The Mike Nichols tripwire test for classical radio presenters

Andrew Patner tells us that the film director Mike Nichols, who died today , was the first announcer at WFMT Chicago and creator of its 61 year running Saturday night folk music and comedy program “The Midnight Special.” He also wrote the station’s audition test for prospective announcers. The test is still used today. Try it, when no-one’s at home. Starting now: The WFMT announcer’s lot is not a happy one. In addition to uttering the sibilant, mellifluous cadences of such cacophonous sounds as [...]