Diversity Or Lack Thereof

Let me first start by saying that this year’s Morning Show Boot Camp in Chicago was a “Home Run.” The turn out was great, the panels were informative, the level of talent on the panels and the prep they came with was above and beyond. I think it’s safe to say that Boot Camp has always been one of the best radio conferences for Programming and Talent in the business. There were so many first timers and fresh new faces, which is exactly what the business needs to grow and expand.

One of the biggest challenges we face as an industry is the lack of interest in radio from younger demographics, particularly those of color. The population has changed considerably in the last few years, and we know that the largest available audience we need to capture to grow our brands are Black and Brown Millennials and Gen Zers.

We’ve spent the last few years identifying the problems we have with the lack of diversity in radio and trying to get those in power positions to understand, but our pleas still fall upon deaf ears. The industry is still “governed by” the same old usual suspects that fit into a certain race and demographic, who have no intention, or even desire, to change things. And they continue to ignore the fact that radio is at a critical point, and that it’s do or die NOW, or like Global Warming, we won’t be able to stop the fires, flooding and vicious storms that continue to wreak havoc on our planet (business).

This problem became blatantly clear when the panel on “Diversity: Radio’s Widening Path to Success,” hosted by Dede McGuire, took place at MSBC last Thursday, scheduled right before lunch. In fact, it was so awkward, that it became blatantly clear that this is what is wrong with radio. After having assembled an incredible panel featuring A List talent like syndicated host Dana Cortez, VP/Urban for Cumulus Nashville, Kenny Smoov, Edgar “Shoboy” Sotelo, and Tino Cochino, the panel’s audience was mostly empty. To the point where Dede even acknowledged it aloud, and everyone in the room (who was left) felt her pain.

It was awkward and embarrassing at first. And completely disrespectful to a very intelligent, very rewarding panel. What the EFF is wrong with people? How could a room full of almost 250 people drop down to twenty people (if we were lucky) in just one panel change. Does everyone who walked out before that session think that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion do not apply to them in 2022? Again, THIS IS WHAT’S WRONG WITH RADIO. VPs, Programmers, and seasoned talent either did not show up, or walked out of a session on Diversity. Easily the most important priority (besides revenue) for every corporation and industry in existence right now. Is it not their job to educate themselves on the issue and manage people of all backgrounds and skills with inclusion and in a healthy work environment?

The good news is that Dede is such a pro and can command a room like a BOSS, and her panelists were open and honest with their answers and educated the ignorant few (like myself) in the room. Last year the panels were different. We watched a bunch of Big Market and Syndicated talent sit on a panel and say they don’t talk about “issues like that. We stay focused on fun and entertainment.” That’s no longer realistic, or good radio. It’s not authentic, hence this years’ panel of experts on how to handle Social and Racial injustice. You cannot ignore movements and changes this big and expect to gain any loyalty or make any connections with your audience.

So, to everyone who avoided that panel, shame on you. YES! I am panel shaming you! There are no excuses for just walking out. And to the few people who were in attendance, despite your surprise of a low turnout, you witnessed one of the best panels Period! Even beyond just this year. When Art Vuolo comes to you after the conference is over and expresses his concern over the lack of turn out for that particular panel, you know there’s a problem. By the way, you can’t make up for it, but if you are willing to at least try and redeem yourself for your ignorance. You can get a video copy of the session from Art by emailing him at ArtVuolo@aol.com (yes, he still has an AOL account)