VJs Power Blog

I’m back on the air anchoring the morning news at KABC 790 TalkRadio in Los Angeles this week, and as I was listening to the talk show host Peter Tilden interview a company spokesman today it struck me how easily information flows when you’re ready to play the game.

Communication is that special ability to both listen and speak; answer and ask.  And when you handle it at the pace, language level, and entertainment quality the fast-paced broadcast world demands, it can be a pleasure to listen to and participate in.

When the host glanced at the clock and told the phone-in guest he had “just a minute left” to wrap it up, and he tossed him another question, the guest answered it within the time constraint and on target.  That seldom comes naturally to people.  But when you train that media muscle, you can perform like a champ.

I recently hooked a friend up with a producer to do a radio interview in a top market.  He had assured me he’d done plenty of these and was ready for it, although he was not a client of mine and I had not done any media training with him.

So…how did it go?  I’ll let his email tell you.

I overslept, had double scheduled a second meeting and didn’t have my coffee. Also had a headache. It wasn’t my best interview.  I knew when it was going down that I was blowing it. I couldn’t get back under control. I’ll be better next time.

REALLY?  How?

And the bigger question is— why do you think there will BE a next time?  At least at this major media outlet. Broadcasters expect you to be ready– to debate, discuss, entertain, enlighten.

And if you don’t take the time to go through media training and learn the skills and institute the discipline it takes to be a good media interview…

As they say in Hollywood: If you don’t change the script, the same bad movie will keep playing.