The Fragility of Life

The tragic assassination of Salem Media’s Charlie Kirk heightens the awareness we all should have about the fragility of life. The shockwaves that a media figure was struck down while doing his job are great and continue t reverberate. This violent act also magnifies the weight of our words. The realization that we never know who is hearing us, and what they’re thinking as they listen, should be a concern. Even if in the back of our minds. It cries out for the need to provide protection for our talent, regardless of format.

Personalities have always been somewhat at risk. We hear the stories on an all too frequent basis of an on-air talent whose life has been lost, a stalker who penetrated the safe space of a public media figure, a personality at an appearance who is attacked, the intimidation that can come from an unidentified voice on a call. The safety of a talent is often without consideration when planning the public appearances of personalities. 

It’s not about politics. It’s not about controversy. The message here isn’t to enter into the debates that are filling the airwaves following this murder. Providing at least minimal protection should be about safety. That’s the bottom line. And it doesn’t take  lot of intelligence, research, human resources, or historical data. It takes common sense. There are individuals who believe that stealing the light of a high profile personality somehow lifts their presence. Makes them important. 

Many of us have had threats on our lives. Some reading this will have had the all too familiar conversation with a member of law enforcement about taking precautions, rides home in different directions to keep others from finding the location of your home or family. I’ve authorized payment for transportation to and from studios, events, and underwriting security details for talent of the highest profile. Companies I’ve worked for have invested in better outdoor lighting, gated parking lots, security at entryways, and private entry.

Safety should cost what? At least it should cost “time.” Time to discuss and explore situations that warrant safety, and then provide it. Time to think about this tragic situation.

Which should lead to a question; are out talent, our management and leadership, our employees safe.