Although I have been a school teacher for the past 20 years, at heart I will always be a broadcaster. My teaching career has kept me connected to the broadcasting world because of what I teach: TV Production and Broadcast Journalism. I have also kept my toe in the water through working the Hoover High School football and boys basketball broadcasts; as well as other freelance assignments.
The term "dead air" is associated with that time on air when there is silence. For example, a commercial spot is not cued up and it doesn't play when needed or the right dial was not turned up and nothing is heard. It also refers to when a play-by-play announcer doesn't have the words to describe what action is taking place...or lack there of.
All truly professional broadcasters HATE dead air.
SPEAKING INTO DEAD AIR is my first blog. What I will attempt to do when the spirit moves me is to speak on various topics that are near and dear to my heart. Sometimes it will be rants; other times it will be raves. Sometimes it will be about how it feels when the words that are being spoken are dying in the air or falling on deaf ears. Sometimes it will be about my life experience; my faith, the media, sports, etc. I hope it will challenge whomever reads it to think, to reason, to question...to reflect.
Edward R Murrow once talked about how some who have a platform to express their views (TV, radio, newspaper and now the Internet) think what they have to say is more important than "the guy at the other end of the bar." (Murrow and his colleagues were not immune to bending the elbow; which makes for a great analogy) His point is that everyone is entitled to there opinion and just because someone has an audience of millions doesn't make his/her ideas more valid.
Of course, we have to temper that with acknowledging life experiences and age. I would venture to say that many of the younger people who may read this will think differently after they have had a few more years under their belt. Likewise, I never cease to be amazed what I learn for younger people; including my children.
So now that you have read the official introduction to SPEAKING INTO DEAD AIR let me take you into my first entry:
As I said before, good professional broadcasters hate dead air. Unfortunately, that concept often has carried over into my real life. Silence is a difficult thing for me. Not that I can't be quiet or reflective. There are times when you are with someone that you truly care about when words are not necessary. You can just be comfortable in silence together; sharing the moment. Breathing the same air. I have experienced that joy in my life and I cherish those times.
But more often than not... I speak. I have to fill the dead air. And that is not always a good thing. I would love to have $5 for every time I have been told. "You've said enough."
In many respects I identify with Christ's disciple, Peter. Peter was often loud, bold and outspoken. He would have been a great broadcaster. He, too, hated dead air! But how often he spoke before thinking through his comment or his response to what he was feeling, experiencing and seeing around him.
I take great comfort in the flaws of Peter. I see many of those flaws in myself...too quick to speak, too quick to anger. But look at how mightily God used Peter. In fact, Peter also said and did some pretty incredible things!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
(1 Peter 1:3-9 ESV)
(1 Peter 1:3-9 ESV)
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
(Psalm 46:10 ESV)
Next up I will share how I needed a little dead air in my life. Thanks for stopping by.
Jeff
So excited to see that you're blogging! I can't wait to read along! Love you!
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