Since When Is Age a Problem?

Yesterday I happened across an article in of our industry trade magazines from a well-know industry researcher who said that we need younger people in our business and need tom move out the "old guard", so to speak. Of course, being a part of the supposed "old guard", this article got my attention. First thing I thought (a colleague of mine recognized this, too) was that I wonder if someone, in any other business, had mentioned this, there would be lawsuits flying all over the place.
After I got past that, I began to think of my younger days and how I was told I didn't have enough experience; that I was too young to be in a responsible position in the industry. "Get more experience!" - that was the mantra.
Well, I have plenty of it these days and now there is someone out there saying that I have too much and that I can't relate to anyone under 30. Maybe this is a case of "what goes around, comes around", since it was our generation that told everyone not to trust anyone over 30. In reality, I think it's an excuse. Fresh ideas come from all ages not just anyone UNDER 30. The excuse is being made for those large, highly-leverage companies who, in some ways, have homogenized our industry.....and not all of these folks are from my generation - as a matter of fact, a good percentage of them of are from the generation after me. They have been too careful, too calculating and too conservative with a medium that has thrived on creativity.
So, instead of calling for a youth movement, how about a CREATIVE movement? Let's be entertainers, not bean counters. That takes creativity and fresh ideas and has NOTHING to do with age.

CAN WE NOW GO BACK TO JUST WATCHING THE GAME?

It is fairly well-known that I am a native Philadelphian AND that I am a strong supporter of the city's sports teams (along with Tastykakes and REAL cheesteaks, of course - but you can HAVE scrapple!). So - I was excited about the fact the pro football Eagles were on TV this past Sunday (no - I don't have the subscription for 8,000 games a week on my TV!). Lost on me was the fact that this would be Michael Vick's first game back after 2 years. I really wouldn't have known.....ya think? Wow...the hype about that was unreal before, during AND after the game. The Eagles won big and the guy was in for just 11 plays - none of which were even close to highlight reel material but, nevertheless, I saw every play over and over and over again. AND - the only player interview we get to see? Of course! Will Dante Stallworth get this same attention when he comes back next season? I bet some of you don't even know who he is. (Google him and you'll be educated!)
I have nothing against Michael Vick at this point. The man did his time....is doing his part to reform and now is trying to get back into his chosen profession. Can't fault him for that. It just makes me crazy how my media brethren make some things bigger than they really are. There were some real stars in that game (especially backup Quatreback Kevin Kolb) and they were pretty much neglected. I look forward to the day that a game is reported as just that - a game. Who won...who lost and who were the stars. Maybe that'll happen when Dante Stallworth returns.

A LITTLE JOURNEY BACK WITH A DASH OF ADRENALINE

Had the opportunity this past week and weekend to head up to Central Pennsylvania for some business and pleasure. The business part brought me back to my roots in this business - a small community and an even smaller staff. All those folks on that staff just really enjoyed each other and what they had to do at their radio stations. You can just see it AND feel it.
The "pleasure" part REALLY tugged at my memory banks. I had the fortune of being offered to join some folks to see my Alma mater (Penn State) play Saturday against Syracuse on the campus I hadn't seen since 1988 (and only one other time since I had graduated a while back from that). The seats, by the way, would be in the press box!!! What a vantage point! Seeing the stadium; the fans/students coming into the game and then the band getting things started reminded of my younger days there. At one point, when the players hit the filed and the band played the fight song, it really got to me. Very glad that I could experience this because who know if I every would again.
The came the very BEST part of the trip when someone tapped me on my shoulder and asked if I would mind seeing the game from the sidelines in the 3rd quarter? I don't think I have moved that fast since high school. What a rush that was! (Check some of the shots on my Facebook page). I'm in the largest college football stadium in the country (108,000-plus capacity) and I'm ON the field!!!! Hearing the crowd exhort the team during a particular goal line stand right in front of me was amazing AND awesome. I can now understand how this affects players. It is SO different when you are on the field - so much louder. I was ready to suit up!!!
On the ride home, I thought about all that I had experience and I thought about the folks who wouldn't ever get the opportunity which, of course, made me feel even more fortunate. Enjoy those special moments. Savor them...and be thankful you have them!