Radio is under the microscope these days. With the Don Imus, Opie & Anthony and so many other fame hungry wannabes things can and do go too far. Several months ago when the outrage hit the fan over KDND's bladder-busting stunt, and a woman died of water poisoning, Mancow Muller started up what he called "The Foundation for Responsible Radio." I brought a similar idea up to few radio "professionals" and was laughed at. Anyway, Mancow proposed that the industry work together to adopt a single set of standards that is good for both the audience and advertisers. Today, Mancow's Commandments for Radio Personalities" were released:
1. Thou shalt never endanger listeners.
2. Racism is always a dumb idea.
3. Complacency on the inside loses listeners from the outside. Work at your art.
4. Contests must always be straight forward. (Being too cute with contests can be costly.)
5. Advertisers pay you. They are your friends.
6. Have a delay button (preferably 20 seconds or more) and when in doubt use it.
7. Don't dis someone's religion.
8. Don't let anyone curse in your studio ever. Get them out of that habit. If they are comfortable with cursing, it can someday accidentally get on the radio
9. Instruct guests on your radio standards so they don't get you in trouble.
10. Do good. (We're not on earth to mark time. We're here to make a difference).
I have to tip my hat to Mancow. You can count me in. I hope others will take these to heart and take the responsibility of broadcasting to neighbors, our kids and our community seriously. Most radio folks do. Sadly it's those that are in it for all the wrong reasons that don't consider anything beyond a punch line and a bottom line.
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