Metheny

WGN/Chicago‘s new mid-morning host, Mike McConnell, was struggling for calls in his first days on the air.  Ever-resourceful WGN PD Kevin Metheny reportedly fixed that problem by arranging for some of his more clever Tribune Media colleagues to call-in and spar with McConnell.  Metheny’s solution receives an arched eyebrow from Chicago media critic Robert Feder in a recent blog post.

But here’s the deal.  Talk shows are supposed to attract and hold an audience by creating entertaining programming.  They are not newscasts or documentaries.  They are amusements, diversions — SHOWS.  Wouldn’t listeners rather hear a funny or insightful call from a “phony” caller than sit through a ramble from a “real” caller?

That said, I offer two important caveats.

1. If a show isn’t generating decent impromptu calls from listeners, it could be a sign of trouble.  A well-done talk show should generate response.

2. Hosts who engage in serious political argument in an effort to change minds should be held to a higher standard.  Faking calls (especially ones that make provocative claims or allegations) in this environment is like flicking matches in the barn where the host’s credibility is stored.

Read Feder’s piece HERE.  It includes Metheny’s very candid memo asking his colleagues to call McConnell’s show.

Is your show or station generating content that gets response from callers — and advertisers?  If not, let’s talk. Randall@talkfrontier.com