Paul McLane is U.S. editor in chief.
The U.S. radio industry should act now to plan a coordinated national moment of reflection on Sept. 11.
That’s the opinion of Mark Lapidus, Radio World’s longtime “Promo Power” columnist and a radio consultant. “Now is the time to begin preparing for the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001,” Mark writes in a commentary prepared for a pending issue of RW.
“It would be remarkable if, as a united body, radio stations from coast to coast could share a moment of reflection. Imagine thousands and thousands of radio stations sharing the same audio introduction, then silence, then an ecumenical prayer for our country. Last, we could ask people to turn on their car headlights for the remainder of the day.”
Mark believes that if the heads of the major broadcast radio groups, plus those of the satellite and online radio biggies, got together and could agree on such a plan, others would join in. “What a powerful experience we could create for our citizens.”
He adds that this is not about industry self-aggrandizement. “I’m putting this concept out there because it’s the right thing to do to remind folks that, regardless of politics, we are all part of one steadfast, moral society — proud Americans who care about one another.”
How about it, NAB, Clear Channel, Cumulus, Sirius XM, Pandora, NPR, Greater Media, CBS? How about it, mom and pop, college, all-news and music stations?
Radio shouldn’t just coordinate it, or participate in it. Radio should take ownership and lead it, using our uniquely national-and-local voice. Let’s start the movement here and now.
