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10 Questions with ... Dave Denholm
August 2, 2005
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NAME:Jim HarringtonPOSITION:Syndicated Morning Radio Host - Your Morning with Jim Harrington and Friends, Talkstar Radio NetworkMARKET:NationalCOMPANY:White Springs MediaBORN:Fall River, MARAISED:Portsmouth, RI
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Thirty year broadcast veteran, worked at a number of nationally recognized radio stations including WCBS-FM New York, 3WS Pittsburgh, WBZ Boston, and KDKA in Pittsburgh. Also worked in television and was Executive Producer, Writer & Director of a sitcom pilot, "All The Good Sports." Won numerous Telly ® awards, an Addy ® and a Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters award. Did some stunt work in the Steven Spielberg thriller "Jaws" and even appeared on the CBS-TV soap "As the World Turns." Best selling novel "Squeeze Play" is now available in paperback; the just-completed sequel, "Strike At The Giant," will be available in bookstores soon.
1) How did you get your start in radio?
I've always loved radio. My first job was on WCOD-FM in Hyannis, Massachusetts in 1967 (I was but a child...). I auditioned by reading a piece of commercial copy to the station owner. To my amazement, he hired me and I didn't have a clue as to what to do next. I stumbled and bumbled my way through that summer but it was an education and I was hooked. Radio was to be a part of my life, for the rest of my life.
2) What are you passionate about?
I love my work. I've never tired of being in radio. At times I've been disappointed by certain individual radio stations but I've always been pleased with my career choice. Every morning's program is an exciting challenge. It seems that I've no sooner finished one show, that I'm already thinking about, and looking forward to, the next. I'm also passionate about my writing career. I've authored a mystery entitled "Squeeze Play" which has been published and is available around the world. My new book, "Strike at the Giant," is with publishers and should be available soon. And, of course, my primary passion is my family. In that category, I've hit a home run.
3) After a long career with stops at some huge stations and tons of major voiceover spots and awards, what brought you to do a syndicated talk show?
I'd like to say that it was my talent...but I think that much of it was being in the right place at the right time. So many things have come together to make this program a reality. The Talkstar Radio Network has been up and running for about a year. I was in discussions with the principal of the network six months before the network went live. We discussed radio philosophy and syndicated program beliefs. We found that we were on the same page, but we didn't force this program. It was a long growth process. I believe that's why it's working so well now. Syndication has come a long way. It's sophisticated and technically accepted. The delivery method has been simplified, too. We've made it easy for stations to carry our program. All a potential affiliate has to do is go to our website (www.talkstarradio.com) and fill out the affiliate form. It doesn't cost anything and the network even supplies the affiliate with a receiver and satellite dish.
4) You're in Pittsburgh, your producer's in Florida- how is that arrangement working out?
We were always optimistic about the show, but even we were surprised by the way it's taken off. My partner-in-crime is a talented radio professional named Bill Madden. We had never worked together and we were both a bit hesitant about doing so. Much to our surprise, it's been the best radio experience of my career, and I think Bill's, as well. To put it simply... we gelled. It sounds as if we've worked together for years... and with a little bit of luck, we will work together for years. It really sounds like we're sitting across the table from each other, sipping coffee, telling stories and enjoying each other's company. I'm very lucky.
5) You're not doing a political show- in what ways is your show different from whatever else is out there?
It's a general appeal, fast paced program. We don't dwell on one subject...we keep the stories coming. And we comment, criticize and many times laugh at the things we talk about, too. The show's called "Your Morning with Jim Harrington and Friends' and our slogan is "Let's have some fun!" It's not to say that we don't mention things political. We do. But we don't dwell on politics. We want our listeners from both sides of the political aisle to feel comfortable listening to our show. One minute we might be talking about the Supreme Court and the next...the Supremes. No matter if you're liberal talk or conservative...our show works well on both.
6) Who are your influences?
I guess I was influenced by Ted Brown (always loved his smooth and humorous approach to radio), Jean Shepherd (the man knew how to make a listener smile) and Johnny Carson (no faster and funnier mind in the history of broadcasting). There's enough heavy stuff out there. As a society, we're forgetting how to smile. We want our listeners to feel as if they know us and we want them to leave each program with a smile.
7) If you could get any guest at all, who would be at the top of that list and why?
I'd love to have a relaxed, non political interview with the President. Maybe have him guest host the show and NOT talk politics. I'd like to talk music, his favorite old TV show or his favorite comedy movie. I would love to have President Bush, but he's probably pre-occupied with leading the Free World. I'd probably have as much fun doing the show with former President Clinton...or even the first President Bush.
8) What do you do for fun?
I enjoy my family... and I love to write. There's nothing like working on and developing a good work of fiction. I also like to travel, although I don't do as much of that as I'd like.
9) Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ___________.
... my faith.
10) What's the best advice you ever got?
The best advice was "don't be afraid to chase your dreams." The worst? The worst advice was "put your money in Polaroid"....which I did...shortly before the fifty year old company filed for Chapter 11. Ahhh, but life goes on.
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