Bob Layton Editorial: Losing a companion

From time to time you get a quiz with a lot of personal questions including, what’s your favorite movie?

I used to have an answer for that. Now I hesitate.

I really enjoyed the movie, A Prairie Home Companion.  Many have told me they’ve never heard of it.

It the story of a long-time radio show in its very last broadcast, facing all kinds of issues, including death.

It stars Lily Tomlin, Meryl Street, Woody Harrelson, and Tommy Lee Jones.

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The main character is Garrison Keillor, who actually wrote the story. He is an actual broadcaster, and there is a lesson for beginning announcers about keeping your focus no matter what happens when you are on the air.

I’ve actually watched A Prairie Home Companion a couple of times.

Then came a broadcaster’s bombshell.

Something that is happening in too many places, especially in the world of entertainment – Garrison Keillor is accused of inappropriate conduct, and fired from Minnesota Public radio.

So, what’s my favorite movie?

I still love the story, but not the storyteller.

Have you ever had to unhitch your wagon from a star?

Tell me about it.

Bob Layton is the news manager of the Corus Edmonton group of radio stations and a commentator for Global News.