Department decision by these companies.

He/She is the cornerstone to everything that makes radio successful from a 'local' level.

He/She makes sure those 'little things don't become big things.'

The GM 'shows up' at events, remotes, and important functions.

He/She makes sure everybody is flying the station's flag - monitoring activities in each and every department.  Looking good in station clothing.  Showing up at a remote or event to see that the street team was engaging with the listeners and not just playing Words with Friends on their smart phone.

He/She keeps up to all 'trends' in the business - like Social Media - and stays 'active' with a learning curve in all new technologies to make sure that his/her radio station cluster remains competitive in an ever changing field.  

PS: "PLEASE" put a GM's full contact information on your website and send a bounce back message email that shows that the message was received and will be responded to by 'somebody' within 3 days like other businesses do.  

Social Media is the greatest free Focus Group you could ever have - and many stations often just put a recent broadcast school grad in the 'first point of contact' with the listeners without knowing what good or bad things these listeners are saying about their station or personnel unless it's something totally 'offensive' and they're looking for some guidance.

Most good GM's are actually 'on' Facebook or Twitter to see how it works and what their own employees are posting under their corporate banner.

Leadership is everything.

The Military got it right a thousand years ago making sure that the Five Star General leads - and that all thinking flows throughout the complete ranks from top to ground level.

Some of the best GM's I've worked with came from the 'content' side of the business - and with them totally in charge the Sales Department often knew they had a great product to sell.

They were also 'mentors' to up and coming Program Directors or Sales Managers who want to eventually make it to the corner office.

My entire dream about radio started as a 14 year old watching my Dad work.  I didn't want to just catch him - I wanted to beat him and it drove me until the day he died in 1981 when I changed my focus to making sure my 'daughters, wife, and family' were proud of my achievements in the radio business.

When I 'almost' retired from radio almost 7 years ago I sent a note - or an email - to every single former General Manager that I worked with during my career that I could find to send a personal 'thank you' to them for their sage guidance and advice that they provided to me during my time in radio.

I learned something from each and every one of them - sometimes what 'not' to do - but I simply would not have enjoyed the various successes I enjoyed in my career without them regardless of market size.

Most of the good stuff was actually learned 'in the minors.'

An empty GM's office speaks volumes.

For all the complaints and comments I've read over the past few years about what is "wrong" with radio I can safely say that about 99% of those problems could be fixed very quickly with a simple move by the corporate giants.......if they would just put "leadership back in the corner offices" and let these people run their radio stations with local knowledge and national support.

My favourite comment from friends/peers is "why do you still work so hard now Marty?"

I'm not working.

I still get invitations to all the best things in town - suites at football and hockey games; great seats at world class concerts (thanks record rep pals); conferences in the mountains, and great conventions and conferences around town.  

I do believe it's because I worked my ass off to make Edmonton a better place to live by utilizing the power of the radio stations that I was so blessed to run.

It's a whole new 'centralized media world!'

Look - I understand what has changed in the business - and yes it's easy to sit back and criticize the business now but very simply - having a radio station with an empty corner office has a 'huge' effect on how successful the business is for each and every employee, and owner.

No leadership - no results.

Or as another highly respected radio General Manager said to me last week...

..."maybe we're the dinosaurs?

God I hope not.

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About the blogger:   I was fortunate to have been in Management of radio stations for 38 of my 40 years in the business - Lethbridge, Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver and Edmonton.  Upon retirement in 2009 I was honored by being inducted in to the WAB Hall of Fame.  In 2012 I was bestowed with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for community Service.  

Since retiring I have proudly been part of organizations who have raised over $22 million dollars for charities across Canada. 

Random Thoughts on a summer Sunday afternoon....

I've always loved Larry King.  

His 'it's my two cents' piece ran in USA TODAY for several years and now his Twitter account is where he distributes those 'random thoughts' that often are simply just great head scratching deep reaching comments.

I don't pretend to be in his league but happy to 'borrow' his style.

Here we go.

Surely Donald Trump is a Democratic 'plant' - and the longer he continues his insane rants the better chance he will offend every single person who casts a vote.

Result may be Hillary becomes the first US 'female' President.

I absolutely love the new 100MENYEG and 100WOMENYEG concept.  Corporations support the big causes well in Edmonton - but 'people' are helping smaller groups with $10,000 (plus) donations make a huge difference to these groups.

Thank you to the 100 Women who care who 'gifted' The Graves Disease Foundation of Edmonton a cool $14k recently.

Thank you to LIGHT THE BRIDGE who will also be highlighting GDF on July 28th by lighting up the High Level Bridge in pink and purple in honour of GDF.

What's happened to driving skills?

Tailgating with four car accidents is the norm.

Nobody does the speed limit anymore.  Police don't pull anybody over anymore either.  Nobody does 'stagger' entrances anymore and pretend they don't see you when you try to move into a line.

Cell phone/texting/distracted driving laws are obviously for 'somebody else.'

A real true friend whom I've known for over 35 years sent an absolutely wonderful email note to my daughter praising her 'courage' through Graves Disease the other day.  We seldom speak - we don't need to because actions are stronger than words - but that simple action made my day - week - and month.  That's why we're friends, forever.

Addiction is a terrible thing - especially for those who don't deal with it.  Many friends are 'struggling' with it - often losing their families, jobs and/or careers.

Get help!   You're only fooling one person!

The downtown Edmonton rebuild is grand on so many fronts.

Go see the ICE DISTRICT headquarters to see the complete package - Hotels, Theatres, Skating Rinks, Residential, Business.

World - Class!

BTW compliments to both the Edmonton Esks and Edmonton Oilers for their own particular 'rebuilds' too - it hasn't been this exciting in years.   #97.

What song 'instantly' stops you in your tracks the moment you hear it?  Regardless of era - Brook Benton's "Rainy Night in Georgia' is one of mine.

OK Andrea Bocelli's "Time to Say Goodbye" too.

Is there a sadder story than the Kristina Houston situation?

I was so fortunate to have met her mother in the mid 80's in Vancouver and this story touches deep with that simple introduction.

Thank you Ray Ramsey for finding this great picture.  

F__K Cancer my friends - and thank goodness for all the support that social media provides to these strong people.  It's nice knowing you don't fight this alone!

I 'heart' Europe.  Seeing how others live half way around the world is so eye opening.  I wish the 'complainers' over here got to see how truly lucky we are to live in our corner of the world.

Often what you complain about is simply 'meaningless' to what others have had to endure.

Travel is the best knowledge barometer possible.

Mixed feelings on the Canadian dollar.  Happy for our manufacturing sector.  Unhappy for my Snowbird friends.

If you don't have a retirement 'plan' you may be surprised when you get there.  And I don't mean financially.

I'm not getting OLDER - I'm 'maturing.'

Mentoring is everything - both ways.  Happy to teach.  Happy to learn.

Paying forward. Giving back.  Whatever you want to call it doing 'public service' brings me great joy.  There's nothing finer than working with the people in the Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree - and this year working with Cam Tait and the Edmonton Sun annual Christmas Auction is already a blast.

Best book I read this year?

This one.

The superstar is sitting.


Speaking of joy.  Lauren Forbes.  Rayanne Forbes.

I am so extremely proud of what my daughters have become in life.


Kind.  Thoughtful.  Considerate.  Fun.  Loving. Smart.  Both are so different - but both are so much the same.  I only wish Grandpa Forbes was around to spend time with my fabulous family.

PS:  My wife is pretty cool too.  We're heading for our 30th Anniversary next February and I would not have enjoyed 'any' of my success as a Father or a Media guy without Kim.




That's  the stuff that rambles around in my skull these days.

With apologies to Larry King once more - "it's my two cents!"

Love to hear yours.

Cheers

Marty

"F _ _ K Cancer!"

I have several friends and associates currently fighting cancer - and like many of us - have lost family and lifetime pals to this horrid disease in the past.

Some friends fight the disease in public and get great support from family and peers while others like to quietly fight cancer while under treatment.

Each is obviously a highly personal decision - and I respect each and every friend who is (or has) faced this condition.

My personal best wishes as you each "F_ _ K Cancer!"

This past month I was offered the opportunity to review a book by a dynamic young lady in the United States by the name of Nicole Dorman who has been through a very tough time with cancer herself.

Nicole wrote a book that very thoroughly chronicled her personal situation - and the title says it all.

(Review)

"I Fought Like a Girl and I Won"  

'A poignant story handled with class and dignity.  Nicole Dorman "I Fought Like a Girl and Won" has lessons for all of us.  

Women for the struggle to fight breast cancer.  

Men to understand the overwhelming effect of the horrible disease.

Nicole not only served her country proudly - but also is raising three children as a single Mother.  Not once in the book is the word 'pity' used - because she fights Breast cancer 'head on' - and wins.

Most helpful is a glossary of the many (insensitive) terms that the medical industry uses to describe the disease and the effects.

A short impactful read.  Best wishes Nicole.'

This book may be helpful for anybody going through the disease currently - or for family and friends who need a full understanding of the many decisions you have to make during the medical process.

I highly recommend it.

You will find "I Fought Like a Girl and I Won" via Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Fought-Like-Girl-Won/dp/1503551490

Thanks for sharing your story Nicole - and best wishes for a 'wonderful' life with your family.

Sincerely.

Marty