Jul
19
Written by:
Paul McLane
7/19/2011 10:20 AM
Paul McLane is U.S. editor in chief.
The U.S. radio industry should act now to plan a coordinated national moment of reflection on Sept. 11.
That’s the opinion of Mark Lapidus, Radio World’s longtime “Promo Power” columnist and a radio consultant. “Now is the time to begin preparing for the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001,” Mark writes in a commentary prepared for a pending issue of RW.
“It would be remarkable if, as a united body, radio stations from coast to coast could share a moment of reflection. Imagine thousands and thousands of radio stations sharing the same audio introduction, then silence, then an ecumenical prayer for our country. Last, we could ask people to turn on their car headlights for the remainder of the day.”
Mark believes that if the heads of the major broadcast radio groups, plus those of the satellite and online radio biggies, got together and could agree on such a plan, others would join in. “What a powerful experience we could create for our citizens.”
He adds that this is not about industry self-aggrandizement. “I’m putting this concept out there because it’s the right thing to do to remind folks that, regardless of politics, we are all part of one steadfast, moral society — proud Americans who care about one another.”
How about it, NAB, Clear Channel, Cumulus, Sirius XM, Pandora, NPR, Greater Media, CBS? How about it, mom and pop, college, all-news and music stations?
Radio shouldn't just coordinate it, or participate in it. Radio should take ownership and lead it, using our uniquely national-and-local voice. Let’s start the movement here and now.
3 comment(s) so far...
Re: Radio Should Coordinate 9/11 Salute
Actually, I would beg to respectfully disagree on this. It will be broadcast on all broadcasting formats regardless and having a simultaneous, universal transmission is only "neat". Some won't even want to hear it and it's not because they lack patriotic spirit, it's because it hurt badly and it's drummed in anyway. All of us have our solemn and private rememberances and some of us would like a break, not because we value other programming more but simply because it's been a very bad last ten years and a bit much sometimes.
What doesn't need so much coverage is the documentary-type hype. Over 3,000 office workers, emergency workers and terrified bystanders lost their lives with the people in the planes. Please respect them with a quiet remembrance if you will.
By 10kc on
8/9/2011 5:53 AM
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Re: Radio Should Coordinate 9/11 Salute
On Good Friday back in the mid 80's, there was a coast-to-coast simultaneous broadcast of the song "We Are The World" - that was magnificent. A similar simultaneous playing of "We Are The World" or "America The Beautiful" would be appropriate, at say, 11AM EDT, 9AM PDT. Nothing need be said or editorialized, just one song, every broadcast station including SiriusXM and internet stations all at the same time as a sign of our National unity and spirit. Amen.
By James Madison on
8/25/2011 7:19 AM
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Re: Radio Should Coordinate 9/11 Salute
While the previous post makes a certain degree of sense I do believe that a coordinated nationwide effort to remember and honor those whose lives were taken would be appropriate.
As we're talking radio, a moment (minute?) of silence is hardly appropriate or wise but there must be a way to mark the date on virtually every station in the US.
By Dale Tucker on
1/1/2009 4:12 AM
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