|
B.J.'s Blog |
The Forty-One Year Old Letter
Dear Bill;
Back in 1969 I was beginning to prepare for a career in broadcasting, You were so kind to write me this letter at the time giving me some excellent advice, and I never forgot the kindness you showed me. I worked as a radio personality in & around Chicago for two decades before changing to other pursuits. So, I figure your advice was right on the mark! Thanks so much once again, and for all the wondrous work you did over the years, that brought joy to so many.
Sincerely,
-Bob Kramer
* * * * *
The Letter:
December 17, 1969
Dear Bob,
If it’s an announcer you want to be, you’ve written to probably the worst “announcer” in the broadcast industry.
But here’s the advice anyway:
1. Desire counts a great deal. If you take pride in doing a good job all the time, you’ve taken the most important step toward being a professional.
2. Go to college! A good air talent needs to have brushed against many subjects, needs to have traveled, needs the simple experience of living. You may never be asked for your degree (I’m not), but you personally will be better of for it. Go!
3. Stress warmth. Crisp, articulate diction is most desirable, but warmth is better. If you have both -- tremendous.
4. If possible, be creative in your air work. Develop your imagination. Loosen up. The 70’s are going to be very vibrant and very casual in broadcasting.
5. Radio management usually looks for mature looking (and sounding) newscasters, and weathermen positions occur with more frequency in TV than any other on-the-air job.
Of all the above bits of advice, the first one, desire, counts most.
Good luck!
Sincerely,
Bill Jackson
* * * * *
(After reading this letter all these years later, I don't think I would change a thing.)