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10 Questions with ... Art Lewis
January 12, 2021
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
On the air for over four decades, longtime WSGW host, also co-hosted WSGW's long-running "Listen to the Mrs."
1. You've been on the radio since the 1960s, which is remarkable in itself. Let's go back to the beginning -- how did you get your start in radio, and why did you go into radio in the first place?
I’m originally from New York City where I was in a group called the NBC Teen Workshop. We met once a week in the RCA Building. NBC provided us an old studio to use as our gathering place. The network would provide guest speakers on a weekly basis. From behind-the-scenes technicians to Merv Griffin and Steve Allen. We were all interested in careers in the fledgling TV industry. After college my first job was as a director/engineer at a small radio and tv station in Clovis, New Mexico. One thing led to another, and the next thing I knew I was doing a 6 hour radio show and a 15 minute TV newscast. In other words, I backed into the talent side of the business.
2. Longevity like yours in the radio business, let alone at one market or station, is pretty rare. To what do you attribute your success? How did you become the icon you are in the Saginaw area?
Thanks for the ‘icon’ mention. I’ve been trying to run from that ever since a Saginaw Symphony Orchestra maestro tagged me with it. After several stints in 3 different markets including suburban New York City, my wife and I decided we did not want to raise our two sons in the New York area. I literally took out a Rand McNally atlas, opened it to the national map, closed my eyes and put my finger on Saginaw, Michigan. I had 3 requirements: A decent radio market, multiple tv stations, and the deciding factor, an industrial market offering the possibility of voiceover work. As it happens, I hit the jackpot. Within spitting distance of Saginaw was the Saginaw Steering Gear division of GM, several GM foundries and casting plants, and the world headquarters of Dow Chemical Company and Dow Corning Corporation. The latter two were most important, since my education was in chemical engineering. I applied to WSGW and within a couple of weeks the family was on the way to the Midwest. Not only did I luck out working for the best radio employer in the market, I found myself voicing half of all Saginaw Steering Gear training and promotional, plus some on-camera presentations. Then Dow Corning and others began to come my way. It was a very lucrative time in my career.
The ‘icon’ part came along because I was on the boards of several major non-profit arts organizations in the region. I am convinced that being active in your community does more for your reputation than simply sitting behind a microphone.
As to the longevity, I fell in love with the region and the job. I’ve never looked back. I’ve been here since 1974. I must also credit our current owners, Alpha Media LLC. They have been a wonderful company to work for, so much so that at 77 years old I have no plans to retire. Besides, my wife would not be happy.
3. Radio in general and talk radio in particular has changed a lot over the years. What changes have been the most notable to you, on the air and behind the scenes?
Let us begin with the technical side. Remember carts, reel to reel tape decks, turntables. And boards with tubes and round knobs. I do. Now, its computer screens from one end to the other. Program screens, phone caller screens, internet screens, etc., etc., etc.
The on-air side changed most dramatically with the sunset of the Fairness Doctrine. It freed us up to talk about controversial issues like never before. It allowed the Rush Limbaughs of the world to gain huge audiences, and in a way, saved AM radio. It sure made my job fun again. To be able to interact with the audience in a mostly unrestricted way wakes me up every morning driving me to turn on the mic and start the conversation. You do need a certain fire in your belly to do this job,
4. How have you been weathering the pandemic? What changes have you had to make to accommodate the situation?
Ah, yes, the pandemic. I have broadcasting from home since March 16, 2020. I roll out of bed, grab some breakfast and head to my home office studio. The Comrex Access unit has become my new best friend. In the beginning of the pandemic I was instructed to set up at home. The company thought it best, given my age. It’s been 10 months with no sign of ending anytime soon. It works well. I have communication with the studio through an Access app on my computer. I know who is waiting on the phone as well as any special guests I might be talking with. All guests are done by phone. By the way, I have as many screens in my home as there are in the studio. No escaping screen time.
5. You obviously have a tight connection to the community. What tips would you offer radio hosts on how to develop that kind of relationship -- what things, on the air and off, have you done to earn that engagement?
On-air is easy. Be relevant. Stay connected to local issues in your region. Get to know the movers and shakers in your town. Let them know they are welcome on your show.
I was brought up to believe talk is cheap and action speaks louder than words. It may be cliché, but it is true. I set out to find organizations I believed in. Over time I was invited to join boards of directors. I also volunteered to emcee various charitable functions. As I said earlier, it is more of what you do off-air that builds your reputation. And, it’s ongoing. I still serve on a variety of boards.
6. Who have been your influences and inspirations in radio?
I grew up in the New York Area listening to likes of Alan Freed and Cousin Brucie. Most of my early influences were more to the jock side of the business I really did not have any talk show idols at the time. When I moved to Saginaw I was partnered with a long time Saginaw radio personality named Fred Krell. Years of working with Fred taught me a great deal about broadcasting and relating to an audience. He was a master.
Today I take my inspiration from my audience. 'Nuff said.
7. What, in your opinion, makes a good radio talk show? What works best for you?
I read your recent piece on the decisions to be made by management relative to talk radio. I instantly related to Scenario 3. You could have been writing about my show. We try and include a large variety of topics in any given week. They range from politics to lifestyle to sports and more. When practical, we try and localize state and national news so its relatable to the audience.
I often tell the listeners the most fun I have is doing open line type shows where I don’t know what topics may come up. It keeps me engaged.
By the way, a comment about your notes on AM radio: We just joined our WSGW AM and FM signals, simulcasting 24/7. We had been doing all the morning hours, including my show, but now it’s full time except for live sports It appears this may be the way of the future for AMs that don’t go dark
8. Of what are you most proud? (It wasn't the nudist theme park April Fool's Day bit, was it?)
I see you’ve done your homework. Actually that bit was one of the best gags I was ever involved in on the radio. When the president of a major international corporation calls asking where that ‘nudist’ camp was… well, anyway, we all had a good laugh.
As to what I am most proud of, I would say it’s leading my life in a way that my late mother and father would be proud. They taught me integrity, honesty and hard work. I hope that I live up to their expectat6ions every day.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ________.
...my family. They are first and always in my mind and heart. My wife of 54 years, Linda, our two sons, Blair and Scott, their wives, Renee’ and Kim, and last but not least, our Shi Tzu, Monkey.
10. What was the best advice you ever got?
Other than the teachings of my parents, the best radio advice I ever received was to be myself. Don’t try and be someone other than who you are when you sit behind the microphone. It sure makes life a lot easier.
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