Lately, ideas for Radio articles have not exactly been leaping out at me. It's normal for any writer to go through ups and downs or ebbs and flows. You chalk it up to an off week and shrug it off.
But, I am usually a very prolific writer and this latest infringement on that creativity is approaching the dreaded "writer's block". Me? The guy who is never at a loss for something to say on-the-air or through my word processor? Am I losing my touch? Is it over?
After much consternation, I've decided it is not me.
It is the state of Radio.
Radio is in the doldrums. The biggest events so far this year were former Radio payola hunter, Eliot Spitzer, getting caught with his pants down and Randi Rhodes resigning from Air America Radio because somebody in the "upper echelon" got their pants (or panties) in a wad over something Rhodes said at an event.
Other than that, Radio has been somewhat boring.
Where's the real good stuff? I'm talking about the firings, fines, apologies, lawsuits, hearings, and general tabloid-type disruption which makes for good reading?
First, I blame part of it on the loss of Howard Stern to satellite. Howard, ever since you went over to SIRIUS Satellite Radio, terrestrial Radio hasn't been the same. I'll bet even the F.C.C. misses you. You can just hear the F.C.C. Chairman saying to his secretary:
"Are there any new complaints? What? A DJ in Des Moines did a "pee pee" joke? Oh, Please! Get me someone lewd and profane to crucify and don't come back until you do!" Then, as she leaves his office he turns to a golden bust of Howard Stern, strokes its head and purrs, "We were good together, weren't we pal?"
