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John Moore Reveals The Bizarre Truth Behind Radio, TV & Free Food
On his show Thursday morning, John Moore was reflecting on how free food in a radio station brings out a frenzy amongst those who work there.
I had to laugh as he was mentioning it, because I've seen it happen. When we had federal election coverage, which almost always goes late into the night, our TV station would always order food for the staff, knowing it was going to be a long evening and they may not get another chance to eat.
Once the grub arrived, the notice would go out: "There's food in the newsroom!" (Often, but not always, pizza.)
That usually created a stampede towards the provisions and barely minutes after the wrapper was taken off the edibles, they had been picked over, taken, slurped up and completely consumed. The entire process generally took less than five-ten minutes, and once it was over, it looked like a plague of locusts had hit the place.
I never did understand this craziness with free food and news people, but I've seen it over and over in broadcasting my entire career. These people can easily afford a meal. But getting a freebie seems to trigger something in them that they just can't control. I'm glad Moore made it clear I'm not the only one who's seen this.
So here's a piece of advice: if you're ever in a radio or TV station and they bring in free food, get out of the way. Or you may find a few fingers missing!
- Binson Echorec
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Re: John Moore Reveals The Bizarre Truth Behind Radio, TV & Free Food
This was the sole reason most of the office drones knew where the newsroom was located.
Last edited by Binson Echorec (May 14, 2026 3:10 pm)
- mace
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Re: John Moore Reveals The Bizarre Truth Behind Radio, TV & Free Food
It is not just radio where this happens. At one time I worked for a meat packing company that sold wholesale to large retail establishments. When potential clients showed up , we would cook up a variety of steaks, burgers, pork chops etc and cut them up into sample size portions for them to try. There was always quite a bit of food remaining. Once the guests had departed the building, it did not take long for word to spread that today was "Client Sample Day" and "Elvis Has Left The Building" The only difference was the mad dash had to happen at lunch time which was noon.
- Shorty Wave
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Re: John Moore Reveals The Bizarre Truth Behind Radio, TV & Free Food
Does anyone remember the Jerry Lewis MDA Labour Day telethon? I worked for a tv station out west that carried it and we also produced the local segments. McDonald’s was the food sponsor and it would show up every four hours or so. At first there would be a mad scramble for the McSpread, but as the telethon progressed, people were less enthusiastic, I think your system can only take so much grease. They actually showed up over night to boot. Fortunately, no fingers were lost RadioActive!
- ig
- Iain Grant
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Re: John Moore Reveals The Bizarre Truth Behind Radio, TV & Free Food
Shorty Wave wrote:
Does anyone remember the Jerry Lewis MDA Labour Day telethon? I worked for a tv station out west that carried it and we also produced the local segments. McDonald’s was the food sponsor and it would show up every four hours or so. At first there would be a mad scramble for the McSpread, but as the telethon progressed, people were less enthusiastic, I think your system can only take so much grease. They actually showed up over night to boot. Fortunately, no fingers were lost RadioActive!
Ha! I logged in specifically to mention this one. I volunteered every year for the entire thing here in Toronto. McDonald's used to cater it, and there were unending Big Macs, fries, and orange from those massive yellow barrels with the red top. One generally out of the mainstream, which had Vodka accidentally fall into it.
Madness takes its toll. Please have exact change.
- Doug Thompson
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Re: John Moore Reveals The Bizarre Truth Behind Radio, TV & Free Food
A few years ago, when I worked at Pirate Radio & Television (a commercial production company in Toronto), they always had catering brought in every lunch time for paying clients (often gourmet items from various local restaurants). Once the clients and ad agency people had been fed, the staff could then come and partake of what was left and there was always plenty left over. Yes, we were paid very well and could and did get our own lunches most days, but the variety of the different restaurants Pirate ordered from made each day a new treat.
Last edited by Doug Thompson (May 15, 2026 4:24 pm)
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- Shorty Wave
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Re: John Moore Reveals The Bizarre Truth Behind Radio, TV & Free Food
Does anyone remember the Jerry Lewis MDA Labour Day telethon? I worked for a tv station out west that carried it and we also produced the local segments. McDonald’s was the food sponsor and it would show up every four hours or so. At first there would be a mad scramble for the McSpread, but as the telethon progressed, people were less enthusiastic, I think your system can only take so much grease. They actually showed up over night to boot. Fortunately, no fingers were lost RadioActive!
Ha! I logged in specifically to mention this one. I volunteered every year for the entire thing here in Toronto. McDonald's used to cater it, and there were unending Big Macs, fries, and orange from those massive yellow barrels with the red top. One generally out of the mainstream, which had Vodka accidentally fall into it.
I forgot about the “orange drink”, probably not the most popular item on the menu! BTW, good on you for volunteering back then, the whole thing really depended on people like you! All our phones were manned by volunteers for starters, so thanks for your time back then ig!