"I Was There"
Ninety-First of a series ...

A few items:

1. Erica Farber is the publisher of Radio and Records.  She writes a column called Publishers Profile.  She recently interviewed me as a subject for her column.  Erica is very highly thought of as a person…people like her.  She also does one heck of an interview.  I know because I WAS THERE at the other end of the phone line last week.  I am not going to disclose the questions she asked or my answers.  However, I would like to add two more restaurants….you’ll understand when you read the column.  The two additions are El Zarape in Matagorda County, Texas, and the Truck Stop on Interstate 10 as you leave El Paso heading east.  Both of them are Tex-Mex.  Great food.  I am anxious to read the column myself to check out what I said!!!! Erica…thank you.  I always enjoy talking to you….and thank you and your people from THE wonderful weekly… Radio and Records!!!!!
2. Last week I was anxiously waiting for the results of my annual physical.  I started taking annual physicals when I was in my mid-twenties.  The annual physical is preventive medicine.  Everyone should do it because HEALTH IS WEALTH!!!! Last year I had a blip…my potassium level was too low.  So my John Hopkins trained doctor said “Eat three bananas a day…for three days…and take the test again”.  I did, and my potassium level returned to normal.  Hey, it is not always that easy…but low or high blood levels may indicate something.  Fortunately, this year my blood level was perfect-o.  I have one more test to go on the 19^th.  It is called a colonoscopy.  I have one every three to five years to extract any polyps which might become cancerous in the future.  Preventative medicine for sure.  I have lost a couple of friends in the recent past from colon cancer....Rod Roddy (announcer on TV’s The Price is Right”) and Linda Alter (record executive).  Neither had a colonoscopy…ever… which is unfortunate…because they would be alive today.  Do yourself a favor, and check in with your doctor for preventive medicine….an annual physical.  You will live longer!!!  
3. I had an interesting conference call this week with some distinguished broadcasters.  We compared thoughts about revenue because we have been  reading a lot about national revenue still floundering.  Maybe so….but I certainly note that retail/local revenue has been strong in the last quarter…particularly for medium and small markets (one manager reports increases of 20 percent for October and November).  Also, managers who use sales promotions are having very good sales success.  Those on the conference call believed that terrestrial radio revenue will continue to be very strong for at least ten years despite media competition…and with or without new digital stations.  I am in total agreement!!!!  How you ask???? Every one say it together…ready now…”local, local, local!!!!”

e-mail Kent kent@kentburkhart.com