One thing that anyone who is successful in this business of
disseminating information and commenting on such information must have is thick
skin.
The verbal (and sometimes literal) slings and arrows that
comes with the territory can either make or break a communicator. Such has been
the case over the years, and in this cyber age of social media, this has become
even more of a fact of life.
Over the years, I have been fortunate to work alongside a
variety of media personalities. Some, such as Juke Van Oss and Ernie Harwell,
were able to maintain their class and dignity no matter the provocation, while
others weren’t as gracious.
In that latter category I would put two somewhat kindred
spirits in the late Dave Barber and Bill Simonson. Both men came off as larger
than life figures over the air, but their passionate personalities that made
them successful also made them susceptible at times to being unable to handle criticism.
When I hear Simonson on “The HUGE Show” weekday afternoons
on WHTC, I can’t help but think of Barber, who pontificated in a similar way as
the “Limousine Liberal” on WFDF in Flint for years.
Yesterday, Simonson sent an email to all of his network
affiliates, thanking them for carrying his show as it reached the 27-year
milestone as a statewide radio program. Let me share his sentiments: “I’ve been blessed with
people who wouldn’t let me fail. I’m not perfect and most of the time push for
perfection in everything I do. That is both a strength and flaw in my life on
and off air. I take a lot of pride in what I do. The best part of doing my show
is talking about what matters in our lives – family, friends, a great game,
heart-breaking losses, and how we remember those we’ve lost.
“I
couldn’t have done the last 27 years without the loyalty and support of all of
you. My producers, managers, listeners, and marketing partners all share in my
success. You have never stopped believing in me and my show. I’m forever
grateful to all of you.”
This note also struck me in the same way that Barber would
go out of his way to thank us who helped him during his time on the air. Dave
had just a big of heart to those who were close to him as Bill has.
By the way, I had the good fortune to visit Barber’s
suburban Flint home during his tenure there, seeing his “shrine” to Frank
Sinatra that our former colleague Mary Ellen Murphy would have died to see.
Huge … you're welcome.
Thanks!
