Straight From the Mouth

bit-generators, and I can help execute them. Obviously, that's makes it easier to not feel bad if I don't get any credit for something that was my idea. Second, I do think it's key to not let that get in the way of your job. If a producer is at a point where it's really bothering them, it's time to get out and find a new show or start your own. Third, if your heart is really into it, you've got to work as a team -- both the producer(s) and host(s). There's also a huge difference in credit on the show and credit off the show. A host needs to realize that even if a bit was 100% the producer's idea and they take credit on the air, that's cool. But in the office, in front of others (other show staff, PD, etc), if the host recognizes the producer for coming up with the idea and making it sound great for THE TEAM, those small compliments go a long way. And finally, remember, if you're complaining because you're not getting enough credit for the bits that work, you also need to be prepared to get burned on the air for every bit that tanks.

Name three qualities that any producer worth his or her salt must have.

Organization, simply to keep your shit together. Flexibility, to be willing to get out of the norm and take a completely different course when the show takes that immediate direction-change. And an understanding of human nature, for both callers and members of the show and how to react to their emotions.

Finish these sentences: I know a bit is working when _____. And, I know a bit is tanking when _____.

It's working when the phones won't stop ringing. It's working when we're more than 10 minutes late for a break. It's working when the police and/or Secret Service show up. It's tanking when the phones are dead. It's tanking when the set-up has to be repeated more than twice. It's tanking when the police and/or Secret Service show up.

Do you ever catch any flack about not sharing an "A" guest with a cluster station, or letting another show ride your lead on a fundraiser, etc.?

Never. We have been approached about doing multi-station events in the market and we bow out. There's no reason that the #1 show should share an

In the spirit of Christmas, as producer of both a local and syndicated show, do you see yourself as Santa's helper, head reindeer or the guy who comes up with the gift list?

Santa's helper. As I said earlier, Ace & TJ are some of the most creative hosts working in morning radio. Most of the prep for the show comes from them. I, along with Ryan and Angie, are ready to find the tools they need to execute the bit. Whether it's a story, a caller, or 15 blind knife-wielding midgets that can juggle small puppies.

As a producer for both a local and syndicated show, what prompts the most stress?

Corporate lawyers who want rules written up for games and bits. On-site broadcasts and the technical difficulties that can arise. Corporate policies. And specifically, inside the show, there are times where there can be a lot of indecisiveness amongst the members of the show. When brainstorming, there's no such thing as a bad idea, but let's face it, sometimes there ARE bad ideas and we have a hard time telling each other when to give up on an idea. We tend to find ourselves debating a small issue for an hour before deciding to do it or scrap it.

First Stern, now Karmazin -- you're an Infinity guy, what's your take on all of this?

Mel Karmazin is going to bring more unique sponsorships to Sirius, not commercial content right away, but things like "this hour of Sirius is brought to you by..." In the early 80's, we all got sucked into the philosophy that we should PAY for cable TV because it would be commercial-free. Remember that line of bullshit? Now we pay more and more every year and don't question it. I think satellite radio will undergo the same evolution over a period of the next 10 years and Mel will be ingenious in leading that effort and he will bring more non-subscriber revenue to Sirius before XM can turn their heads and figure out what he did.

How do you manage local fundraisers. benefits, etc. in a syndication model?

Grin Kids, our charity, is not just a local fundraiser, it's part of the syndication. We've taken kids from other affiliate markets on the trip with us. When we do fundraisers for that, we open it up to every station. Earlier this year, there were some police officers killed in the line of duty in Birmingham and our affiliate there was very involved in fundraisers and memorials for the families. That's the type of thing that affects everyone, that's something that we talk about on the network, there are many things that people can (and will) feel a part of, no matter where it's happening.

Now a toughie: how much should a producer make?

You're right, that is tough. I've been waiting for other morning show hosts to call me and let me know what they think I should make. My mobile number is 704-965-4843. Really, I think you need to be very aware of what the station rates are, know your ratings inside and out, take notes of the press you've gotten, know what your show as a whole is bringing to the station. Chances are you're the cash cow of the radio station. Know those numbers when you're negotiating. It never hurts to have some current articles about how good the economy is when your PD or GM starts giving you a sob story about how bad its been. Does doing your own show ever cross your mind? I would consider it, but it's not an immediate goal of mine. I think I know my strengths and I know that I'm a strong sidekick on the air and I know that I'm an excellent person to have working for a show behind the scenes. I don't know that I wouldn't be able to bring those abilities to a host position, but I'm happy with my role right now.

If Ace and TJ were up for a major award and it would only be decided by one bit from your past, which one would you choose?

Most recently, I would pick "Ace & TJ's Lost In America". Two teams of people dropped off at the Canadian border, no cash, no credit cards, no transportation, racing back to the station. Not only did our producer Ryan and intern Hoss do a great job leading the teams of listeners and bringing the drama of the road to the air, it was great radio, an awesome TSL builder, and just plain fun. Besides, both teams headed to NYC and got the show on NBC's "Today Show." I'm easily entertained.

Do you have a Christmas wish?

For this interview to finally end! No, really, I'm not a big holiday kind of guy. I just want to keep working, have a roof over my head and food to eat.