Radio Books

Do you want to become a Radio DJ? Then this is the book for you! Based on the author's experience, it provides you with what you need to know to become a successful Radio Disc Jockey.

The book starts with a description of what it takes to become a Radio DJ and what a career as a professional radio air personality is like. There's also a discussion of how a typical radio station is organized and how each element works with the others to create a successful radio station.

The author outlines the steps required to become a successful Radio DJ, paying particular attention to the need to persevere and why it's critical to have a goal to keep career development efforts on track. The advice the author offers on the importance of goal setting, persevering, and being persistent is outstanding and applies to any kind of career.

The book continues with a look at how to prepare the package that will be sent to prospective radio stations. Although there are entire books on resumes and cover letters, the information provided here is succinct and excellent. The book focuses on the demo tape as a key element of the employment package and provides outstanding information about how to develop a professional one.

In addition to the information on how to become a music station Radio DJ, there are chapters on the special requirements of Talk Radio and Sportscasting and how to break into both of these specialties. In the final section of the book, the author provides stories of the extraordinary people he's met and the special places he's been able to go due to being a Radio DJ.

The author is Mike Staff, a working Disc Jockey with 101 WRIF in Detroit. Starting as an unpaid intern, Mike quickly worked his way onto the airwaves at one of the most respected and top rated Rock n' Roll radio stations in the country.

Throughout the book, the author uses examples he's experienced while working in the Radio industry to highlight his points. In addition, there are two audiocassettes that reinforce the themes in the book: "The Mindset of Successful DJs" and "Creating a Winning Audition Tape."

I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in becoming a Radio DJ.

Review by Mike Powers, Radideo.com Guide, January 2000

This book is awesome for people who want to learn how to be an effective dj

Bought this book from Amazon.com and I'm from Kuwait. It really helped know how things go in radio stations and how great radio personalities got started. The package also includes two very interesting audio cassettes which I really liked (I even started listening to them instead of listening to music!). Get this package (1 Book, 2 Audio Cassettes) if you're serious about breaking and entering the radio world.

This is a well-written memoir by Canadian wireless operator Howard Hewer, who flew more than his share of ops during WWII and contributed in both the European and North African theatres. Ironically, the title, "In for a Penny, in for a Pound" is also part of the libretto of Gilbert and Sullivan's light opera, Iolanthe, which continues: "It's love that makes the world go round." One wonders if the author intended any hidden commentary by referring to this particularly well-known couplet in such a context.

Laced with stories typical of the war, Mr. Hewer's fine recounting also provides insight into that damnable situation which existed on the Allied side: the treatment of so-called "colonials" by RAF personnel. Truly, it's a wonder the English were able to win the war at all, when one considers the tomfoolery they frequently got up to in relation to Canadian, South African, NZ, Australian and other Commonwealth troops fighting alongside. Since Mr. Hewer flew mainly as a non-com, this work also provides us with insight into the lives of the lower ranking members of the military establishment of the day.

Bomber Command was perhaps the most effective force fighting against Nazism prior to D-Day, but there was a very high cost paid in lost aircrews on each mission. Mr. Hewer reflects on the obvious: why was it he somehow always came back. This tension is woven throughout the text, making the book successful at yet another level, since who would really want to write or read a war memoir and come away smiling. It is not a pretty story, yet the author has presented it to us in a lively and balanced manner, making the book eminently readable while allowing a strongly-voiced message about war to come through as well. Highly recommended.

Howard Hewer has done a wonderful job in bringing us his life in Bomber Command as a wireless operator flying in the belly of Wellington bombers. From his nights flying over Berlin to the bombing of North Africa to his time spent convalescing after a crash (when he went on some of his most dangerous missions), Hewer spares few details in providing a colorful first-hand account. Anyone with even a passing interest in war memoirs, or who truly enjoys the view of the world from 10,000 feet, should read this book. Without a doubt the best memoir I've read in a long time.

"In For A Penny, In For A Pound" by Howard Hewer, sub-titled: "The Adventures And Misadventures Of A Wireless Operator In bomber Command". Stoddard Publishing, Toronto, Canada, 2000.

This book recounts the experiences of T. W. H. Hewer as a young man and a wireless operator in the Royal Canadian Air Force. As a young teenager, Howard Hewer had dreams of flying Spitfires, so he enlisted in the Canadian Air Force, which decided, at that moment, they had a greater need for radio operators than for pilots. He was shipped to Calgary for training in radio operations. Hewer then tells the story of his training as an enlisted radio operator, and his experience during bombing raids on Nazi held Europe. He retired as Wing Commander.

Young Hewer was well aware of the cultural differences between the British and the Canadians. He devotes an entire chapter (Chapter 6, "Yatesbury Wireless School - Collision of Cultures) to describe the class-conscious Brits and the young Canadians being trained in England. Throughout the book, these cultural differences will pop up, and, in some instances, be of major importance. In Chapter 19, (A Fine Line To Mutiny), it would appear that the British wanted a level of discipline that neither the Australians nor the Canadians wanted to accept. Admittedly, it as an Australian who first threw down his rifle and refused to drill, but Hewer appears to have approved of the group's refusal to exercise and drill. He later implies that this "mutiny" was responsible for the delay of his commissioning as an officer.

This book is not just the usual recounting of the terrors of flying bombers into German held Europe. There is that, of course, but Hewer narrates a story that involves the European Theatre, flying to Malta, on to Egypt and then a trip, in a ship, around Africa. In South Africa, when warned to avoid certain down town areas because the Boers still remembered the Boer war and therefore were "hostile" to the British, Hewer relies on his "Canada" shoulder flash. He and a Canadian compatriot slip into a down town hotel and are feted by the old Boers with free beer and lunch.

An interesting anecdote related by Hewer deals with the dance halls. He was on a balcony and looked down at the dancers, who reminded him of a field of moving daisies. . It seems that the ladies had all used peroxide to become blondes and their roots were slowly growing out in their darker colors. As Hewer glanced down, the whirling locks appeared as daisies in the wind. This remembrance, alone, makes the book worth reading.

what i like about this book firstly, is that its not an intellectual exercise of analyzing tons of theses, etc., but shaped by personal experiences in india over many years, meeting people from different walks of life from all over india. to me, a book about india should be grounded in its earth and in humility, because the real india is several things at once and full of apparent contradictions - for me, thats a key differentiator between this book and say, amartya sen's Arg.Ind essays/diatribes thats twice as long, but i fell asleep after the first few pages.

i dont agree with some of tully's ideas, but i used to firmly disagree with some of those ideas before i read this book; now i know, i cant be "sure for sure". thats why this book is so important. it humbly asks for balance and the need to avoid extremes, be in far-left pseudo-secularism, or far-right fundamentalism. these ideas are valid not just for india, but for the entire world.

This is an excellent book by Mark Tully and represents the net result of a lifetime of reporting in the subcontinent. The author does a very fine job of contrasting the fundamental differences between the Indian and the western tradition. Being a Britisher born and having spent most of his life in India, Mr.Tully is the perfect person to write about East vs West. He touches all aspects of human life and culture in a succinct manner giving the reader a wonderful perspective on the Indian way. Though a little simplistic at times, I came out with a better appreciation for the role of tradition and uncertainty after reading this book as well as a fresh view point about Indian civilization. Right in the foot steps of 'The Argumentative Indian' by Amartya Sen, I think this book is a very fine contribution of to the ongoing debate about the idea of India.

Most Indians and Indophiles are familiar with Mark Tully, who worked for long out of Delhi as BBC's correspondent. In the process, he fell in love with the country, and ended up settling down in India permanently.

This book is a kind of personal journey for him. The narrative is rather tentative, and covers a lot of ground. He weaves back and forth between UK and India, and offers quite a few valuable insights about religion, politics and culture of the two countries. UK is not treated independently, but more as a kind of foil to India. The book's 11 chapters are placed in various towns that he visited, which also serve as a kind of cultural emblem for what he is going to talk about in a particular chapter.

He also shares a lot of personal details, his trials, tribulations, anecdotes and triumphs. Being a journalist with a highly respected Channel, he had access to almost everyone in India. It goes without saying that his narrative is very sympathetic to Indian culture and the 'Indian way of dong things'. However, it is also reasonably balanced, so that it does not become a gushing, sentimental kind of nonsense about how great everything about India is.

Some of his comments are quite perceptive - for instance, about how India always tries to find a balance between extremes, a middle (middling?) way of doing things. He believes this is one of India's keys to longevity as a civilization.

Well, he is certainly right that this search for a balance, of avoiding the extremes, is almost an unwritten, unbreakable law in India. My late father often used to say 'ati sarvatha varjayet' - excess is to be avoided always / everywhere. And this philosophy gradually worked its way into my conscience, so that now the extreme option is always automatically renounced in favor of the moderate one.

In fact, in India, the term 'extremist' is often used as a political pejorative and is more popular than fundamentalist or terrorist, though it includes both these categories as well. Similarly, 'atyachar' which literally means 'extreme behaviour' is used to signify inhuman behaviour.

This is a book you can soak into. However, it will not make a conscious, discernible impact on you. The book is too wispy for that, too much like a mild fragrance, one of those extremely expensive perfumes, which only leave behind a tantalizing suggestion. I read it only last month, and already I have forgotten what were the key points that Tully made. Perhaps he didn't make any at all. May be he made many. He doesn't try to convince you or sell you his viewpoint - he merely shares his views. And that does really mean that he has become more Indian than many of us (see for example, Amartya Sen's The Argumentative Indian: Writings on Indian History, Culture and Identity).

The hardcover edition issued by Rider (Random House group) has been printed and bound in India. The book is fairly easy to carry, and easier to read, because of good paper and printing. Of course, Tully's light, conversational style adds to the ease of reading.

All in all, an enjoyable, readable book - much more perceptive and interesting than his previous India in Slow Motion (India in Slow Motion), which was more task-oriented.

Hark! Someone wrote a book about my favorite radio horror. No disappointments. Biographies about Himan Brown, Paul McGrath, Lesley Woods, Raymond Edward Johnson and others. A look at the cultural history of radio horrors was fascinating. Short stories from 1940s radio/tv magazines adapted from radio episodes not known to exist in recorded form is a plus. The television series is covered in detail. A complete list of Simon & Schuster mystery novels. The episode guide is superior to the mistakes that are being reprinted numerous times all over web-sites. Makes me want to avoid the web-sites and stick with reference books like this.

Perhaps the most fascinating part of the book is the section about the Universal Studios movies. The reason you see a head in the globe and not a creaking door was because the studio optioned to buy the screen rights from Himan Brown, the creator/producer/director of the radio program and when he wouldn't sell it to them without a huge ransom, they discovered that he did not even own the name. Brown made an agreement with Simon & Schuster for the use of the Inner Sanctum name, on condition that at the end of each month, the latest paperback novel using the Inner Sanctum name would be mentioned. The publishing company profited through this arrangement. So the studio got permission from S&S to use the Inner Sanctum name and instructed very specific in the press books to theater owners not to make any mention of the radio program to avoid lawsuits. Brown owned the rights to the creaking door and nothing else. Hence the reason why no creaking door in the beginning of each movie, and the on-screen credit to S&S.

Inner Sanctum was one of the true classics of old time radio, and scholar Martin Grams has done a terrific job in unearthing a wealth of data on its production, history and legacy. For those who remember mystery/horror radio with a pleasurable shudder, Inner Sanctum Mysteries is for you!

Grams is ably assited by Greg Mank, author of many books on the classic horror films of Univeral. His insights into the world of Inner Sanctum are valuable and sound. A great effort all round, and a must for anyone who remembers that creaking door...!

Martin Grams has taken one of the best known but least researched old time radio series and come up with the definitive word on Inner Sanctum.

Covering both the radio and the television series, Martin includes bios of both Raymond Edward Johnson and Paul McGrath *the hosts* as well as Himan Brown, the programs creator. He discusses behind the scenes stories of the programs creation and run.

The meat of the book is the detailed episode listings for the series. Inner Sanctum is a series that has erroneous shows credited to it...shows with altered names, etc. Martin has tracked these down...winnowed the false from the actual. Very few of the actual shows broadcast still exist. This is a shame, for the plots of some lost shows make one hunger to hear the story. For a lover of the show, or a lover of old time radio...this is a godsend.

Martin has a very readable style and the book is a very valuable reference tool as well as an interesting read. It is definitely a good buy.

This book tells the stories of jungle pilots who have seen the Glory of God. There is so much to learn and so much to be inspired by. If you're interested in aviation, adventure, evangelism, or just to know about great things that God has done amongst His people, this is a great book to buy and pass around.

This is an exceptional book for anyone interested in overseas missionary work to read. Well-written and interesting, informative to all. If you've come across this review, buy the book and give it a read!

An uplifting story of the Jungle Aviation And Radio Service. Jaars for short. A story about people who expect and recive miracles every day. Soar over dense jungles, land in impossable places with the men and women of Jaars. Experiance the thrill of seeing God work in todays world just as He did thousands of years ago. Meet people who have no doubt about the power of God. Listen as they tell of their failings and His faithfulness. This is a book that can build ones faith and bring hope for the future. And it just might instill in you a deep desire to join these men and women as it did for me. On a scale of one to ten, I would rate this book, a ten. And a must for anyone who wants a closer walk with Jesus.

This is one of the best books about the Northwest. Corr does a great job blending the story of an activist family with the rise of Seattle after World War II. Next to "Skid Road," my favorite on Seattle. Should be a movie. A great female lead character in Dorothy Bullitt.

Corr's book is more valuable than the narrow title suggests. More than a history of a powerful Seattle family and its TV-Radio empire, Corr's larger theme is the post-war growth of Seattle, the price of its progress and the universal tension between idealism and commerce. This story is interesting because Dorothy Bullitt did not set out to make money in the new medium of TV. Rather, she and her son, Stimson, created a new media force that shook up the sleepy newspaper-dominated local media. Well into the 70's KING-TV scooped many big stories. Corr does a masterful job of tracing the early deviations from the "King ideal"--Dorothy's dumping of her son in favor of Ancil Payne, the shift from hard news to TV celebrities, and the ultimate cash out by Payne and Dorothy's daughters. Along the way Corr paints many colorful portraits--the Machiavellian Payne, Dorothy's hopelessly dysfunctional grandchildren, the bright and attractive Jean Enersen--the lone remaining link to the glory days, the irasicble Don McGaffin--a throwback to the hard drinking, hard working, macho muckrakers of the turn of the century, and the glib, shallow Jim Foreman--the self-described "ratings machine" and low water mark for KING's television journalism. There is much to savor in this well written and colorful book. One hopes that Corr will soon devote his considerable talent to a subject with broader appeal.

Corr has done lovers of radio, and television, specifically those of us in the Pacific Northwest a tremendous favor, capturing the drama of the Bullitt family. His writing is lively and the story is compelling in its narritive detail. You'll learn of the struggles, gambles and tremendous paybacks the Bulletts made as they began and grew their broadcasting kingdom. If I had any criticism, it would be that the book is a little short of details concerning KING-AM and KGW-AM's heydays as Top 40 Rock N Roll outlets. The author completely fails to include, KINK-FM, one of the most interesting and hybrid FM radio stations in the country. If you are at all interested in radio, television or Northwest business history, this is definately a book worthy of purchasing.

A wonderful dramatization of a classic. Children will love this version and want to hear it over and over again!!

My children (ages 7 & 9) are experiencing Narnia just as I did as a child. This was our 3rd book on CD in the Chronicles. I wish it was our first. The Radio Theatre cast is incredible. My children were transported to Narnia via the actors and the sound effects. Having a cast of actors brings more depth to the story. They ask to hear it again and again. Well worth the investment. There is a Narnia set from the Radio Theatre and I may buy it even though we have 2 books from other narrators. It is that good!

We already have the full collection of Chronicles of Narnia books, but this radio theater version is a very welcome addition. As adults, my husband and I were as captivated as our children while listening to this series on CD. This is more than simply a book being read aloud, it is like really being there and hearing the story unfold. We especially enjoy this CD series for trips in the car, as the time passes quickly while enthralled with the plot. It is a wonderful book series, and if you can't find time for reading, this is a great way to expose your family to good writing. "The Last Battle" happens to be the last book in the series, so be sure to start with "The Magician's Nephew" and "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" first. I don't know if Focus on the family has produced the entire series yet or not, but we've listened to those first two and loved them.

ELLIOT TIEGEL HAS THE ULTIMATE MASTERPEACE. HE TELLS FOR THE FIRST THE ENTIRE OF THE LATIN MEGA INFLUENCS IN ALL OF OUR LIVE.IT IS A BRILLIANT MAP OF THE HISTORY OF THIER INFLUENCE IN EVERY FIELD.THIS BOOK IS AS UNIQUE AS IT IS BRILLIANT.

Latinization of America -
The book is a real eye opener. It's astounding to learn the impact that the Hispanic population growth is having on the entertainment industry (as well as corporate America). Eliot Tiegel has a command of the subject matter; the book comes across as meticulously researched and gives a real education on the growing influence of this segment of the population.

Full of personal accounts, hard facts and solid news reporting, the book gives the reader an understanding on how the changing demographics translate into more radio stations switching to Spanish formats, increased budgets for advertising aimed at this audience, the emergence of more crossover artists, etc, and the effect this is all having in every area of show business.

Who better than an entertainment journalist who's had a front row seat to all things film, music, radio & television to chronicle the history & inroads of Latin entertainment in the US? And it's the readers who reap the benefits of his 45 years in the business. This book is an important first of its kind, certain to be the go-to reference for years to come.

Living in Southern California, the "Latinization" of Los Angeles was probably the beginnings of what Eliot Tiegel has so eloquently waxed poetic in his new book. From all areas of entertainment, to sports to business...this is the "must-read" bible for anyone interested in how Latin culture and its people have blended into the American melting pot and influenced everyone...everywhere! No other resource has covered the genre so brilliantly and so completely. Grab a Mojito, your favorite cigar and a hammock it's gonna be a long, very enjoyable read.

This audio CD produced by Focus on the Family shares a powerful story of integrity and respect for humankind. Challenges the way you think about life and people who mistreat you.

This is an incredible abridged version of Les Miserable! Focus on the Family has out done itself by hitting all the key elements from the original story and by bring the story to life. This version left our family yearning to hear more. My children have listened to it over and over gleaming new insights about mercy, justice, and true love each time. Everyone home library should have such a moving story on its shelfs!

This is an excellent audio dramatization of Victor Hugo's Les Miserables. It's very true to the theme of the book which are often missed in other mediums. It does very well in bringing out the emphasis of mercy and forgiveness. Very highly recommended.

I'll keep this short, I couldnt get to sleep while i was listening to this thats how good it was.

I was uncertain as to the accuracy of the audio of the life of Christ, but have found it to be not only accurate but very exciting to listen to. I love it and truly recommend this to anyone who would like to listen to a fresh description of the life of Christ. Focus on the Family endorses it and I have truly enjoyed every minute of it. I even downloaded it to our I-Pod.

Focus on the Family has another quality product! We use audio books alot when traveling and this one is of course safe for the whole family, very thought and discussion provolking. I would recommend that children should be at least age 7 or so in order to follow the story. It is a very interesting way to interpret this Gospel. Our family has found it very enjoyable and we have listened more than once.