By Doug Stephan
CEO, Stephan Multimedia
The phone would ring; I recognized the number… call always started the same… in his best radio voice, “Doug Stephan…. Michael Horn”
And then it was off with a deal or a discussion of my show “Good Day”… or chatting about his daughter… or the latest person he reached out to help.
I don’t remember meeting Mike… our friendship just sort of fell into place. I knew him before I was at KABC, Los Angeles – probably from a TALKERS convention… it’s not important. What was important is that I knew him.
He often referred to me as brother, which played well at the many family get togethers he and his daughter Jen would invite me to at his house where there was always a collection of CRN luminaries, from Bill Shatner to Fred Dryer, to everyone from his family and extended family. I was grateful to be remembered.
I was also grateful to Mike for so much more… not sure I ever really told him that in so many words.
He was a helper. We shared the philosophy of being on this planet to help, and because the business – even though it had a fabulous, exciting side – was and is cruel.
So many fabulous personalities would think they were at the end of their career, and Mike would throw them his lifeline. Look at the list of people who have been a part of CRN over the years, and as you look at that list, see how diverse their programming and backgrounds. There was room for everyone under Mike’s tent.
From the time when I started the syndicated “Good Day” program… through today, He has carried every program I ever did.
He was so proud of his daughter. Frankly, I’ve known Jennifer Horn most of her life. She learned early about the business from all sides. As his trusted and confident partner, they nursed and nourished CRN from the awkward beginnings of that weird technology to today’s “everybody can get everything” platforms, the astonishing thing is that CRN still holds that unique position of being so helpful to so many people on either end of the signal. I remember the day he convinced me to try putting Jennifer on the air with me. She was so bright, fun and quick, and then he said to me… “Don’t you think it’s about time you stated paying her?!!!!”
Yes… and away that train went. I have no misconceptions. Even though he carried my stuff on one of his channels, the “Good Day” show with Jen ended up on ALL his assets. Go figure.
Those of you who know me know I could go on and on about Mike, but I think I’ve made my point. Mike was all about knowing his way around and figuring stuff out. I remember a movie I was watching and there is a helicopter reporters voice… It was Mike! Fun!
He was the number one helper and fixer in LA. and hundreds of people owe him big time thanks for all he did to help friends, no matter their stripes or requests. His being an idea guy with a broad canvas made it all work… not easily, but no one was ever left out to dry.
God love you, Michael. The many years of friendship and great memories will be with me and so many others forever. You lived a unique life of purpose and distinction.
Doug Stephan, CEO of Stephan Multimedia, is a veteran talk radio personality, producer and entrepreneur. He can be reached by phone at 424-508-2525 or emailed at doug@dougstephan.onmicrosoft.com.