Let’s begin with an editorial thought. I have been very vocal about the decline of media in our area and nationally. I too have gone to the extremes to publish and deliver content of quality and entertainment value that all based on local necessity and interest. While speaking out loudly about the companies that hold those powerful footprints of their transmitters and their traditional established reach…I have also done all I can to let any displaced worker know that if they need it, there’s a space for them. Not only to maybe contribute, but I too have a studio that they are welcome to use if they need to update an audition tape, record some occasional voice work or need a hand.
I have not very often in my career come across an individual in broadcasting I didn’t see as an equal or a colleague, no matter the “competition” that is out front of it all. All ships rise together, and when someone needs a hand, the rules change a little and it’s owed to a colleague to assist with resources. Well, that last live colleague in Muskegon….he wasn’t even given the respect of being let go in person. “Hey, can you leave the keys on the desk and lock up on your way out? You’re fired”. That was the end of a 40 year career of “LT”, Larry Taylor….and within a matter of minutes, I made it clear that the studio, and our platforms were as open as they always have been. LT spent a little time under the weather thanks to the Taco Bell lettuce incident, but now back up and at ’em, he’s staying right here, because he too knows the importance of local media far past the quarterly profit report. LT worked pretty much alone in that building for the last few years. It’s not been an easy time and it was a long slow process that ended with an insult.
LT’s actually got 3 years on me. Beginning his radio career 40 years ago in Big Rapids he’s worked his way through markets like Big Rapids, Muskegon, Grand Rapids and then back to Muskegon again. There have been both radio and television gigs and there’s been one resounding theme through it all. The genuine person LT is and the work he puts into above and beyond for the groups he works with. Being a “DJ”….well, let me explain something to you…..as the life of a DJ unfolds, the idea that you’re there playing records all day….ya….that wears out. It gets remarkably difficult to be excited about “Tumbling Dice” when it’s the 4000th time you’ve played it. In time, those who are any good at the job, they find their ways into the community to use their voice and presence to elevate those around them. People who’s mission might not get seen and purpose might not be heard unless someone takes the time to listen, learn and help them make a message relatable. It’s not an overnight acquired talent. It’s a deeply engrained person or two within a community that’s built trust, understanding and a relationship with that community for years.
Any voice can come out of your radio….AI voices can come out of your radio. Are either of those going to be able to understand the uniqueness of our community and those who make it work? Not a chance. LT has built deep and lasting relationships with so many in out community, losing his voice is simply not going to happen. Local media is the glue that keeps a community connected. With what we are all going through now….the “information age” it’s seeming like it’s a thing of the past. But…. information is one thing…..who’s got the wisdom to use it? People with 37-40 years in broadcasting. That’s not bragging. That’s pointing out a spread sheet can’t do what we do.
LT continues on with all he’s been up to. He’s got established relationships with people and organizations I don’t, and some I do. He’s going to fold all of his right in with us with open arms. He’s got his style and personality…we all know it and love it. He knows exactly how to communicate with the people of Muskegon and West Michigan and is a multi-disciplined media guy. Perfect fit and a no brainer. Much more than that to me personally, it’s a bit of a nod to have him join and help. This is a lot of work and to have someone else swinging a hammer along side…especially with the chops LT brings….I couldn’t have asked for more.
We’ve been abandoned by all traditional media in Muskegon. Everything with the exception of low power FM radio stations is farmed in from somewhere else. This pattern will continue to repeat and television is accelerating on the consolidation of markets and people too. What’s been built by the Muskegon Channel…..it’s where local news will be coming from, it already is where local news is coming from. Asking people to take the step to push one more button to access “on demand” content isn’t much….we hope that you take that opportunity to help us grow and expand as we welcome the guy who rode out the FM radio days till the end… LT, Larry Taylor to the future of local media.
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