The Eclectic Format of Strategy Room Biz Hour

Every time I am a guest on FoxNews.com's Strategy Room, I am amazed about how much territory we cover. The Biz Hour, hosted by Eric Bolling, is an eclectic program that, on the surface, would make people wonder, "What does this have to do with business?" Having been on the program several times, here are just a few of the topics we have covered:

* The demise of the domestic auto industry

* Somali pirates

* The volatile stock market

* The Iran and North Korea nuclear threat

* and socialized medicine

This some what "scattered" approach is one that I have long taken when it comes to the Price of Business show that I have hosted since 2001. All of these issues are our business and if one is not aware of them, it could greatly affect cash flow. That is why my radio program spends so much time dealing with politics. Government is increasingly the "meddling partner" who is regulating and taxing many entrepreneurs out of business. They need to know what is coming from Washington, DC and what it will do to their enterprises.

Same is true with the many other headlines we address. How does the threat of nuclear war between India and Pakistan effect business owners here in the US? Thomas Friedman points out, "plenty," in his book The World is Flat. In 2001 those two nations appeared very close to engaging in such a war and business owners in the West were concerned how this would disrupt their inventory of goods they depend on. US business owners got on the phone with Indian vendors and said, "sorry, but we are going to have to look at the Pacific Rim for sources, your potential nuclear war is placing a strain on my business." This seemed to be happening all over the country and business owners got on the phone and gave the Indian government a reality check, which contributed to cooling heads prevailing and a toning down on the rhetoric. Who would have thought, "nuclear war and your business" as a show theme. That is the reality that we live in today. The "Biz Hour" of Strategy Room understands the link between the headlines and your business more than the vast majority of shows in any media.

Another essential element to the success of Strategy Room is how the program draws heavily on its audience for its direction. The audience tells Bolling and the other hosts what they want and they expect it now. Being a guest on that program, therefore, is not for the faint of heart. It is a program that attracts generalists who are comfortable covering many different areas, a dying breed in a world of specialists.

I believe that Strategy Room in general and the Biz Hour in particular are trendsetters that will profoundly affect all news programming. Recognizing the big picture, hearing the interest of the audience, accompanied by solid generalists who understand the larger context, make for an excellent business show.

Kevin Price is Host of the Price of Business, the longest running show on AM 650 (M-F at 11 am) in Houston, Texas and on AOL Radio. His articles often appear in Chicago Sun Times, Reuters, USA Today, and other national media. Steve Moore of the Wall Street Journal calls Price the “best business talk show host in the country.” Find out why and visit his blog at www.BizPlusBlog.com and his show site at www.PriceofBusiness.com. You can also find Price on Strategy Room at FoxNews.com.