$250 per word.
Mid 80’s in New Orleans I had one of the markets most recognizable voices. I hosted a number one radio show, and was the booth announcer for the NBC TV affilaite. I was thrilled one morning when my phone rang at home. It was the production office at WWL TV. They had a commercial for me to read. I was flattered that they’d thought of me. I asked what it paid. They said, $1500. I said, "Let me get dressed." I showered, drove the 35 minutes downtown, and fought for a parking space. I didn’t bother to ask what the assignment was. My mind raced for an hour as I imagined what the project might be. I just knew whatever it was, they’d chosen the perfect voiceover guy - me. I entered the station and waited a while in reception. Soon, they came for me. I’m ready to give them their moneys worth. This may after all, lead to more voiceover gigs. I step into the studio and they hand me the copy. It’s short. Really short. It dawns on me that I’d driven 35 minutes, and re-arranged my whole morning for what might be the shortest announcing project in history. The copy read, "Now open Sunday Noon to Six." This was a tag on a furniture store ad, and to this day I don’t know why they thought they had to have me for this project. I read the 6 words, and deposited the check soon after. I didn’t want them to reconsider and cancel payment.
