Never Let Them See You Sweat

I guess I never understood exactly what was at stake. It seems like all the male figures on the radio, are antagonistic when it comes to the facts. Especially when the messenger is yours truly. After a discussion with one of my DJ friends it became somewhat clear what the problem was. Their radio shows are these Guy's bread and butter. Unlike the entertaining passtime it is to me. They all earn a pretty good living, whether they're factual or not. The more they are being paid, the more they have to lose. It wouldn't be to expedient to let an amateur make you look bad. In the words of one of the program directors "I'm not going to let you be more popular than the talk show host".

I don't really care for Mike Flemming myself. My friend listens to him everyday religiously. In my opinion he comes across as being condescending. The thing is, most of the time he happens to be right. He has an abundance of facts. You can't argue with most of the things he says. Whether you agree or not. He has advanced his career taking pot shots at those who local blacks consider their leaders. Mayor Herenton is his favorite target. At least until they're face to face. Mike doesn't do so well then. He only talks about things that he's right about. If he starts to lose control of the conversation. He'll cut you off in a hurry.

I like Ben Ferguson, but he's young and brash. In most cases he can get by on his knowledge alone. The guy is well read, and is a veteran though he is not even thirty years old. Like all successful talk show host he always thinks he's right.He hasn't developed the characteristics of the old guard yet, but he has the makings of a drum major. Unlike Mike he still has hair on his chest. He'll try anything once at least. But like most young conservatives he is personable and patient. He is like a Venus flytrap waiting for his prey. Unlike his elder co-hort Mike Flemming who doesn't let opposition get off the ground. They're like the old and young bulls. The young bull says "let's run down and get one of those cows." The older bull said "let's walk down and get them all."

Then we have Bobby Ojay the program director at WDIA. In addition to having the most popular morning show on the air. He likes to keep it good and stupid, and he's the master. He avoids proof like the plague. Tricking the listeners into falling for his foolishness by calling it fun. As long as he gives his audience something to listen to while they're at work. And WDIA sponsors the Juke Joint Tour once a year and gives away a few tickets. The Memphis listeners will be eternally grateful. Which would seem easy enough if they didn't periodically get a jolt. Every now and then something happens, that even Bobby OJay has to take seriously. I was hard on Mr. OJay until I actually heard him say something smart. He got flack for two days after that from his listeners. People don't listen to Bobby OJay to be informed, they listen to be entertained. Bobby OJay knows that.

The new version of Bobby OJay is Jeff Lee. At least until he gets the actual call to be a boss. Jeff is the ultimate kiss up, but that's what makes him fit. The only person that is going to do well under Bobby OJay is someone who strokes his ego. Like Aileen did before she left. Much like Jeff Lee constantly does now. After all his kissing up and trying to be smart. He wonders why so many listeners still don't like him. A lot of people don't like Bobby, but a lot of people do. Bobby has a benefit, Jeff Lee doesn't have. He can afford to turn people off, but Jeff Lee can't. Bobby will have you thinking it doesn't matter. It won't be his ratings falling though. Bobby has built a cushion of followers that grew up with him. Football players don't like a male cheerleaders. That's how Jeff comes across. They get to go to all the games and hang out with the girls. Without running sprints and doing twice-a-days. But Jeff Lee has his eye on the prize. The man has been at this for twenty years or more. Even though a lot of people don't like him. He must be doing something right.

All these guys have one thing in common. I have had conversations with all of them. Where I use to think less of them and question their skills. I'm just a listener to their respective radio shows. One thing about a good radio host. They have the advantage of you not being able to see their face. Even when they're up against the rope. You never get to see them sweat.