Toronto Sports Media Morning Drive Lineups

I have developed a pretty strong idea for the type of radio format and style I prefer to hear and would like to offer my opinion. I would also like to know what many of you think as I find many of you have some pretty interesting things to say.

I am not the biggest Jim Rome fan but I do listen on a semi-regular basis, and of all the different radio shows I have listened to since I finished high school about 20 years ago, I believe his overall format has been the best. This is not as much about Rome as it is about his format. Below is a point form description to explain what I mean. This will be another long post, I’m afraid.

– When the show begins, he properly introduces himself and enthusiastically welcomes the audience. He then proceeds to explain in detail what the main topics of the day will be, what guests he will interview, and what time during the show you can expect to hear them. This sounds pretty basic and simple but I cannot believe how many times I hear a host just begin talking as if they are in the middle of a conversation. I like to know what to expect from a show every time I tune in otherwise I may tune out. It is also a professional courtesy to the audience and allows me to make time for specific segments if I cannot listen to the entire show.

– During the first segment, he gives strong, well-informed, well-prepared opinions (takes) on the main topics. I don’t always agree with his opinions but that’s beside the point. The fact is, I always feel he has worked hard and has done plenty of show prep to formulate his thoughts and properly set-up the show.
When the first segment has concluded, I have an excellent idea of what the show will be about on any given day and where he stands on the issues.

-As the show continues, he briefly reminds the audience of what the main topics are and what guests will follow but does not overdo it.

-At the top of each hour, he briefly updates what has been discussed and what is left to come.

-At the end of the show he properly thanks all the guests who appeared and advises the audience of what will follow the next day if he has the information. Once again, this sounds awfully basic but I often don’t hear the same from other hosts.

I believe this is an example of a host with excellent communication skills who is well-organized, well-prepared, and runs a tight, professional show.

A few thoughts on Rome’s personality for the record – He can sometimes be rather abrasive to the ears, speaks in slang terms that often sound a little silly to me, and can be painfully annoying when he repeats a sound bite over and over consecutively as if he is obsessive-compulsive. On the positive side, he is always very enthusiastic, has some very humourous moments, and brings a lot of energy to every show.

Far too often it seems to me that radio hosts just ad lib and coast their way through a show. I don’t know what happens behind the scenes in radio but how often do program directors meet with hosts and coach them or work on their weaknesses?

How many of you like the type organized radio format I explained above or prefer something more relaxed and laid back, or something else altogether? Look forward to all of your comments.

Thanks.

My memories of Jim Rome (from 7 years ago, mind you) are of a guy who shouted a lot, preached a bit, and read letters from people who tried to sound just like him (he called them “clones”). I wasn’t impressed at all, but he was the only option in Halifax at the time (on the short-lived TEAM format).

Sorry Rick, but I don’t find much of interest in discussing a proper format for a show. Frankly, although I like my students’ essays to have some kind of coherent format (so that I can understand something of what they are trying to say), I refuse to ever tell them how to say it. That is, I can’t stand formats. As for sports radio, since I am just looking for some mindless entertainment (and there is no such thing as intellectual sports radio), I find it a bit silly to want to impose a standard format on anything.

I dislike call-in shows, but, outside of that, I think anything is fair game. Just keep me entertained, I say.

I prefer sports show that keep sports from being deathly serious and arent rigidly structured.

The two best sports radio shows for me were tony kornheiser’s old espn/wtem show and dan lebatard’s show in miami.

Cant stand rome. For me, phony and shock jocky and writing out your opinions (apart from an opening monologue) is very fake. I also dislike his use of the word “take” has become an industry fixture. He also spawned clones like the horribly noxious and unctuous colin cowherd.