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04 May 2009 - Managerial balls...
I very much appreciate the support from all those who used to listen to my programs on 2CC and have taken the trouble to say so, however I won't be commenting any further on what happened there at this time.
But given that I now have time on my hands, it occurred to me I may be able to make myself useful by sharing a few general observations from my experiences over the years.
I have, after all, been in radio for a very long time both in on air and management roles.
We all love hot tips and I offer these in a spirit of goodwill.
Firstly, to anyone contemplating a career in commercial talk radio at management level, I recommend the following:
Take the scrotum test – is there anything in yours...?
Back in the day we used to worry about decisions made by the empty suits – of greater concern these days are the decisions made by the empty scrotes.
You need balls to run a successful news/talk commercial radio station.
News quite often involves revealing information which the person or group at the center of those revelations desperately wants kept quiet.
Sometimes the individuals or groups are powerful and influential and will react angrily, even to the point of bringing in the lawyers or threatening to have their friends cancel their advertising on your station.
When your commentators deliver commentary critical of high profile politicians or lift the lid on dirty doings and corruption in high places, do you have the balls to deal with the backlash?
If your answer is no, I say categorically you would be much better off with some other branch of broadcasting: like Classic Hits, for example.
This is a format which involves playing very old songs, some of which may have been controversial and groundbreaking in their day but are now just pleasant singalongs for the listeners – rather like nursery rhymes,which used to be savage political satire hundreds of years ago but are now just entertainment for kindergartners.
Taking audience from the ABC by trying to be like them.Inexperienced programmers sometimes believe they can take audience from ABC talk stations by being like them. This is a mistake. Whatever you think of the ABC, the fact is they do ABC better than anyone. Also, because they are funded by the taxpayer this gives them a number of advantages...
1. They don't have to run commercials.
2. They know a year in advance how much money they're going to get.
3. They have resources you can only dream about.
4. They have that whole left wing, PC thing totally covered.
Gender issues and political correctness: my comments about needing brass balls to run a commercial talk radio station are, of course, metaphorical and not intended to be sexist in any way.
I've known a number of female programmers over the years.
Several were canny and tough and fun to work with.
One was generally acknowledged as being the biggest liar in commercial radio – an accolade not given lightly in a highly competitive field.
Then of course there are homosexuals. Over the years I've worked with many homosexuals of both genders. Some have been creative and entertaining and very good at their jobs. Some have been incompetent dullards. Just like people.
My first job in radio at the age of seventeen was as an announcer at a small station in the Central West. The most popular personality in the line-up was an extremely out and proud flamboyant gay man. Homer Simpson says he likes his queens flaming... well, he would have loved this one.
This fellow would present his on air program in a rich baritone, then screech and scream his way around the office and do a drag act at the local RSL on Friday nights.
Sometimes he would report for his announcing gig at the radio station already dressed for the stage show.
The sight of someone dressed like Jackie Kennedy (complete with gloves, pill box hat and veil) while sounding like a typical deep voiced announcer of the era was quite something.
In short, if you are a homosexual to my knowledge this has never been an impediment to career progress in radio, either commercial or publicly funded.
Of course playing the victim card by claiming that complaints about your management style are because you're gay won't save you for long if the truth is that you're really lazy, spiteful and clueless.
For myself, I can guarantee almost limitless personal indifference as to what someone does with his/her private parts – although I strongly recommend against playing with them on company time. (This applies equally to homos and heteros).
It is a real shame not to have you on 2CC of a morning. I understand there is some politics around your dismissal as well. Such a shame because I loved your show. I listen to 666 now until Steve Price comes on at 9am.
I don't care about the politics. Your show had substance, your listeners felt part of your show and you will be sadly missed.
I hope we hear you on radio again real soon. Let your listeners know how you are doing.
I only worked all this out a week or so back when I heard the irritating voice of Mark Parton for the second time. I went looking & found out they gave you the spear & put this wanna be in your place. My job these days doesn't give me time to listen to the radio other than driving to & from work. I refused to listen to 106 years ago after I'd had enough of his whining pussy foot opinions that would kept the same topic going all week. No wonder he had a crack at politics. You on the other hand are a true radio professional with an informed, entertaining & gutsy opinion that you are not afraid to give out. This has kept me listening every morning I got the chance. There's no chance now that I'll ever listen to 2CC in the mornings with Mark Parton at the helm. I guess I'll keep looking for another morning show, maybe 666?
I have an internet radio and can pick up any of the morning presenters in Sydney, Melbourne, the UK, you name it, but when Mike was on air he was my first pick. It has nothing to do with his producer or anyone else how he delivers his program. Only he has control of his wicked sense of humour and very sensible ideas.
Dorothy, you're not a sulking 2CC presenter in disguise are you?
Mike,just came across this. Is it 2CC??? If so why not apply for the job and employ yourself as breakfast announcer? So many of us would love to have you back...
CAPITAL RADIO NETWORK EXECUTIVE OPPORTUNITY
Due to an anticipated vacancy the Capital Radio Network has an upcoming opportunity for an experienced program director to join the team at one of its leading talk stations.
An attractive salary package and company vehicle will be offered.
The successful applicant will have solid experience in commercial radio talk formats and possess the skills, maturity and personal attributes necessary to develop and direct senior announcing staff. The candidate will also be capable of filling in on talkback shifts and needs to be confident and effective in rebuilding and maintaining relationships.
To discuss this upcoming opportunity in strictest confidence please call Graham on (02) 6241 1911 during business hours.
Dear Mike Dear Mike, I'm shattered. I tuned in to 2cc this week after returning from 2 weeks holidays. I listened to Parton each morning waiting to hear when you'd be returning. This morning I learned from a listener who gave Parton a serving and told him he didn't have the calibre even close to his predecessor. Predecessor? The light bulb went on - I was devastated to learn you'd not be returning. I think Parton will bring himself down. Shame on 2CC - they've lost the best presenter they've had in a very long time. I'll await your updates as to where you'll next be presenting. Best wishes in your next venture...
Hi Mike ... i've never been a big believer in karma ... but if whats on the 2ca Twitter pages is true ... the clown who shafted you is so desparately trying to get out of there that he applied for a job ... get this ... where he had to dress in a chicken suit and make clucking noises ... presumably to sell chicken out the front of a shop ... and he didnt get the job. methinks it serves him right for taking you away from us. karma?
Mike, sad to see you go, it has always been great to hear someone who actually has some common sense. We looked upon you as the voice of reality, sending out the views that many of us have and hold passionately. Hope to hear you again soon, good luck in whatever you do. Thanks for the coverage during the election. Regards Burl Doble. (Australian Motorist Party)
For myself, I can guarantee almost limitless personal indifference as to what someone does with his/her private parts – although I strongly recommend against playing with them on company time.
^^ I like this. And I am pretty sure I know who is being referred to..lol
Sorry to hear you too have been got at by the pink mafia. Canberra will be the poorer without your incisive and intelligent approach to talkback radio.
Your show had the right blend of news, commentary, entertainment, and fun. Your sense of humour came across on the radio - and having worked as a panel operator with you on the odd occasion, I always enjoyed sharing a pun or two with you during ad breaks at such an godly hour of the morning!
I tried unsuccessfully during my time as Program Director to convince those in power at 2CC to go local between 0900-1500, and extend the talkback from 1800-2000 to get rid of that ghastly Sports Today program - but to no avail. 2CC has become nothing more than a relay station for 2UE - and there’s nothing wrong with that per se, however, who in Canberra needs to know about a traffic jam on General Holmes Drive?
Your comments on needing cojones to work in talkback radio are spot on. It is not the place for the weak and sensitive. Readers take note: Cream puffs need not apply.
I know you Mike - you will bounce back, dust yourself off, and find another challenge in which you will succeed. You have always demonstrated this ability in the past - it’s one of your strongest attributes, and one which I admire. It is a tough industry, but you’ve proven it is survivable if you have the cojones.
By the way, you may be interested to see this website: Twitter.com/2ca Twitter by name, twitter by nature?
Mike What a loss! I used to look forward to week day mornings because your programme was on. I, too thought that Mark was a temporary replacement and it wasn't unil I googled your name that I found out what happened.
I find Dorothy's statement and those who support her ludicrous. Your great strength and what made you a joy to listen to was your originality, clear thinking, maturity and the ability to season things with irony and well placed humour. These are innate: not characteristics of obedience to bureacratic seniors.
One of your points of appeal was that you were your own man ..... and after reading comments following the vein of Dorothy, this may be what a radio bureaucracy could not handle - your strength....their weakness.
Mike, their action has ruined part of the enjoyment in my life. I sincerely hope you pop up on air soon. The 2CC signal strength is very poor where I live and many times I have to resort to listening to the 2UE relays (eg Jim Ball) through the internet on my PDA or computer which means that if you start up again (which you should)outside the ACT, I might be able to tune in on the net - provided of course that I can find you.
Thanks for the enjoyment you have brought Betty and I. You are sorely missed. After reading Dorothy, I feel you are the victim of Bureaucracy...which is really to your credit.
Please maintain a presence on the internet so we don't lose you altogether
Mike, I cant believe you've gone. I have just returned from a holiday and was looking forward to listening to you again this morning;- but it was not to be. All the best and thank you for such great radio listening over the past years.
My wife and I think you're fabulous Mike, but Dorothy does have a point.
The man who was the Wind Beneath Your Wings - your program director - had an amazing amount of experience at stations including Community Radio 2SSR, 2BH Broken Hill, 2EC Bega, 2GN Goulburn, 2GZ Orange, and 2NM Muswellbrook. How much he could have taught you!
We all wish you could have stayed and learnt from him. This is a huge loss for everyone but we are sure he will be able to groom another Mike Jeffreys soon (but it probably won't be Mark Parton).
That would have to be the most condescending and patronising comment I have witnessed in some time. You obviously have no idea of the long and varied experience of Mike at all levels in radio and his high standing amongst his listeners and peers.
One presumes your fabulous uncle is a talentless program director who can't maintain an audience.
I don't know the ins and outs of how things work, Dorothy, but I would have said Mike was more than just an announcer being trained by a program director. It seems to me that he worked in conjunction with his producer to shape his own program.
The days of Mike serving an apprenticeship under a program director are long over, I would have thought.
Dorothy, Your comment leads to an obvious question: With the same program director guiding and sharing insights and knowledge with other radio announcers, why is it that they have not developed the talents that Mike has? People are not shaped like a Pinocchio puppet. They bring and develop their own talents. This was certainly the case with Mike Jeffreys.
Mike, So sorry to find out that you've gone. You were the only reason I listened to 2CC breakfast radio, so I'll be looking for another station now. I had thought that Mark Parton was a temporary fill-in while you were on leave, and was flabbergasted to find out that 2CC had let you go. I think they'll regret it. Hope to hear you on another station soon. Best wishes
I have listened to you for many years in Sydney and learnt about your departure from CC this morning. I assume at some point some idiot might realise that talent and experience doesnt come enclosed in a Streisand video. Best wishes to you. Luke
I have an uncle working in the radio industry interstate, so I have some understanding of how it operates.
Most people in the on air side start out as announcers, and the very best announcers, those who truly excel at their craft, who fully understand their audiences, and who have an exceptional talent for being able to communicate with them, those people rise above the level of being a mere announcer and are promoted to being a program director. Not many can make the grade, and these gifted and generous people then share their skills with the announcers, coaching them and helping them to become better, for the good of the announcers and the stations they serve. Some of these announcers will eventually become program directors too, but few will rise to this level.
At 2cc, you were just an announcer (albeit a good one, and one that will be sadly missed by so many of us). But it was your program director who was behind your success, just like in the classic song "Wind beneath my wings". It was he who guided you, and gave you direction, and shared his insights, understandings, and knowledge with you. What you gained from this person should be cherished, treasured and valued, and I am sure we all hope that, while this experience may be painful, it results in some good learning.
LOL Mike! Funniest, most perceptive and accurate piece I have read lately. GOOD JOB!! Thanks for still being there and providing my amusement and critical comment on those who most deserve criticism.
