Heard Not Seen?

There is a new phenomenon (can you read the word phenomenon and not hear the song from the Muppet Show!) - watching radio!

It started with the Jackie and Bender morning show about a year ago. They brought in a couple little webcams and started webcasting simultaneously with their radio show. At first it seemed really weird - to be watching the people that have entertained me in the mornings on the radio for so long. The best part - seeing what they do when the songs and/or commercials are playing! It was like being a fly on the wall!! After awhile they upgraded the cameras they were using and brought in Ben in the Back of the Room to run the cameras. As this was a new thing they weren't allowed to stream the commercials over the webcast so Ben created mixes for us to listen to. Now - Jackie and Bender are in a new building/studio - the cameras are much better - and they also are on UStream with small webcams and you can listen to what they talk about when they are not on the air.

They do say imitation is the best form of flattery - other radio stations must really like Jackie and Bender! I know of 3 shows that have started doing the same thing.

In Seattle - local talk show hosts Dori Monson and The Ron and Don Show have started using UStream and webcams so you can watch their radio programs. Ever wonder why they say - you have a face for radio - watch these guys!! Of the 2 I enjoy watching Dori the most - he actually interacts a little with his webcast audience. Ron and Don - not so much. Although - their tech guy Sean was very entertaining a couple weeks ago - you can only see the back/top of his head - he started out wearing a wizard hat - tall, purple, white stars. Then - he took off the hat - was running the board - and a hand puppet came into the scene - started tapping him on the head - and they had a little fight - picture Punch and Judy! (If you don't get the reference you are really young which is better than saying if you do get the reference you are really old!)

In Dallas - the Kidd Kraddick in the Morning show is also using UStream. The one different thing I like about theirs is that you can replay it - which works well for this fan who is 2 hours behind them - otherwise I would have to get up at 4 to see and listen to them!

I'm enjoying this new trend.

De