Imagine the disappointment and embarrassment for Grant.
Although not proven for certain, Grant's supporters believe that the magazine's change-of-heart was due to an email from a Grant critic, questioning his stature for receiving such attention, given his often controversial past.
This whole, pathetic scenario was played out nationally as Grant went on Fox's “Hannity & Colmes” and related the story from his perspective.
If you don't know, Bob Grant is often considered a pioneer in talk radio. His confrontational, acerbic style was the model for many talkers who came after him.
Walking the Walk, Talking the Talk
Controversy requires commitment by the performer and a backbone by the station which hires that performer. In a business where ratings mean everything - including how much profit a radio station will reap - management often delights in controversy as long as the commercials are being sold at a premium and no one offended is powerful enough to bring about termination of the station's breadwinner.
Such was the case in 2007 with Don Imus - and that is the thin line controversial talk radio hosts walk.
Clearly, much of talk radio thrives on controversy because well-enunciated thoughts and ideas are powerful and compelling programming. Never less, some would choose to ignore this when convenient or politically incorrect.
As far as I'm concerned, for Radio and Records to offer a "Lifetime Achievement Award" to Grant and then rescind it only serves to highlight:
a) How out-of-touch their "awards" person or committee is;
b) How meaningless their honor is to begin with if it is so capriciously awarded and then withdrawn and;
c) How easily and sadly their principles are coerced by one voice or a minority against the backdrop of a body of work like Grant’s.
Maybe this just proves that one medium's standing to make awards to another medium is at best, tenuous.
In the end, Radio broadcasters should be less concerned with accolades bestowed upon us from other mediums and more concerned with the most important award and reward from being in Radio: the support of listeners and fans who validate what we do on a daily basis.
(Bob Grant can be heard 8 - 10 p.m., weeknights, on WABC-AM/New York)
