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WTAE, KQV shows offer computer help without technobabble
Wednesday, March 25, 1998 By Adrian McCoy
Computer users in the '90s range from high-speed drivers exploring the latest twists and turns of the information highway to folks who are still trying to figure out how to get from "Park" to "Drive." Both groups should find something of interest in two one-hour radio call-in shows devoted to personal computer users: "Internet Insider" on WTAE-AM (1250) and "Talking Computers" on KQV-AM (1410).
"Internet Insider with David Radin" (subtitled "Radio with Byte") began airing on WTAE in November.
"We're trying to be the national Internet and computing show that is entertaining, gives listeners only information they can use and speaks in plain English," Radin says.
Radin, who owns the Pittsburgh-based Marketing Masters, comes from a computer engineering and marketing background. His marketing experience requires translating technical terms into something business people understand clearly. He was on the ground floor in using the Internet and Web for commercial applications.
The radio show "gives me a chance to merge what I call my two first professional loves. I put myself through college and grad school by doing radio. I almost got into the radio business but decided on computers."
A sales call to KDKA-AM (1020) turned into a guest spot on Rob Pratte's talk show and, eventually, his own weekly show. Things went well until it started interfering with his regular business. "In order for it to make sense for me, I had to do it on a bigger basis." So he put the project on hiatus, and started "Internet Insider" at WTAE in November, with the aim of going national.
"Internet Insider" is now carried in several of the top East Coast markets in terms of personal computer use: in Pittsburgh, and on WWRC-AM in the Washington, D.C.-Baltimore market, and soon on WEVD-AM in New York. "We've tried our best to pick strong stations and stations that have listeners interested in this type of information," says Radin. The goal is to continue expansion in the Northeast, and eventually take the show to national syndication.
Radin says it's important to make the show good radio, too. "As much as we like to say we're in the pure information business, we're in the entertainment business."
So he calls on his marketing savvy to translate from geekspeak to English. "I'd like every caller to be able to say, 'I got my question answered,' and I want every listener to be able to say, 'I just learned something I didn't know.' But I want them to hear it in a fun way. That's the biggest challenge."
"Internet Insider" hones in on information that will help computer users in terms of productivity. Among frequently asked questions on Radin's show are "a lot of questions dealing with the frustrations of using Windows and specific applications," he says.
Radin isn't the only one dispensing computer advice on the airwaves. "Talking Computers," hosted by Mark Bursic, debuted in January on KQV and is aimed at the novice computer user.
Bursic teaches basic computer use through his company CORE Consulting. He, too, comes from a communications and technical background. His father was in the radio business (locally under the name Mark Jeffrey at what is now WRRK-FM) and has helped Bursic with radio pointers. "He tells me I say 'uh' too often," Bursic says.
Since he's dealing with newer users, Bursic keeps things non-technical. "I don't care for radio shows that talk tech for half an hour." He likes handle questions about "things people assume you know" - like what is a megabyte and how to upgrade memory.
"Talking Computers" is designed to tap the large local market of older, affluent people who are finally taking the plunge into personal computers, whether for their own use or for their grandchildren, and people who are buying a first computer or having problems operating it. "I find they're the best students in the world," Bursic says.
"Talking Computers" airs only in this market. Every week, Bursic talks about five Web sites of interest to Pittsburghers. "We're the 14th largest Internet market. We're one of the most Web-savvy markets in the country."
Both shows share some common elements: They feature call-ins, plus news and interview segments. Both broadcast live on the Web in RealAudio, reaching a global audience as well as a local one (visit http://www.insiderradio.com and www.talkingcomputers.com).
Radin's site has previews of upcoming topics, excerpts from recent shows and links to Web sites of interest. Bursic's has links to information offered on the show, plus lists of his recommended Web sites. For listeners who have questions but don't want to go on the radio, both shows answer questions submitted by e-mail.
"Talking Computers" airs Tuesdays following the news from 7 to 8 p.m. on KQV. "Internet Insider" airs Saturdays following the news from 11 a.m. to noon on WTAE.
Adrian McCoy is a free-lance writer who covers radio for the Post-Gazette.
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