Tom Joyner - My View

As much as I respect Tom Joyner as a real true radio personality. I was never an advocate for syndicated programming. I do not like syndicated programs for simple reason that the host can never tell the correct time. It's always so many minutes after the hour. If I were a blind person listening to a syndicated show I would never know the correct time. Knowing the correct is a simple thing and is one that I value most.

Early in his career, listening to Tom on WJPC in Chicago was incredible and he cared about the people. Mr. Joyner is a study of excellence as far as being a radio host. Tom did the little things like using index cards to keep himself at the top of his game. In radio Show prep is everything and everything is show prep. When the TJMS became syndicated, I lost interest because syndicated shows can't give the correct time.

I read the Fly Jock Blog and Tom is a class individual. He did not trash or talk negatively about the industry he loves or the station that dropped the show. He said " It's Just Business" and encouraged his followers that his plight is an opportunity to move on to something greater. The TJMS leaving Chicago airwaves is "an opportunity for us to step it up and find new and exciting ways to stay on top of our game when the rules are changing all the time."

However, Tom wrote something that really struck a nerve. Tom stated, "The bottom line is black radio will never be what it once was, and there’s absolutely nothing we can do about that."

I wonder what is Tom suggesting? And Why can't black radio be what it once was? And why can't we do something about it. Unfortunately, I can not agree. There is something that can be done. People have to know what to do. If Americans can come together to elect a President of Color, we can do something about radio. The mountain may be high but can be climbed.

Moreover, do not to expect Tom or Black Radio to be a leader when it comes to the media reform and saving Black Radio. They are in too deep and must remain neutral. It's like Black Radio is being "blackmailed."

African American people and others must rise and question the FCC about what they are doing about diversity of ownership, localism, and the lack of women and minority owners. Business should not be allowed total control of the airwaves to do as the please without serving the public interests. The primary interest of a media corporation is the elimination of the public interest! And media that serves the local interests of the communities is what needs to be fought for. Bigger media is not better media and too few own too many! Radio needs regulation owners should not be allowed to own multiple stations in a market, thereby controlling the flow of information and content in local communities.

Losing the TJMS in Chicago is "Just Business." The loss stemmed from a business model that Tom endorses that's why he won't complain. Tom has prospered through syndicated radio. On the other hand, Mr. Joyner knows that the very existence of Black Radio is under attack. It reminds me of playing the game of "Monopoly" at a friend's house. I COULD NEVER WIN. I won in the game of "Monopoly" only when it was played at my house. Anyway, who knows, Tom could resurface on a Crawford Broadcasting outlet and be back in Chicago.

According to professor Lawrence Redd "One of the perennial struggles which Black people have faced in the United States is establishment and maintenance of effective communication systems among themselves." African American that want to move foward should not quit on this struggle. Tom's statement, "The bottom line is black radio will never be what it once was, and there’s absolutely nothing we can do about that," reads like people should give up and accept radio as it is, but since I have not talked with him, I won't come to that conclusion.

If Amercia can elect a man of color... Radio can be changed or at least "EQUALIZED" so that more people than a few whites males and a few blacks can share in the American Dream.

The fight starts with who owns the media.. As Marvin Gaye said "Got to Give It Up."