I Just Want to Understand...

You hear it all the time; so-and-so network ratings are up, or down - if it's your competition - or beating the competition by this much! It never ends.  What does it all mean? And how does that make them money? We'll explain it in simple terms. This will be a short episode as I didn't want to put you to sleep with all the minutiae of media advertising. The basic concept is all you need, so join me and let's look at media advertising!

We'll examine exactly what Leticia James is accused of, why it's a big deal and why you should NEVER lie on a mortgage application. Join me with an expert on the mortgage industry who can explain everything.

Join me and Ron Parker, a 40-year - and counting - veteran of the radio industry as we discuss why AM and FM radio station values have plummeted in recent years. Some stations have actually ceased operations and sold their assets for more than the license is worth. Listenership has declined, and the industry is struggling to remain relevant in a fast-changing tech environment. What will become to the radio station in your city? We'll examine how radio declined and what can be done to revive a 100-year-old technology.

Mike Hagwood has been a staple on KTOX-AM, 1,000 watts at 1340am for 7 years, weekdays from 2-5pm. This is not a media facility that anyone, save it's loyal listeners, will recognize. It's located in the most unlikely of places, Needles, California. Say what you want. No topic or issue is off limits. It's a talk format with no rules. There's no call screener. Callers have been known to discuss an issue with the host for over an hour, sometimes going from topic to topic. Regular callers have become personalities in their own right. There's "Kenny" from Yucca with intelligent, positive, measured discussions on current events. "Ed from Needles" will offer his opinion on...well, they never know. And then there's "Billy and Tara" billed as the "Tara-Bill Truth" calling from Louisiana with thick Cajun accents to discuss the latest conspiracy theory and to remind us that the earth is flat. And so it goes! You'll never be able to detox from KTOX! Join us as we examine the history and the future of KTOX-AM.

My guest, Brian Hawkins, an Emmy-winning videographer who, for over 35 years, was the staff videographer for the long-running show Texas Country Reporter. Criss-crossing the state over that time meeting people, examining issues and learning the Texas culture has given Brian an unusual perspective on this unusual state, different from any other. We'll examine why Texas is so popular, why folks are moving here in droves. What is it about Texas that makes it so different other than low gas prices and no income tax?  If you've been thinking of moving to Texas, you will not want to miss this incredibly insightful perspective on Brian's assessment of the State of Texas.