What makes a good radio host?

   Everyone will probably have their own unique answer to the question I posed in the title, but let me tell you what makes a good host for me.
 
   In the recent sports radio shake up, a lot of people were excited about the new shows.  An equally large number (and probably more vocal) group, are extremely upset over the changes and the loss of their favorite show.

   So why do some shows get big audiences, and others get cast to the side?

   For me, I like to listen to people who make me think, make me laugh, and keep me informed.

   I like to think of myself as being pretty well versed when it comes to sports.  But I don't know everything.  That's why sports talk radio is so fun for me.  I can get the perspectives of others who see things that I don't.

   I also like those who look beyond the obvious and try to look deeper.  I think that this makes someone interesting.  It's easy to read box scores or look at season statistics, but they often don't tell the whole story.  Those who can look deeply at the issues and make their arguments will get listeners.
ns
    It is also nice to be entertained.  It's possible to laugh and have a good time while doing sports talk radio.  Sure, a line needs to be drawn and it can go too far, but doing something to make the listeners laugh goes a long way.

    The funniest thing that I have ever heard on the radio was several years ago when John Lund and Hans Olsen called this number that was set up for fans to give Barry Bonds some well wishes when he broke the record.  John and Hans basically trolled it leaving all kinds of messages that made fun of Bonds, instead of congratulating him.

    Finally, it's nice to have up to the second breaking news.  When something big happens, it's nice to know when it happens and get the details out to fans ASAP.

    So, in no particular order, here are my rankings of local shows in the criteria I gave:

Make me think:
1. Bill Riley
2. Tony Parks
3.  Jake Scott

Make me laugh:
1. DJ and PK
2.  Hans Olsen
3.  Red and Blue

Breaking news:
1. Hans Olsen
2. Bill Riley
3.  Jake Scott

So tell me, what makes a good radio host to you?  Leave me a comment or tweet at me @BenInSouthDavis

Random thoughts from the sports world....

     

    In case you haven't seen it, The Sporting News came out with this list of the top college football coaches in the country.  Locally, fans were looking to see who was higher....Bronco or Whittingham.  Bronco gets the nod in this poll, coming in at 15 while Whittingham checks in at 21.  

     This caused some controversy on my personal favorite Ute fansite, Block U.  

     I don't get why there is such outrage over this poll.  Bronco has more 10 win seasons, more conference championships, and more seasons where his team finished in the top 25.  That is what the people making this list see and that's what they go with.  

     Upon further review though, I would take Kyle Whittingham any day of the week.  He has 2 BCS bowl wins to his credit.  Bronco has 0.  He has put FAR more people into the NFL than Bronco, despite having what experts call inferior recruiting classes.  (this has changed in recent years, but the point is the same).  

    My final argument goes back to last season's Holy War.  As the turnovers started mounting, the absolute worst thing that can happen to a team happened to BYU.  They quit.  If you don't believe me, go back and watch it.  I do not remember a Kyle Whittingham coach team quitting, ever.  Sure, they have been blown out and lost games they shouldn't.  It happens.  But they have never quit on him.  That says a lot to me.  

    So let the BYU fans enjoy this victory.  I'd rather have the 44 point curb stomping anyway.....

   ......Speaking of Utah football, as I look at the post-spring depth chart, something strikes me.  Our defense looks different than in previous seasons.  As of right now, Nate Fakahafua is the starting weakside defensive end.  Also on the depth chart is Thretton Palamo.  

     These guys are not your typical defensive ends.  They are far more athletic and fast than your typical edge rusher.  

     Take this for what its worth, but it looks to me that Utah is going to have a bit of a hybrid 4-3, 3-4 defense this year.  With versatile guys like this, Utah can play either way.  They have the athleticism to drop back into coverage, but also the ability to get to the QB.  It will make preparing for them very difficult.  

    This also makes sense when considering the interior of the line.  In the NFL, Star Lotulelei will probably be the middle man in a 3-4 scheme.  Moving him to right up on top of the center will give him some experience in that slot.  Also in the pros, Dave Kruger will probably be a space-eating end in a 3-4 scheme rather than a true tackle.  This 3-4 scheme will suit his strengths well.  At the college level, he has the strength and power to be a traditional tackle alongside Star, so the 4-3 still works well.  

 

    Just something to keep your eye on this fall.

     ......My good friend Brad Rock had a column the other day in the Des News that featured this gem from Carlos Boozer:

  "I thought I played well, especially with the kind of season it was," he told reporters. "We had the best record again in basketball, won our division again, had the top seed again, that's all that matters, yo."

     Good job Carlos.  You had the best record in the NBA, you won what is quite possibly the weakest division in basketball, got the top seed, and then were crushed by the lowly Philadelphia 76ers in the FIRST ROUND of the playoffs.  In fact, nothing that you mentioned matters.  The one thing that matters is the playoffs, and you failed again, yo.