Tuesday, November 13, 2007

"La Commissionaire" Becomes a Broadcaster

It looks like the ranks of my esteemed colleagues has grown larger recently. According to the news reports, NHL Commish Gary Bettman will host a radio show on XM to announce league news and answer questions from fans.
"This program sets the bar high. It marks the first time fans of a professional sports league will have direct access to the sport's top decision makers," said John Bitove, chairman and CEO of XM Canada.

An XM spokesman said the show was created when Bettman's appearance on the channel's NHL Hour received great response.
So, with that being said, I will offer Mr. Bettman my suggestions and tips on how to do great radio.
  1. Don't take yourself seriously. A warm and approachable persona can help dispel a lot of critics. Also, you can take jabs at yourself by including the FAN 590's character of you in your show somehow. Talking to your audio doppelganger would be great radio.
  2. Pick a better sidekick than Bill Clement. Versus kicked him out of the desk for a reason.
  3. The show needs a real catchy swinging signature theme music. All the great radio shows have one.
  4. Don't fall back on using street-wise lingo. Some guys do it to look hip, but only .5% of personalities can pull that off.
  5. One word - trivia.
So, there you go, Mr. Bettman. All you really need to know about the inner workings of doing a radio show. And Mr. Bettman, if you ever really need somebody to help boost your audience cume even further, you can always give me a call!