The Stop

I tried to recall when it happened to me last.

Yet, here I was in a Casey's General Store parking lot, sucking down a Diet Coke and munching on a Slim Jim. Waiting for the final chapter in a wonderful story.

On the radio.

There were times inside my '71 Gremlin when I'd wait to hear WNAP's Buster Bodine talk up an E.L.O. record. I'd certainly rush to my bedroom for WLS' John Records Landecker to open the lines for Boogie Check.

This was different. This was ... National Public Radio?

You see, I knew that if I traveled another five miles to the Illinois River Road, I'd lose Carbondale's NPR affiliate WSIU and the compelling Fresh Air story of Nathaniel Ayers.

You'll soon know his story ... coming to theatre near you.

Believe me, I hear enough radio when I travel. It surprised me that I'd pull over to catch the final words.

The content, compelling ... the story construction, magnetic. Excellent pre-selling, with an exact appointment for the listener preceded every break in the tale.

When was the last time you stopped to hear a piece of content, either on your station or a competitor?

Not because it's your job, but because it was great radio?

This country is full of compelling storytellers who have been neglected by untrained programmers, often dangling a stopwatch.

Let them tell their stories.

I'll soon be driving through your town. Will I make an excuse to grab a Slim Jim ... or will I keep driving?