Our blog posts this week have revolved around a common theme: the contrast between human radio entertainment and AI-driven algorithmic technology. These days, the importance of this difference goes to the heart and soul of what radio is all about. Or perhaps, what it should be all about.
As we enter the one-quarter milestone of this century, this is the choice much of radio now faces. Balancing entertainment value and trustworthy information versus the expense of talent and production is a calculus every broadcaster – and every media company – must carefully consider.
A couple weeks back, iHeart’s Bob Pittman was widely quoted and roundly criticized for his terse but true comments about the state of the radio broadcasting industry. You may recall his money quote:
“There’s not a slot for everybody.”
And it’s his company’s money, and he – along with radio’s other CEOs – get to decide who and what they’re going to spend it on. Like it or not, that’s how the world works.
In the same interview, Pittman also talked about the status of radio personalities gifted with the ability to connect with their audiences:
“Great talent are great talent because people all wanna be their friends. When you look at Ryan Seacrest, he’s America’s favorite friend. Everybody wants to be his friend. Or Charlamagne tha God or Bobby Bones.”‘
Or Elvis Duran.
The host of Z100’s morning show since 1996, and heard in 70 markets around the country, Duran snared a feature segment on CBS News’ well-respected Sunday Morning program this past weekend. Interviewed by Mo Rocca, Elvis garnered an impressive 7+ minutes of the network’s time, clearly one of the last best shows on commercial television. And a truly great showcase for a radio personality still at the top of his game, delivering the most positive narrative about an industry showing lots of signs of rust.
If you don’t have time to watch it now, bookmark this post and watch it later. Or maybe even save it for that moment when someone takes a potshot at radio, its value in 2025, or your role in it. For seven minutes and change, you’ll feel a little better.
An aside about Sunday Morning…
One of Paul’s and my best friend in radio just happens to be former NPR programming mastermind, Jay Kernis. For the past many years, Jay has served as producer on Sunday Morning, a fabulous stage where he gets to show off his stellar storytelling abilities. Public radio could use Jay’s touch these days, as could all of radio. But I digress….
On the Sunday Morning piece, Elvis espoused some of the same themes as his boss, reminding viewers about why radio still matters:
“We are in the friendship business. I think about you when you hop in your car in the morning. You’re either leaving a house that may be full of turmoil, or going to a job with a boss you don’t like. But I have you for 20-30 minutes, and I can be your friend.”
When I think about our “Why Radio?” chart we put together each year in our Techsurveys, it is those emotional underpinnings – symbolized below with those red circle “E’s” – that define Elvis Duran’s approach to his show.
When he talks about the audience, he shows empathy and perceptiveness – putting himself in the shoes of his listeners.
In the segment with Rocca, Elvis reveals he was a lonely kid, growing up in McKinney, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. And he espouses radio’s ability to provide a feeling of companionship to anyone and everyone who listens to his radio show.
“You know, I’m not lonely anymore. I never, ever want to go back to being a lonely person ever again. And I don’t want anyone listening to our show to be lonely. That’s the legacy we’re all trying to leave. I don’t want them to remember my name; I just want them to remember how we made them feel every day. That’s it.”
Image: NAB
I’ve never met Duran, but I’ve seen him in action. A few years back in Vegas, Elvis received a hall of fame award from the NAB. On the TV side, Alex Trebek, Pat Sajak, and Vanna White received the equivalent award for their long-running game shows. In accepting his honor, Duran was humble, genuinely honored, and gracious – all qualities that are so obviously part of his DNA.
And in a conflicted radio industry where some are still debating the efficacy and ROI of those craftsmen and women behind the mic, Duran makes it clear where he stands:
“Radio isn’t what radio used to be. A lot of radio companies gave up on personalities; they just wanted to play music, it’s cheaper. That’s not good for our business. So, I’ve done everything I can to keep personality on a radio show in the mornings.”
The name of the piece makes a statement, too:
“Elvis Duran on the magic of radio and his special bond with listeners”
Nope, not shock jocks or wild and crazy “zookeepers” running around town wearing underwear on their heads.
We’re talking radio, the way we hope regular citizens perceive it. You know how I found out about the Sunday Morning piece. Several non-radio people in my life told me about it, urged me to watch it, and loved every one of its aspects.
Whether it’s Elvis Duran anchoring morning drive for a legendary station in the country’s #1 market or hundreds of other radio personalities I’ve encountered over the years, the theme is the same.
Radio broadcasting attracts a particular personality type – talented but insecure, cocky but self-deprecating – with an innate desire to entertain but also to serve. Yes, they’re all unique but most possess similar DNA strands that make them different than the rest of us.
And the truly talented among them have the ability to impact lives while serving communities they’re licensed or beamed into.
Are there fewer opportunities for personalities who aspire to become as big, popular, and loved as Elvis Duran? Without a doubt. But that’s another reason why we should celebrate the fact that for millions of Americans every day, radio still matters.
To that end, I enjoyed all 433 seconds of this kiss for an industry that could use a little love these days. But I also hope radio’s decision-makers see it, too. Because they are all capable of building and nurturing meaningful morning shows in their markets, whether they’re New York City, Nashville or Nome. In fact, many already do. There are just fewer of them in the American radio population than ever before.
This is another reason why efforts to support radio’s personalities should be applauded and patronized. I’m specifically thinking of Don Anthony’s “Morning Show Boot Camp.” In 2025, the event will be held in Austin for the first time. It promises to be a celebration of why personality radio continues to be broadcast radio’s pathway to continued success.
It’s never too late to recognize those who continue to give it their all each and every day on the radio in conditions more competitive and less supportive than ever before. Elvis Duran is a radio hero and a beacon of hope for others who strive to walk in his footsteps. It is incumbent on those in power in radio to make it possible for them to do so.
Personality matters.
To learn more about and/or register for the 37th Morning Show Boot Camp in Austin next summer, click here.
Originally published by Jacobs Media
