Out on the Air, LGBT journalists working in audio platforms from podcasts to traditional radio, was the topic of a panel discussion at the 10th LGBT media summit Aug. 21, held in conjunction with the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association annual convention in Chicago.
Cathy Renna, senior vice-president at Target Cue, served as the moderator. Panelists were Scott Duff ( host and producer of Out Chicago, a weekly show on WCPT AM 820 ), Fausto Fernos ( host of the Feast of Fun podcast ), Art Sims ( host of the Real Talk, Real People with Chat Daddy show on WVON AM 1690 ) and Anna DeShawn ( founder and CEO of the online radio network E3Radio and co-host of the Real Talk, Real Change Queer Radio Done Right show for E3Radio ).
Duff explained that Out Chicago is not a show about changing the world. "It's a magazine lifestyle show focusing on LGBT issues and non-profit groups in the Chicagoland area," said Duff. They have also partnered with the Chicago Pride website for their out and about segment, said Duff.
Fernos shared that he began podcasting 10 years ago and really likes the format since he can do whatever he wants. "We like to interview vilified people and villains ... we got a lot of attention for our interview with Shirley Phelps-Roper of the Westboro Baptist Church," said Fernos. Fernos talked about the stories he's broken over the years and the relationships he's developed with everyday trans people. "Don't be size queens when it comes to your audience," said Fernos. He explained that it's important to look to your audience for engagement and as a revenue source.
Sims said that everybody knows him by his moniker Chat Daddy. Then Sims spoke about his journey from being a Black journalist to a Black gay journalist. Sims said he is the first openly gay host at WVON and spent a number of years working for the Chicago Defender.
DeShawn shared that after working in mainstream radio she decided she didn't want to work for a media conglomerate like Clear Channel so she started her own online radio station to showcase LGBT people and their experiences. There are other shows on the network hosted by people from all around the country, said DeShawn. "I was looking to grow a platform where queer people color have a voice," she said.
DeShawn said she got her start at a Des Moines radio station and fell in love with it because of how radio functions as a medium. Sims explained that he didn't go to college for a media degree and fell into media as a career. Fernos said he began in cable access as a drag queen in Austin, when he was 19 years old. He attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago for audio engineering. Duff shared that he is also an actor and comic and he fell into radio as well. Prior to hosting Out Chicago, Duff was the co-host of Windy City Media Group's Windy City Queercast with Amy Matheny.
Renna asked how each panelist builds their audience. Duff said the most effective ways are passing out flyers at the various street fests in Chicago and social media outreach. Sims explained that his name recognition is what drives the audience to his show. Fernos shared that telling unusual stories that haven't been told many times before is what drives people to his show. DeShawn said that being authentic is the key.
During the Q&A session the panelists were asked how they generate content. Fernos said his audience helps because they are active participants, not passive listeners. Sims explained that he books his own guests and because of his name recognition he is booked four weeks in advance. Personal connections are the key to generating content, said Sims.
DeShawn shared that she utilizes Windy City Times, Google searches, social media trends and friends. Duff said that using what you are passionate about and seeing what is in the zeitgeist are helpful in generating show ideas. Curiosity about people or issues you don't know about are also helpful, said Duff.
As for their favorite moment as a broadcaster, DeShawn mentioned her interview with the late Vernita Gray about LGBTQ youth homelessness. Fernos said the quiet heroic subtle moments that happen with various guests and his interview with the late Victoria Lamarr ( transgender woman and performer ) are the highlights of his career. Duff said that his interview with The Homestretch documentary creators stands out.
The issue of monetizing what they do, synergy with other LGBT radio hosts and podcasts/shows and preparing guests were some of the other questions posed to the panelists.
See www.wcpt820.com, www.feastoffun.com, www.facebook.com/pages/Art-Chat-Daddy-Sims/293285343239 and www.e3radio.org for more information.
