One inspiration I've failed to mention until now is the best damn commercial* radio station in DFW, if not the Republic of Texas and the US of A, KHYI: The Range.
I'd forgotten how instrumental they were in my formative thinking, because my Ipod has kept me off the airwaves for a while. But, a mishap with the chariot has me in a rental car sans adapter, and I've been listening again.
KHYI plays an eclectic mix of country-americana, but that's not the point. There are other stations out there (like KGSR) that play an uber-eclectic mix more closely hewn to my tastes, but the music isn't the point in this case:
The DJs on the Range epitomize our mantra of "media is a conversation, not a monologue." They're real guys and nothing they say sounds canned or pre-prepared. They're just having a chat with a bunch of folks who like music. There's no describing the technique-- it's just naturally natural. It's there all the time, but is really obvious at shift changes when the DJs overlap.
They're online-- give 'em a listen. Whatever kind of music you like, I guarantee you'll be caught in their spell.
That's the kind of voice I hope we have.
* - Yes, I know there are college and and public radio stations that have this kind of voice, but I find it remarkable when a commercial station pulls it off. Plus, I'd rather hear regular commercials daily (which also have that natural voice on The Range), than a week of pledge drive every three months.

Is it fair to say, though, that "we have an ass-ugly Web site" is not a core Pegasus value?
(I mean no disrespect. I'm sure these guys know they have an ass-ugly Web site, and they're okay with it. If they weren't, they would HIRE ME to do something about it. Ahem.)
Posted by: Jeff Harrell | December 10, 2004 at 01:09 PM
It was until you showed up :)
Posted by: Publisher | December 10, 2004 at 01:12 PM
Oh, mercy...we're worlds apart on this one. I love KHYI for the music, but the "personalities" are like a belt sander on my nerbs. OK, there are two "personalities" like that, and I will never in a million years understand their appeal. If I were king, they'd be up against the wall so fast...
Posted by: Scott Chaffin | December 11, 2004 at 01:37 PM
I *love* the range....but I'd bet my bottom dollar....which is alarmingly close, unfortunately...that Harrell has NEVER listened to the range.
Posted by: Bruce | December 13, 2004 at 03:39 AM