The untimely death of Steve Wright has dominated the week in radio and media. When I saw the news, I was midway through delivering a workshop at University, and thankfully had a few moments to comprehend the news. Since then, up to the time of writing, my timeline has been pretty much full of comments about Steve and links to material from his vast repertoire.
If there is one thing which keeps coming back to my mind when looking down my social timeline its this…
SAY WHEN THEY CAN HEAR IT.
It’s a sad thing that Steve didn’t get to read all those lovely comments, the praise, the love and the warmth of people who knew him, or felt like they did from listening. I saw one post from someone, and I’m sorry I can’t remember who it was to give credit, which echoed this thought. Let’s not wait until someone has passed away, to shout about the good, the talent and the brilliant work.
Seeing and hearing the link from Chris Moyles about having dinner with Steve, and becoming his friend was for similar reasons. Let’s not wait until you can’t see someone!
When the news broke I reposted my link to a post from when Steve left the afternoon show on Radio 2 and my bizarre car journey with Steve when he was a consultant for GWR Group. I remember the impetus to write it being similar. It is what has prompted occasional “In Praise of...” posts from time to time– sometimes surprising individuals who were the subject of them, but designed to do just that- SAY IT WHEN THEY CAN HEAR IT.
The truth is that bad news travels faster than good, and social media can create a bit of a “pile-on” at times. I remember the feeling when Steve Wright left Radio 2 afternoons and Scott Mills took over, the vitriol was at times, vile. It was completely unnecessary and at odds with the praise when Scott left Radio 1 afternoons- different audiences I know but contradictory nevertheless. It was the rationale for my post in July of 2022.
So let’s try and do something, and the quote Steve from an interview that has been circulating this week, “My job is to be the nice guy”. Throw less shade and more praise. Lob fewer hand grenades and more love notes. I’ll write a few more “In Praise of…” posts so we don’t have to wait until someone dies to say nice things about them.
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