Home Login RADIO ONLINE RSS Facebook
Advertisement

Personality Profile: Matt and Sarah Save a Life


Tracy Johnson
Tracy Johnson

Here's an important question: Why do you do what you do? What is it about the radio industry that keeps you coming back for more? What drives that passion for performing and entertaining each day? For Matt and Sarah, the morning team on Jack-FM/Calgary, the answer is a little different than you might expect.

The Rogers Media show is irreverent, casual, and fun. The station itself takes a tongue-in-cheek approach. But there are layers to the show's personality, as demonstrated recently.

Personality Profile: Matt And Sarah

Show host Matt O'Neill is a well-known market veteran that loves Calgary. And Calgary loves Matt. Matt has a history of alcoholism and depression. Today, helping others in their struggles is one of his passions. For many years, he's done this behind the scenes, but Matt has expanded his personality growth by allowing himself to be vulnerable on-air.

A few months ago, the show began a weekly segment featuring Karen Burt from the Calgary Canadian Mental Health Association. Most shows would avoid a weekly interview like this. Most shows should avoid segments like this. But for Matt and Sarah, it provides a context for adding depth to the show's brand. Here's an example:

The Follow Up

A regular interview featuring a mental health spokesperson is not something I'd recommend for shows. But Matt and Sarah make it relevant, topical, and the guest (Karen) is well-spoken. And best of all, it highlights key character traits in Matt's Personality Profile. And if you wonder if the feature is worthwhile, check this out. A few weeks ago, Karen contacted the station's program director, Troy Scott. She explained that Matt is far too humble to say it himself, but Matt has saved a life.

She also sent this note to the station:

Once a week, for the past 18 weeks, I have had the privilege of being on JACK 96.9 in the mornings with Matt O'Neill, Sarah Crosbie and Rosie the producer. (I just know him as Rosie.)

Matt is very open about his journey with alcohol and depression. And I think he is one of the bravest men I know. Because of his openness and the authenticity of the whole team, he, Sarah and Rosie have given CMHA Calgary a space to talk about mental health, ideas, coping strategies and generally share how we are REALLY doing, openly and honestly.

Today I got a message from someone who wishes to remain anonymous. He told me that he has been listening to the little mental health segment most weeks and while he has tried some of the ideas, they haven't really worked for him. He thinks it might be because he has not been well enough to use them.

This person shared that having us talk so openly on the Morning Show, he felt like he wasn't alone. He had reached out for some help with his Doctor. And he wanted to say thank you.

Some times working in mental health can be really, really hard. Sometimes struggling through mental health can be really, really hard.

Karen Gallagher Burt

Calgary Canadian Mental Health Association

Conclusion

This is another example that what happens on the radio can impact real people in real ways. Every personality has a story. Find your character's voice and learn to tell that story boldly. It will be good for the show and the station. Maybe you won't save a life, like Matt. But it will make a difference.

This article is a special Radio Online contribution from Tracy Johnson, CEO, President of Tracy Johnson Media Group

Advertisement

Latest Radio Stories

Jack Speer Retires from NPR After More Than 25 Years
Jack Speer
Jack Speer
NPR's longtime newscaster Jack Speer has announced his retirement, closing a chapter on a career that spanned more than a quarter-century and left an enduring mark on public radio journalism. Speer, whose steady presence and clear delivery became a familiar voice to millions of listeners, joined NPR in 1998. More

KMBY to Celebrate 90th Anniversary with Birthday Bash
KMBY-AM & FM in Monterey
KMBY-AM & FM in Monterey
One of Monterey Bay's most enduring broadcast institutions, KMBY (1240 AM and 106.7 FM), is turning 90 -- and the station is inviting the entire community to celebrate the milestone with a two-day birthday party next weekend. The festivities will take place at KMBY Studios at 651 Cannery Row, Monterey, on More

Amanda Lee Joins KJ103 Morning Show in Oklahoma City
Amanda Lee
Amanda Lee
iHeartMedia has announced that Amanda Lee will be the new morning co-host for KJYO (KJ103) Oklahoma City. Effective immediately, Lee joins hosts TJ and JRod for the newly rebranded "TJ, Amanda, & JRod in the Morning." In her new role, Lee will help guide listeners through the morning with a mix of current More
Advertisement

Lil Shawn Power Joins Party-FM as First On-Air Host
Lil Shawn Power
Lil Shawn Power
Q-Broadcasting's Party FM has adds its first air personality, bringing longtime local radio figure Lil Shawn Power to the afternoon lineup. The bilingual Rhythmic CHR outlet, which airs on WONQ-AM (1030) Oviedo-Orlando and FM translators W230AL (93.9) and W278CN (103.5), had been operating jockless since its More

Joe Bullard Departs 96.1 Jamz After Nearly Three Decades
Joe Bullard
Joe Bullard
Longtime Tallahassee radio personality Joe Bullard has unexpectedly parted ways with WHBX-FM (96.1 Jamz), reports WCTV-TV, ending a remarkable run that spanned nearly 30 years on the Cumulus Urban AC outlet. Bullard's final day on the air was June 17, according to a statement from his family. There was no More

iHeartPodcasts Launches ''American History Hotline''
''American History Hotline''
''American History Hotline''
iHeartPodcasts has launched a new original series titled American History Hotline, a weekly show hosted by musician and history enthusiast Bob Crawford. The podcast debuts today with two inaugural episodes that take listeners on a deep dive into some of the most curious and critical moments in U.S. history. More

Return to Menu

Advertisement

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free.

Advertisement

Advertisement