DAVETV If you could look at only one thing on the Internet, DaveTV would be the obvious choice. What other so-called "website" lets you watch LATE SHOW Highlights, Comedy Clips, Slideshows, Stupid Trick clips and The Tony Mendez Show?
TOP TEN LIST You know it, you love it, you can't live without it: the revolutionary comedy bit that won Dave the Nobel Peace Prize. Check out the latest Top Ten List here.
TOP TEN ARCHIVES Old Top Ten Lists never die, they just get archived. The Top Ten Archives is searchable by date and keyword. Also, please note that the word "archives" contains the word "chives."
TOP TEN CONTEST So you think you're as funny as Dave's writers? Or maybe you just enjoy wasting time at work? See if you've got the chops to win a great prize in our weekly Top Ten Contest.
TOP TEN SEARCH Search Results.
TOP TEN SEARCH Search Results.
WAHOO GAZETTE LATE SHOW staffer Mike McIntee gives you a daily show summary and the behind-the-scenes lowdown with his daily Wahoo Gazette. So much juicy inside information that you'll say "Wahoo!"
THE WAHOO GAZETTE ARCHIVE Mike McIntee's popular Wahoo Gazette is archived here in the aptly- named Wahoo Gazette Archive. You can search by date, keyword, or show number, or even Dave's tie pattern (coming June 2012).
THE WAHOO GAZETTE ARCHIVE Mike McIntee's popular Wahoo Gazette is archived here in the aptly- named Wahoo Gazette Archive. You can search by date, keyword, or show number, or even Dave's tie pattern (coming June 2012).
Drew Barrymore; and Rod Stewart. PLUS:Dr. Phil’s Words of Wisdom; Osama’s Christmas Card; Is This Anything?; a Top Ten list; and How Many Guys in Santa Suits Can Fit Into A Coffee Shop?
We open the show with Words of Wisdom from Dr. Phil: - “I want you to make two separate trips to the cemetery.”
I have to admit, I saw that episode of Dr. Phil. I think the woman on the show learned that her husband had a long extra-marital affair before he died. The woman was very upset and didn’t know how to handle it. Dr. Phil told her it was HIS weakness and his failure that caused the affair. He suggested she go to the cemetery and curse him out to release all that anger. Then some time later, she should go back to the cemetery and think of the good times.
Dave is so proud of the Christmas card he received from Osama bin Laden not too long ago. Dave shows it again tonight. We see Osama and his sidekick singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
Before we continue, more Words of Wisdom from Dr. Phil: “Quit interrupting!”
I didn’t see that episode.
HOW MANY GUYS IN SANTA SUITS CAN FIT INTO A COFFEE SHOP?
We are about to find out. Dave sends one guy in a Santa suit into the Ferrara Coffee Shop across the street. He then sends in 2 more. Seconds later, another 2. Four more guys in Santa suits are sent in to the Coffee Shop. To change things up, Dave asks for the Superman guy to go into the Coffee Shop. Running the table, Dave sends in the rest of the Santas. The final number totals 19 Santas with beards, 5 Santas without beards, and 1 Superman. So to answer the question, How Many Guys in Santa Suits Can Fit Into A Coffee Shop? We still don’t know. Ferrara’s let them stay.
Back from commercial, Dave reflects on the ACT 1 and realizes it to be a metaphor for life: What else do you need in life than a bunch of Santas and a Superman?
IS THIS ANYTHING? It’s a guy clucking a Christmas song. To find out more about the clucking like a chicken guy, check out his website at www.happycluckingholidays.com. If you liked the Christmas clucking you’re in luck cause he’s got a whole CD full of clucking Christmas songs. Order now! Buy ‘em in bulk!
DREW BARRYMORE: Has it really been over 3 years since she’s been here? After her entrance, I expect her to be back again real soon. Instead of taking a seat in the guest chair, Drew seductively lies across Dave’s desk. Dave gives her gifts from the tree. She then sits. Since the last time she was here, Drew’s been married and divorced. Dave has some questions about the marriage. Drew adeptly returns volley with a “Did I hear YOU’RE getting married?” Dave goes on the defensive and they both silently agree to change the subject.
We learn that Drew has a male roommate and a boyfriend who are not the same person. Man, ain’t the 21st Century something? Dave and Drew than talk about what it would be life if they were roommates. This excites them to no end. Dave lists some of the things they could do: Puzzles? Games? Cards? Drew leaps with joy with each suggestion. Yes yes yes!
Dave says he and the show have known Drew for years, from childhood to a mature woman. Dave describes her as enigmatic, a woman of mystery. Drew lets Dave know, “I’ll be anything you want.”
When Drew Barrymore says this on the show, it is filled with sexual excitement and intrigue. When Richard Simmons says it, it’s a whole different ball game.
Dave asks Drew about the blue star on her chest. “Is that real?” he wonders. She says it is but not a real tattoo. Dave rubs it off, dipping a tissue into his mug of water.
For fun, Drew recently did some skydiving and skin diving. She says it’s the coolest thing she’s ever done. I’ve always wanted to do the skydiving but am too a scared. My guess is the higher the plane, the less frightening it would be. It would seem less real. Will I ever try it? If I haven’t done the skydiving by now, I guess I’m never going to. I’ll just tell people I did it and leave it at that. “It was awesome,” I’ll say.
Drew’s new movie is the Chuck Barris/game show producer/CIA hitman movie directed by George Clooney. It is on my list of movies I would go see if I ever went to movies. This one I hope to make the effort.
Welcome back, Drew. It was nice to see you again.
ACT 5:The Late Show Fish That Looks Like Dave Contest: 3rd place: a tropical fish 2nd place: a blue fish 1st place: a tasty looking plated baked flounder.
It was a shame they all couldn't be crowned champion. They each possessed a
certain Dave likeness.
ROD STEWART: From his brand new CD, The Great American Songbook, Rod
Stewart sang "They Can't Take That Away From Me."
My wife Denise used to work at a radio station here in New York City. She
met all the big rock stars, everyone from Paul McCartney to Whitesnake.
She always said that the nicest she ever met was Rod Stewart. I'll be
getting the Songbook CD and I'm determined to finally get his unplugged CD by
the end of the year. It's been on my to-do list for years now.
And that was our show for Tuesday December 17th.
New York commuters lucked out when the transit strike was averted. No city
buses, no city subways. If you were to drive in, you needed at least 4 in
your car. Being a former officer of the NYPD, I knew it was going to be a
terrible mess coming in during the strike. My plan was I would take a bus
into the Port Authority at 41st Street and walk the 12 blocks to the theater.
What I was afraid of was the bus I would be taking would be too crowded by
the time it reached my stop. It was my only concern. Then our head
carpenter Harold Larkin approached me. He asked how I was planning to get
to work on Monday if there was a strike. I told him my plans and he shook
his head, muttering, "Bad idea." He tells me he will be driving in and
would gladly pick me up at my house if I wanted. He adds that he'll be
picking up Mike Ferrante (he works with the CBS orchestra) along the way. I
was very touched by his offer. It made me feel good that Harold considered
my welfare in this time of need. I realized that although we all work at
the Late Show and often have no time to spend time together, we are also a
family, looking out for the well-being of our fellow employees as if we were
brother and sister. A nice warm feeling came over me. I sighed and told
Harold, "Yes, I will come with you. And thank you, Harold. Thank you very
much." Harold slaps me on the back and says, "Sure, no problem. And bring
your shield. We only got three guys."
We had the Late Show Christmas party Monday night. It was a lovely affair,
although I was slightly disappointed. Not one intern tried to pick me up.
I read in today’s New York Post that NBC is developing a sitcom with the working title, “The Town Slut.” Now where in the world is NBC going to find a woman in Los Angeles who would fit that description? Good luck, casting agent!
"Steppin' Out"
There was a very nice write-up on my wife Denise’s radio program, “Steppin’ Out” in the AC Insider column written by Mike Kinosian. “Steppin’ Out” – it’s the first 12-step program on the radio. You can find the article by clicking on the following:
www.acradio.com/insider.html
Or you can simply read the column below.
AC Insider
Monday, December 2, 2002
Step Into Reality Radio
by Mike Kinosian
There's a little something for every taste on the bountiful reality-based programming buffet. Feast on shows spotlighting "Immunity Challenges," houseguests vying to win the vaunted "Power Of Veto" and folks immersed to their eyeballs in scorpions.
But for an even sharper and harsher dose of reality, consider sampling "Steppin' Out," a weekly 12-step program that powerfully comes to grips with people battling addictions.
This show doesn't mimic real life. It is real life, and survival is truly the desired result of the unscripted adventure.
You'll meet people waging war against their inner demons, but this syndicated program isn't on the small screen. "Steppin' Out: The 12-Step Radio Show" can only be heard on radio.
"I'm a huge fan of the show," remarks KLAC/Los Angeles PD Mark Austin Thomas. The Clear Channel station and Los Angeles Lakers' flagship is about to segue from Talk back to Adult Standards. "[Steppin' Out] is some of the best programming you'll ever [hear]."
The common thread running through these heart-wrenching stories is how a person becomes powerless over something that's destroying their life. But in addition to being captivating programming, these weekly presentations, Thomas says, "also happen to serve a good purpose."
The Show's Roots
Veteran New York radio executive Denise McIntee developed the concept to broadcast a 12-step meeting in 1990. Geller Media International President Valerie Geller serves as "Steppin' Out"'s creative consultant.
The two women have been professional allies since the early-1990s when Geller programmed WABC-AM/New York and McIntee was the Talk station's Operations Manager.
After departing WABC-AM in 1998, McIntee joined her former cohort's extremely successful and influential New York-based consultancy. It was agreed that McIntee would form and become CEO of Geller-consulted Powerful Radio Productions and that "Steppin' Out" would be that entity's first project.
WEVD/New York debuted the show later that year on a once-a-month basis. Favorable word-of-mouth, however, helped propel it to weekly status. "I was afraid that some people might clam up in front of a microphone," recalls McIntee. "But we've been able to put them at ease and things have worked out just fine."
WEVD enjoyed a "1200% [ratings] increase after the first year of being on at a regular time each week," boasts Geller.
Pervasive Problem
It's estimated that 10% of Americans struggle with some form of addiction. Most, Geller explains, recover through a 12-step process. "We offer a solution to a myriad of societal problems by offering the 12-step meeting to people on the airwaves. We all know someone who struggles with addiction. Our listeners are male, female, black, white, old, young, straight and gay. The show also attracts new listeners to radio, which is great."
She's convinced that radio is, indeed, the perfect medium for this type of compelling and riveting programming. "Great stories from real people always work on the air," Geller states. "Radio allows the incredible personal intimacy of a one-on-one connection to the person sharing a story. Since you only hear the voice, it allows for total anonymity. We respect all the 12-step meeting traditions and don't use last names."
Most people usually don't join 12-step fellowships until hitting rock bottom. But when that happens, Geller remarks, "They really open up their hearts and souls."
Typical Tales
Broadcast recollections have run the gamut from a corporate millionaire who depleted his fortune and ruined his marriage because of addictions to a drug-reliant, homeless prostitute.
An edgy and gritty characteristic is evident throughout the show, yet some exceptionally inspiring tales are born from these real-life stories. In the latter case, for example, that mother of eight is completing work on her UCLA Master's Degree.
"There've been amazing and poignant stories from actors, musicians and top business leaders," Geller comments. "But the star of the show are the stories. This show actually helps people's lives get better."
"Steppin' Out," McIntee adds, "can save lives and not many shows can say that."
Neither Geller nor McIntee has ever been involved in a 12-step program. McIntee, however, stresses the show doesn't exploit those who are in that situation. "We all have some kind of problem. Our show breaks the stereotype that all gamblers and alcoholics are broken-down people, who wear dirty raincoats and live in a bowery."
It's a fascinating peek, she says, into someone else's life, and they usually don't hold anything back. "It's incredible to hear a macho man cry and say all he ever wanted was his mother's affection. There are many core philosophies that can be applied to anybody."
Breaking Barriers
Each week's show commences -- appropriately enough -- with the familiar sounds of Joe Jackson's 1982 hit, "Steppin' Out." Given the context of what's to follow, McIntee opines that the song's sentiment is about "breaking out of something negative and steppin' out into a positive light."
But one very familiar Talk radio component is missing from the show: There are no callers.
Guests appear live in-studio and, as McIntee points out, "They know how to make their story exciting, [emotional] and [can even evoke] laughter. This is their story and a big part of what they do. They might have told it for 20 years and have really honed it."
Host "Tom Z" (Zarecki), who also isn't part of a 12-step program, performs his on-air duties efficiently and with little fanfare. He's best known within the industry for his marketing and PR duties for Radio Computing Services (RCS). "Tom's upbeat and friendly, but we don't try making the host the star," McIntee notes. "He's there to open the show, go in and out of breaks and hurry someone along who might be long-winded."
Hoping For A Positive Addiction
"Steppin' Out" found a national audience earlier this year. KLAC holds the distinction of being the show's second affiliate in a current 12-station roster. McIntee foresees another 40 stations joining the fold, including some music-intensive FMs. Geller says she sees the show as a natural AC fit.
In an effort to boost awareness, Thomas posts segments from certain shows on KLAC's www.klac.com website. "People who visit our site and look through our different programming can actually see what `Steppin' Out' is all about."
Final Thoughts
This column appears in light of the many conversations I've had with programmers in recent months about public affairs and weekend programming.
My role, of course, isn't to endorse (or condemn) individual shows. But I do try to look for programming that merits attention. The particular one highlighted above seems to offer a different twist to what can be staid public affairs programming. I'd love to hear about other offerings that you think stand out from the pack.
Especially now that the holidays are upon us -- which is the worst news for people struggling with certain addictions -- I thought it important to mention this show's existence.
If you know someone having a problem coming to grips with an addiction, give them the best possible holiday present by making sure they get help somewhere.
This is my last AC Insider of the year, and I'd like to extend my sincerest thanks to John and Donna Brake for allowing me the opportunity to reach so many great Adult Contemporary programmers and talents.
Happy, safe and healthful holidays to all of you; my hopes and prayers are that 2003 brings peace and prosperity to America The Beautiful.
Not only was it a very nice article, it filled up a lot of space in today’s Wahoo Gazette. Thanks, Denise. And thanks, Mike Kinosian and the AC Insider.
(Original Air Date: 12/17/02)
Drew Barrymore; and Rod Stewart. PLUS:Dr. Phil’s Words of Wisdom; Osama’s Christmas Card; Is This Anything?; a Top Ten list; and How Many Guys in Santa Suits Can Fit Into A Coffee Shop?
We open the show with Words of Wisdom from Dr. Phil: - “I want you to make two separate trips to the cemetery.”
I have to admit, I saw that episode of Dr. Phil. I think the woman on the show learned that her husband had a long extra-marital affair before he died. The woman was very upset and didn’t know how to handle it. Dr. Phil told her it was HIS weakness and his failure that caused the affair. He suggested she go to the cemetery and curse him out to release all that anger. Then some time later, she should go back to the cemetery and think of the good times.
Dave is so proud of the Christmas card he received from Osama bin Laden not too long ago. Dave shows it again tonight. We see Osama and his sidekick singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
Before we continue, more Words of Wisdom from Dr. Phil: “Quit interrupting!”
I didn’t see that episode.
HOW MANY GUYS IN SANTA SUITS CAN FIT INTO A COFFEE SHOP?
We are about to find out. Dave sends one guy in a Santa suit into the Ferrara Coffee Shop across the street. He then sends in 2 more. Seconds later, another 2. Four more guys in Santa suits are sent in to the Coffee Shop. To change things up, Dave asks for the Superman guy to go into the Coffee Shop. Running the table, Dave sends in the rest of the Santas. The final number totals 19 Santas with beards, 5 Santas without beards, and 1 Superman. So to answer the question, How Many Guys in Santa Suits Can Fit Into A Coffee Shop? We still don’t know. Ferrara’s let them stay.
Back from commercial, Dave reflects on the ACT 1 and realizes it to be a metaphor for life: What else do you need in life than a bunch of Santas and a Superman?
IS THIS ANYTHING? It’s a guy clucking a Christmas song. To find out more about the clucking like a chicken guy, check out his website at www.happycluckingholidays.com. If you liked the Christmas clucking you’re in luck cause he’s got a whole CD full of clucking Christmas songs. Order now! Buy ‘em in bulk!
DREW BARRYMORE: Has it really been over 3 years since she’s been here? After her entrance, I expect her to be back again real soon. Instead of taking a seat in the guest chair, Drew seductively lies across Dave’s desk. Dave gives her gifts from the tree. She then sits. Since the last time she was here, Drew’s been married and divorced. Dave has some questions about the marriage. Drew adeptly returns volley with a “Did I hear YOU’RE getting married?” Dave goes on the defensive and they both silently agree to change the subject.
We learn that Drew has a male roommate and a boyfriend who are not the same person. Man, ain’t the 21st Century something? Dave and Drew than talk about what it would be life if they were roommates. This excites them to no end. Dave lists some of the things they could do: Puzzles? Games? Cards? Drew leaps with joy with each suggestion. Yes yes yes!
Dave says he and the show have known Drew for years, from childhood to a mature woman. Dave describes her as enigmatic, a woman of mystery. Drew lets Dave know, “I’ll be anything you want.”
When Drew Barrymore says this on the show, it is filled with sexual excitement and intrigue. When Richard Simmons says it, it’s a whole different ball game.
Dave asks Drew about the blue star on her chest. “Is that real?” he wonders. She says it is but not a real tattoo. Dave rubs it off, dipping a tissue into his mug of water.
For fun, Drew recently did some skydiving and skin diving. She says it’s the coolest thing she’s ever done. I’ve always wanted to do the skydiving but am too a scared. My guess is the higher the plane, the less frightening it would be. It would seem less real. Will I ever try it? If I haven’t done the skydiving by now, I guess I’m never going to. I’ll just tell people I did it and leave it at that. “It was awesome,” I’ll say.
Drew’s new movie is the Chuck Barris/game show producer/CIA hitman movie directed by George Clooney. It is on my list of movies I would go see if I ever went to movies. This one I hope to make the effort.
Welcome back, Drew. It was nice to see you again.
ACT 5:The Late Show Fish That Looks Like Dave Contest: 3rd place: a tropical fish 2nd place: a blue fish 1st place: a tasty looking plated baked flounder.
It was a shame they all couldn't be crowned champion. They each possessed a
certain Dave likeness.
ROD STEWART: From his brand new CD, The Great American Songbook, Rod
Stewart sang "They Can't Take That Away From Me."
My wife Denise used to work at a radio station here in New York City. She
met all the big rock stars, everyone from Paul McCartney to Whitesnake.
She always said that the nicest she ever met was Rod Stewart. I'll be
getting the Songbook CD and I'm determined to finally get his unplugged CD by
the end of the year. It's been on my to-do list for years now.
And that was our show for Tuesday December 17th.
New York commuters lucked out when the transit strike was averted. No city
buses, no city subways. If you were to drive in, you needed at least 4 in
your car. Being a former officer of the NYPD, I knew it was going to be a
terrible mess coming in during the strike. My plan was I would take a bus
into the Port Authority at 41st Street and walk the 12 blocks to the theater.
What I was afraid of was the bus I would be taking would be too crowded by
the time it reached my stop. It was my only concern. Then our head
carpenter Harold Larkin approached me. He asked how I was planning to get
to work on Monday if there was a strike. I told him my plans and he shook
his head, muttering, "Bad idea." He tells me he will be driving in and
would gladly pick me up at my house if I wanted. He adds that he'll be
picking up Mike Ferrante (he works with the CBS orchestra) along the way. I
was very touched by his offer. It made me feel good that Harold considered
my welfare in this time of need. I realized that although we all work at
the Late Show and often have no time to spend time together, we are also a
family, looking out for the well-being of our fellow employees as if we were
brother and sister. A nice warm feeling came over me. I sighed and told
Harold, "Yes, I will come with you. And thank you, Harold. Thank you very
much." Harold slaps me on the back and says, "Sure, no problem. And bring
your shield. We only got three guys."
We had the Late Show Christmas party Monday night. It was a lovely affair,
although I was slightly disappointed. Not one intern tried to pick me up.
I read in today’s New York Post that NBC is developing a sitcom with the working title, “The Town Slut.” Now where in the world is NBC going to find a woman in Los Angeles who would fit that description? Good luck, casting agent!
"Steppin' Out"
There was a very nice write-up on my wife Denise’s radio program, “Steppin’ Out” in the AC Insider column written by Mike Kinosian. “Steppin’ Out” – it’s the first 12-step program on the radio. You can find the article by clicking on the following:
www.acradio.com/insider.html
Or you can simply read the column below.
AC Insider
Monday, December 2, 2002
Step Into Reality Radio
by Mike Kinosian
There's a little something for every taste on the bountiful reality-based programming buffet. Feast on shows spotlighting "Immunity Challenges," houseguests vying to win the vaunted "Power Of Veto" and folks immersed to their eyeballs in scorpions.
But for an even sharper and harsher dose of reality, consider sampling "Steppin' Out," a weekly 12-step program that powerfully comes to grips with people battling addictions.
This show doesn't mimic real life. It is real life, and survival is truly the desired result of the unscripted adventure.
You'll meet people waging war against their inner demons, but this syndicated program isn't on the small screen. "Steppin' Out: The 12-Step Radio Show" can only be heard on radio.
"I'm a huge fan of the show," remarks KLAC/Los Angeles PD Mark Austin Thomas. The Clear Channel station and Los Angeles Lakers' flagship is about to segue from Talk back to Adult Standards. "[Steppin' Out] is some of the best programming you'll ever [hear]."
The common thread running through these heart-wrenching stories is how a person becomes powerless over something that's destroying their life. But in addition to being captivating programming, these weekly presentations, Thomas says, "also happen to serve a good purpose."
The Show's Roots
Veteran New York radio executive Denise McIntee developed the concept to broadcast a 12-step meeting in 1990. Geller Media International President Valerie Geller serves as "Steppin' Out"'s creative consultant.
The two women have been professional allies since the early-1990s when Geller programmed WABC-AM/New York and McIntee was the Talk station's Operations Manager.
After departing WABC-AM in 1998, McIntee joined her former cohort's extremely successful and influential New York-based consultancy. It was agreed that McIntee would form and become CEO of Geller-consulted Powerful Radio Productions and that "Steppin' Out" would be that entity's first project.
WEVD/New York debuted the show later that year on a once-a-month basis. Favorable word-of-mouth, however, helped propel it to weekly status. "I was afraid that some people might clam up in front of a microphone," recalls McIntee. "But we've been able to put them at ease and things have worked out just fine."
WEVD enjoyed a "1200% [ratings] increase after the first year of being on at a regular time each week," boasts Geller.
Pervasive Problem
It's estimated that 10% of Americans struggle with some form of addiction. Most, Geller explains, recover through a 12-step process. "We offer a solution to a myriad of societal problems by offering the 12-step meeting to people on the airwaves. We all know someone who struggles with addiction. Our listeners are male, female, black, white, old, young, straight and gay. The show also attracts new listeners to radio, which is great."
She's convinced that radio is, indeed, the perfect medium for this type of compelling and riveting programming. "Great stories from real people always work on the air," Geller states. "Radio allows the incredible personal intimacy of a one-on-one connection to the person sharing a story. Since you only hear the voice, it allows for total anonymity. We respect all the 12-step meeting traditions and don't use last names."
Most people usually don't join 12-step fellowships until hitting rock bottom. But when that happens, Geller remarks, "They really open up their hearts and souls."
Typical Tales
Broadcast recollections have run the gamut from a corporate millionaire who depleted his fortune and ruined his marriage because of addictions to a drug-reliant, homeless prostitute.
An edgy and gritty characteristic is evident throughout the show, yet some exceptionally inspiring tales are born from these real-life stories. In the latter case, for example, that mother of eight is completing work on her UCLA Master's Degree.
"There've been amazing and poignant stories from actors, musicians and top business leaders," Geller comments. "But the star of the show are the stories. This show actually helps people's lives get better."
"Steppin' Out," McIntee adds, "can save lives and not many shows can say that."
Neither Geller nor McIntee has ever been involved in a 12-step program. McIntee, however, stresses the show doesn't exploit those who are in that situation. "We all have some kind of problem. Our show breaks the stereotype that all gamblers and alcoholics are broken-down people, who wear dirty raincoats and live in a bowery."
It's a fascinating peek, she says, into someone else's life, and they usually don't hold anything back. "It's incredible to hear a macho man cry and say all he ever wanted was his mother's affection. There are many core philosophies that can be applied to anybody."
Breaking Barriers
Each week's show commences -- appropriately enough -- with the familiar sounds of Joe Jackson's 1982 hit, "Steppin' Out." Given the context of what's to follow, McIntee opines that the song's sentiment is about "breaking out of something negative and steppin' out into a positive light."
But one very familiar Talk radio component is missing from the show: There are no callers.
Guests appear live in-studio and, as McIntee points out, "They know how to make their story exciting, [emotional] and [can even evoke] laughter. This is their story and a big part of what they do. They might have told it for 20 years and have really honed it."
Host "Tom Z" (Zarecki), who also isn't part of a 12-step program, performs his on-air duties efficiently and with little fanfare. He's best known within the industry for his marketing and PR duties for Radio Computing Services (RCS). "Tom's upbeat and friendly, but we don't try making the host the star," McIntee notes. "He's there to open the show, go in and out of breaks and hurry someone along who might be long-winded."
Hoping For A Positive Addiction
"Steppin' Out" found a national audience earlier this year. KLAC holds the distinction of being the show's second affiliate in a current 12-station roster. McIntee foresees another 40 stations joining the fold, including some music-intensive FMs. Geller says she sees the show as a natural AC fit.
In an effort to boost awareness, Thomas posts segments from certain shows on KLAC's www.klac.com website. "People who visit our site and look through our different programming can actually see what `Steppin' Out' is all about."
Final Thoughts
This column appears in light of the many conversations I've had with programmers in recent months about public affairs and weekend programming.
My role, of course, isn't to endorse (or condemn) individual shows. But I do try to look for programming that merits attention. The particular one highlighted above seems to offer a different twist to what can be staid public affairs programming. I'd love to hear about other offerings that you think stand out from the pack.
Especially now that the holidays are upon us -- which is the worst news for people struggling with certain addictions -- I thought it important to mention this show's existence.
If you know someone having a problem coming to grips with an addiction, give them the best possible holiday present by making sure they get help somewhere.
This is my last AC Insider of the year, and I'd like to extend my sincerest thanks to John and Donna Brake for allowing me the opportunity to reach so many great Adult Contemporary programmers and talents.
Happy, safe and healthful holidays to all of you; my hopes and prayers are that 2003 brings peace and prosperity to America The Beautiful.
Not only was it a very nice article, it filled up a lot of space in today’s Wahoo Gazette. Thanks, Denise. And thanks, Mike Kinosian and the AC Insider.
©MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.