Um, hello?

["Bill O'Neill" <billo@erols.com>]

Talkradio, as a format, has a bunch of problems today.  Consider any
conversational dynamic.  You're 1:1 at the water cooler at work discussing
something.  Along comes Nerman from accounting to join the discussion.  The
3-way dymamics of the chat dramatically change.  One potential outcome is
that the discussion breaks down completely or one of the original parties
leaves (read: quarter hour ratings).

THAT is the problem with the room full o'people in the air studio/air chain.
Callers are no longer an integral link to keeping the stream of
consciousness going.  Callers are now filler, purely an element of the mix
right up there with a gag, bit, traffic, weather and more banter.  Listeners
become more passive.  To that end is the problem.  Howie Carr (WRKO pm
drive) is applied to the typical talk model in use today.  He's said on air
that he occasionally gone to Bickford's $10 gift certificates as "bribes" to
get callers to get on the show to participate, usually about "your gripes"
on a particular subject or an object of ridicule.  And his numbers are very
impressive - begging for good calls.  What are the implications?

It seems as though the days of 'first time callers' as well as 'second time
callers' are dwindling and there is a smallish core of professional talk
show callers waiting in the wings for a chance to chime in, sound off, or
get a free stack of flapjacks.

Bill O'Neill

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