Fri, Feb 20, 2009
Quick... name one of the most visible (if not audible) members
of the average airshow. The pilots? The Volunteers? The
Concessioners? Well, how about the Announcer? Without stirring and
rapid-fire narrative, even the most exciting airshow can fall flat
on its posterior...
So, its up to folks like the ever-so-bashful (NOT) Ric Peterson
to make sure that airshow attendees are informed, educated and
entertained with solid knowledge and narratives befitting the
exciting world of airshow flying. ANN chatted up one of the more
intriguing members of the airshow announcing community, a guy whose
"day job" consists of his being a radio and television on-air
talent in Montreal, Canada...but whose passion brings him to
airshows all over North America.
Ric brings tremendous presence to the craft of airshow
narration... with 29 years ground experience as a broadcaster, 25
years as an Air Show Announcer at over 100 events, and experience
as the host and writer for several television documentaries on the
history of aviation. Ric has also served as a Track Announcer
Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada and a Track Announcer for Molson
Indy Montreal and Canadian NASCAR events.
The business needs this kind of expertise at each and every
show. ICAS tells us that Airshows draw large numbers of
demographically attractive spectators - a well-educated, affluent
group of men, women and children of all ages. More than 70 percent
of the audience at an air show has had some college education.
Three quarters report household income of $35,000 or more. The
average spectator is just under 39 years of age, but more than 53
percent of spectators are between 30 and 50.
ICAS notes that Airshows offer a consistently and historically
safe environment for millions of spectators each year. Since
current rules were implemented nearly 50 years ago, there has not
been a single spectator fatality at a North American show –
an enviable safety record for any business.
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