Saluting Media pals and Community Work!

In the media business ‘success doesn’t happen overnight’ and these three good pals know that so well.

Pal One: Terry Evans - K97 Mornings. Blame Terry for the weather. Every time he ‘lives in a truck for the food bank’ it snows or the temperature plummets. In 2009 Edmonton was the second coldest place on the planet - and Terry was in an 18 wheeler, away from his family, with ‘few’ comforts filling the truck with food for those less fortunate. This is Year Four for the K97 Christmas Rig and it's at 15367 Castledowns Road starting today. Terry won’t leave the truck until you fill it up. “Last year was a record year for the amount of time it took to fill the truck. I hope we are looking at another speed record this year.” Terry is one of those ‘extreme’ guys and one of the most fun events I recall is when he donned a suit of armour and had people take golf shots at him to raise money while we worked together at The Bear several years back. And Terry's one of the first guys to jump on a 'need' in Edmonton 'year round' as well. Good work again my friend.

Pal Two: Way back in Mr. King’s math class at (then) Bonnie Doon High School - a guy used to tap me from behind saying “introduce me to your father.” (Jerry Forbes/CHED) That guy was Holger Peterson who has gone on to near ‘legendary’ status on CKUA, CBC Saturday Night Blues, and as the owner of Stony Plain Records. Holger has just released a book called Talking Music - and it is filled with anecdotes from some of the most talented performers in rock, and roots/blues over the last several decades. Talking Music, a compilation of 19 in-depth interviews with artists ranging from guitarist Ry Cooder, Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman, Fleetwood Mac’s Mick Fleetwood, gospel star Mavis Staples, Sun Records’ founder Sam Phillips and singers Lucinda Williams, Maria Muldaur and Bonnie Raitt.

Maintaining a ‘music business’ in this digital age is a major challenge - except for Holger - who’s artist base goes back to the days of vinyl - and would be considered of ‘collectible’ status. Many highly successful artists owe their careers directly to Holger.

Pal Three: Terry David Mulligan - CKUA - and a bunch of other places. Originally from Red Deer, TDM as he’s affectionately known, has been a television star; acted in big time movies; hosts Mulligans Stew each Saturday afternoon ‘and’ now hosts a very informative program called Tasting Room Radio specializing in ‘wines and celeb’s’ from around the world, also on CKUA. Terry too has a new book - Mulligans Stew My Life So Far. In it he also chronicles legends in entertainment and pop culture. Highlights? “Interviewing Robin Williams - it was like riding a roller coaster...naked, in the rain, on acid. Frank Zappa - brilliant, opinionated and no drugs. He hated drugs and held up the drug culture to ridicule. And finally Sting - open, honest and lucid.” Terry is one of the most active guys in the media business and his show on CKUA is 'refreshing and vibrant' to say the least.

Google those titles to find out where you can purchase those books please!

Finally, there are several great media folks in Edmonton who ‘constantly’ give back and to salute just a few Bruce Bowie, Rob Christie, Yukon Jack, J’Lyn Nye, Mike Sobel, Chris Sheetz, the recently retired but still giving back Gord Whitehead, Carrie Doll, Daryl McIntyre, Gord Steinke, Garner Andrews, Nick Lees, Jason Gregor, Seanna Colllins, Graham Hicks, Danny Hooper, - oh and yes I know I’m forgetting a few - BUT to get to this level of respect in the business you have to sincerely ‘get involved’ in our civic issues and for a very long time.

*PS: Congrat's to Seanna Collins for winning the 2011 ACWS Lynda Steele Media Award. (Alberta Council of Women;s Shelter)

There are several new radio stations in town - lots of new morning shows/announcers who have just come to the city, tv journalists, etc. - and plenty of good causes to support - so if you really want to ‘make it’ in this great city you new comers here’s the number one tip for you...“get off the couch - get known - put your butt on the line - and use the power of your media to reach out to HELP make Edmonton an even better city to live in.”

It's a sacrifice of time away from your family but so very much part of being in the media in this town, and it pays off in both ratings and client support!

Dedication and commitment counts...Trust me!

I believe these folks, and many other Edmonton media vets have done their part - so ‘over to you’ - the gauntlet has been thrown down!