A Legendary TV Producer Takes Us To School

Over the holidays, I read Dick Ebersol’s “From Monday Night to Sunday Night” autobiography. An excellent read from start to finish. There are some lessons and takeaways for all of us in the radio industry.

To give you some background, Ebersol was the first Olympic researcher for Roone Arledge and the Olympics while in his early 20s. He then joined Arledge for the launch of “Monday Night Football.” He made enough of a name to be lured to NBC to become their Director, and then VP of Late Night Programming at the amazing age of 28! He was one of two responsible (the other being Lorne Michaels) for the launch of “Saturday Night Live,” and was solely behind the creation of two successful late-night shows – “Friday Night Videos” and “Later with Bob Costas.”

From there, Ebersol moved up to President of NBC Sports, and it was there he really made his mark bringing the Olympics, the NBA and “Sunday Night Football” to the network. His creation, “Football Night in America,” is still one of the highest-rated prime time shows in all of network television. (Not only all of this but the guy has also been married to actress Susan St. James from “Kate and Allie” fame!)

The book chronicles all this and more, but most of all, it is loaded with lessons in leadership, creative programming, and talent and career development.

LEADERSHIP – When Ebersol became President of NBC Sports, he developed, what he calls, a “no asshole” policy. One for all and all for one, so to speak. He looked for people who would be collaborative, open and creative. Fit was extremely important. No one should be afraid to ask questions or question concepts/ideas. Plus, everyone on the staff was encouraged to embrace the chance to teach someone.

He exemplified the old “MBWA” management concept: managing by walking around. He would visit every cubicle on a daily basis to forge emotional connections, and make the staff feel seen and a part of something where their role was valued. A definite exercise in establishing a positive culture.

CREATIVE PROGRAMMING – Ebersol was always thinking unconventionally. The shows he’s launched are living proof. At the height of the music video revolution started by MTV, he brought the concept to late night network TV with “Friday Night Videos” and had success with that for close to 20 years. His move into “Sunday Night Football” with a 75-minute pre-game show in network prime time, was unheard of, but we know the success of “Football Night In America.”

TALENT DEVELOPMENT – He had the ability to recognize and nurture exceptional talent, Eddie Murphy being one big example. When he joined the “SNL” cast, Ebersol could see all that Eddie could do and decided to make sure that he was featured in about 60% of the segments in each show, and it basically revived the franchise after a few down years.

He saw that Bob Costas was more than a sportscaster, knew of his talent as a one-on-one interviewer, and developed “Later” for him.

CAREER PATH DEVELOPMENT – After his successes with NBC Sports, he thought he could help revive the “TODAY” show by revamping some of the presentation and bringing on Deborah Norville as the news anchor. It wound up causing the voluntary exit of host Jane Pauley, and the show did not get any better. His lesson from that? “If you find something you love, don’t try to satiate your ego trying to find something else.” Even the big boys learn!

There are four very clear takeaways from this book:

1) Lead by listening and collaborating. The “buck” may stop with you, but everyone in the organization should have a hand on that buck.
2) Following your instincts is the first road to success. If it feels right, do it even if it’s never been done before. Be confident about your feelings.
3) Believe in yourself and your abilities, and this will affect everyone around you. That belief becomes contagious.
4) Enjoy what you do. If it isn’t fun, it’s not worth it in the long run.

One last thing – and I don’t get a kickback from sales of the book – but buy the book. Read it and learn from it. Save it and use it as a reference whenever you can. You can never stop learning!

“Taking Your Radio Presence To The Next Level. Be it an artist, radio programmer or on-air talent. Coaching and mentoring down to your foundational level”

Contact me:
John Shomby
Owner/CEO Country’s Radio Coach
jshomby@countrysradiocoach.com
757-323-1460
https://countrysradiocoach.com