Wisdom of Fools

Yesterday's post might have left the impression that Jim O'Neal didn't have any fun at radio home number two. Well, on-air we were made to be quite stiff. The format was strict. At the time the program director took herself way too seriously. In her spare time she came into the production room to record her voice reciting scripture and self affirmations for listening to later at home in "quiet time." Remember Stuart Smalley on Saturday Night Live, my program director, Kelley, was the female fundamentalist Christian counterpart of the beloved Al Franken character. She was only 8 years my senior, but acted as though she was a sage. 

It was in the very same production room that I was allowed to really let my hair down. I was 21 at the time and felt pressed to act much older in the control room. (I've learned that being serious is not necessarily the same as actual maturity.) Unlike what you heard in the previous post I enjoyed life. The real "Jim" is better expressed in the example below in a spot for a skating rink party my station presented back in 1987, surely considered too hot by Kelley's standards. Commercials like this one was my passive-aggressive punch at the establishment.

Stay tuned

©2010 Neal Rhoden aka Jim O'Neal,Gospel Aircheck blog. All rights reserved.

Titanic Rant

We just wrapped up a decent restful weekend: a lazy Saturday, great Sunday service followed by a cookout at the in-law's, then an enjoyable day with the family on Labor Day. What more could I ask for? These are the things that keep me sane; they take my mind off the stresses of being a dad. 

Previously on Gospel Aircheck I reviewed a morning show that a former radio station home does. I have listened in occasionally via an Internet stream. It starts my weekdays and I have to admit, it has grown on me. The hosts provide some laughs, both intended and not. It is hilarious hearing the awkward way this former gospel station handles their new secular oldies format. The Christian owned station is out of their element. And that is their charm. I'm counting down the days until this new enterprise tanks. Changing the format is like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. How long it will take to sink remains to be seen. I do not judge anyone on their musical preferences, but drifting away from a gospel format into mainstream popular (read: secular) music dilutes their Christian principles, period. No more will be invested in this topic. I'll step down from my soapbox now.

Stay tuned

©2010 Neal Rhoden,Gospel Aircheck. All rights reserved.

The Big Tease

This is my new idea for an instructional video. Subject: Radio Broadcasting Technique, peanut whistle style.


Stay tuned
©2009 – 2010 The Peanut Whistle. All rights reserved.