[Speed Gibson,
Sunday March 18, 2007 at 9:49pm]
Maverick Mitch
What does Mitch Berg of NARN radio fame have in common with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, former President Jimmie Carter, and Senator John McCain? He's making his own deals.
The past couple of NARN broadcasts, Berg has quietly slipped in an extra 2+ minute spot for a financial firm that is hosting a "seminar" next week, one time after the music. This week, Mitch brings one of the principals on the air for a whole segment, and strangely, without Captain Ed.
I hope Mitch understands this is the lightest of criticism for one I admire so, but I do think he has crossed a line here. Unlike live remotes at the car dealer, which are pre-announced and have redeeming radio value, this was unannounced and was basically just dead air. Hugh Hewitt has done this, too, to be fair.
As I understand it, our NARN fellows work gratis unless at a paid remote, so it's hard for me to complain. But in terms of my ability to recommend the show to others, it has cheapened the brand.
The past couple of NARN broadcasts, Berg has quietly slipped in an extra 2+ minute spot for a financial firm that is hosting a "seminar" next week, one time after the music. This week, Mitch brings one of the principals on the air for a whole segment, and strangely, without Captain Ed.
I hope Mitch understands this is the lightest of criticism for one I admire so, but I do think he has crossed a line here. Unlike live remotes at the car dealer, which are pre-announced and have redeeming radio value, this was unannounced and was basically just dead air. Hugh Hewitt has done this, too, to be fair.
As I understand it, our NARN fellows work gratis unless at a paid remote, so it's hard for me to complain. But in terms of my ability to recommend the show to others, it has cheapened the brand.