The circumstances behind Hurricaneradio.net are so unique that it's difficult to put into words.
Originally, the concept of Internet radio was introduced to me by a handful of good friends already very successful in the media industry. They told me that Internet radio is the future of the industry, and they're right. They told me, why pigeon-hole your audience to the length of your broadcast signal? And they're right. They told me that I was bigger and better than WSAR. That, however, remains to be seen. I'd be lying if I said the road to this deal has been easy. The natural obstacles of capital, creating a team, assembling talent - all of it has been challenging. Also, the personal obstacles that I have encountered have made it more difficult, more stressful, and more challenging.
When the SouthCoast United basketball team and the dream of bringing a minor-league sports franchise to the city of Fall River wasn't going to happen this year due to structural financial changes in the league's policy, I looked around and realized that I better get another plan and get it fast. I was unemployed, incarcerated, and the pressures and bills were mounting. I was also running out of time and chances. While sitting in an 8 x 10 cell in the Ash Street Jail, I decided to use the 23 hours a day I was locked up to come up with, resurrect, and create the business plan for Hurricaneradio.net.
Time is your enemy when you are incarcerated, and if you don't deal with that time in a productive manner, it will beat up and depress the biggest and baddest of men. I found solace and tranquility - believe it or not - in that cell. I also found a focus and determination at a level I hadn't reached in a long time. I realized the odds were against me - the looming doubt of public perception and all the haters who said this was nothing but a pipe dream. But I kept my eyes on the prize and during that week in jail, I was able to write the business plan down and visualize effectuating it.
It's ironic that I lost my job at WSAR for my harsh critique of Sheriff Tom "Hard-Time" Hodgson's policies and yet it was his lonely dark cell that Inmate #10162 (AKA The Hurricane) gave birth to this dream of owning and operating this Internet radio station. I managed somehow to turn that dark place into an incubator of thoughts and ideas, and when the shackles came off and I got my freedom back, I hit the ground running - running for my life and running right into this dream. Full speed ahead.
More to come tomorrow...
Really, Politics that's a friggen shame. I started listening to you and the station because I thought you shedded some light on issues and people in a fair and upfront manner, and your passion for our city really grew on me and I became a regular listener and a fan....Shame on 1480((Karams)), I will not listen to the station period. You still need to work on your Demons, work on your mind body and soul, for you have lost alot of credability with alot of listeners and that will be a challenge, but I will be listening and hoping you pull it all together!!! Good Luck
ReplyDeleteI have always looked at you and your brother as two people who never got anything given to them on easy street but two people that had to fight for everything. I guess that I was right. I respect the champion in both of you and the will to succeed and overcome any obstacles in your way. You both are very inspiring to so many people but especially to me who want to see both of you succeed. You both proved what champions that you were on the basketball floor and now you are both showing what champions you are as two brothers who want to give back and make a difference. Keep on keeping it Real! A fan and a friend. Best of continued success to both you and your brother. Your theme song should be "eye of the tiger" Listen to that song and you can't help but think of someone fighting to make his dream come true. Best of luck, Sincerely, Stevie V!
ReplyDeleteIt's probably what they told you to convince you to quit WSAR on your own...but NOOOOOO, you wouldn't listen to Karam, so you got canned...IDIOT!
ReplyDeleteWell, it looks like you paid your dues, and I am certainly glad you came out of it with a positive result. I wish you the best of luck in your new endeavor. You have the will to succeed!!!
ReplyDeletePositive- What's positive? The guy walks off his show to answer his cell phone, is lucky if he puts in a full week. His 3 listeners don't care if he has sales calls or personal problems only shows he doesnt know how to run a business.Most people would plan their appts. around their show. I will admit some shows are good on there but the dedication by him isn't there. Not to mention do you hear how he talks to and treats the general? Makes you think if he talks to him and treats him like shit I am sure he treats his girl the same- he probably is a "wife beater".
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