The Funny Side of Radio - The Humor of Being on the Radio and in Radio

Every business has terms and expressions associated with it which the participants understand but outsiders might not. Radio is no different. Here are a few examples of words and expressions used in radio that don't mean what you think.

The Occupy Wall Street movement proves there's nothing funny about needing a job. But, sometimes it is funny to look back on a job you had to realize what loser it really was. Read more.

A radio station in San Antonio has purchased software that can be programmed to be a "virtual DJ" and it's just another slap in the face to all live radio personalities everywhere. It's time someone took a stand - and that someone is me! Read more.

Did you hear about the guy who climbed up a radio tower and hung there for days? Yeah, he's working out some "issues." But, it made me wonder: How close have I come to doing that myself? Well, I work in Radio which is why I'm uniquely qualified to answer that question.

"Weird Al" Yankovic's 13th album, Alpocalypse, is available beginning today and it's full of great parodies on contemporary artists like Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga. From a radio point of view, it's always great to have more show prep you know people are going to like. Read more.

I know how disappointed some folks are that the world didn't end this past weekend (May 21, 2011) as predicted by Harold Camping and his Family Radio ministry. Not to worry. The world is still on course for a certain demise on December 21, 2012 when the Mayan Calendar ends. That's why I'm here to let you radio station owners know I've got...

With Saturday predicted to be the end of the world by preacher Harold Camping and his network of Family Radio stations, we thought you might like to see how the end of the world is affecting some independent radio stations who have jumped on the band wagon - just for ratings. Read more.

Sometimes, it's just better to keep your mouth shut. We all know that posting something or uploading a photo to the Internet can get you in trouble - especially if it's controversial. But, have we forgotten you can also get in trouble by calling a radio station and saying a little too much about your current status? Apparently, we have. Read...

Radio is always searching for the next "winner" and consultants tell me privately that the newest idea bubbling under the surface is a format called "Charlie". The "Charlie" format was recently demonstrated on The Alex Jones Show, Howard Stern, and Pat O'Brien Show. "Charlie" is the ultimate radio ego finally unleashed on an unsuspecting public....

People have done crazy things to win radio station contests. Filling out an entry form and dropping it into a box requires very little commitment. Having a company's logo tattooed on your penis to win a new car - well that's quite something else. Read more.

A proposed tax on radio use, which will be mainly borne by listeners, was approved by a House committee on Tuesday and now heads toward a floor vote sometime later this week or early next. Read More.

Working in Radio is a unique experience. And, as in other professions, certain things eventually become very evident which are particular to that business. Here is a long, funny list with annotations when appropriate. If you're in the biz, you'll get it right away. If you're not, click the links as you read for explanations or more background. So, now....You Might Be In Radio If...

Whether you're a listener or actually work in Radio, you'll probably recognize one or more DJs you've met by how many of these apply. Read the list.

I’ve worked at a myriad of radio stations from small markets to major ones and although some stations were quite secure, I’ll chance to say that more were not. But, no matter the security in place: guards, key cards, locked building, surveillance cameras, or warning signs - I've seen dozen of people defy the odds and get right in with nothing more than a box or two of donuts. Read more. (Opinion/Humor)

My day job is actually doing a morning radio show and it's been a while since I wrote an article with a really "inside" perspective. So, I decided to talk about callers. Callers to radio shows and radio stations fall into a very small minority. Even so, they can be a very bizarre and strange group. Let me share some of my thoughts on this and as usual with a piece like this, it's only my opinion.

Howard Stern fans will enjoy this amusing prank call to a woman created using a Stern "soundboard" - recorded bits and pieces of Stern played back over a phone to make it sound like he's actually having a conversation.

Richard Brown is now sitting in jail because he tried to scam people into thinking he was a DJ and that they could win a car or $50,000 if they came to his home. Once they got there, he asked them to take off their clothes. I'm outraged! Asking people to take off their clothes should be left to professional DJs!! Read more.

From our weirdness to our wardrobes - from our divorce rate to why we get fired so much. What's the deal? All will be revealed! 9 true things you may not have known about the voices you hear daily. Read more.

Being a Morning DJ is a different lifestyle and out of necessity, these Radio Personalities have developed their own terminology to more easily communicate the experience. Now, that can finally be revealed.

Radio DJs have always been philosophers, of sort. But, they have usually saved their words of wisdom for show sign-offs. Read some famous sign-offs from some very notable Disc-Jockeys.

I've said some pretty stupid things on-the-air and done a few dumb ones off-the-air, too. It's time to confess and get it off my chest.

Frequently Asked Questions about Radio

This is a funny song by Eric Idle concerning the F.C.C. and more.

A satirical and humorous look at some vanity radio license plates we would like to see.

Every Radio Personality or DJ has some dirty little secrets they keep in a closet. Some skeletons, if you will. Let me pull aside the curtain and reveal some of the lingo that has evolved and some terms I have coined to describe certain types of repeating behavior on the part of listeners whom Radio people come in contact with all the time.

The battle of the Sexes even extends to Radio choices. He wants to hear one thing, she wants to listen to another. Finally: a solution that should be mandated by law!

With the passing of President Ronald Regan on Saturday, June 5, 2004, at age 94, maybe it will put a smile on your face to remember him for his sense of humor. Listen to this.

On Monday (5/21), XM Satellite Radio reported an outage of one of its satellites. The company was quick to characterize it as due to a "software upgrade". But, according to a press release I received, God himself claims to have taken it out. Read that press release in full. (Humor/Satire)

"Stongbad Email" is one of the Internet's most popular ongoing flash cartoons. Finally: Strongbad takes on Radio and DJs.

Here's everything you ever wanted to know about Disc-Jockeys but were afraid to ask. A satirical and humorous FAQ on DJs

The Man Who Tattooed His Forehead with a Radio Station Logo