Thom Hartmann said on the radio this morning (KPOJ) that he was an introvert. He also said that there are quite a few people in radio who are introverts. He declined to name names, but I've heard that Rush Limbaugh is also an introvert.

Is this a common trait of radio personalities?

In my experience, mostly true. It has been said that introverts hunger to express themselves, and what better way than to do it in a little room where few people can see you.

In todays radio world most on-air jobs require certain "extrovert" qualities as well, or atleast the ability to fake it.

Is introversion a common trait for any group? Yes, it is part of the human condition. It has to do with the environment, and a predisposition from genetics or nurture versus nature. Some people are great in a social situation, but then become shy in private.


Personality theorist Hans Eysenck described extraversion-introversion as the degree to which a person is outgoing and interactive with other people. These behavioral differences are presumed to be the result of underlying differences in brain physiology.
Because extraverts are less aroused internally, they require more external stimulation than introverts. This theory may be backed up by evidence that the brains of extraverts are more responsive to dopamine than those of introverts. Other evidence of this “stimulation” hypothesis is that introverts salivate more than extraverts in response to a drop of lemon juice.

Carl Jung's research shows that introverts acknowledge more readily their psychological needs and problems, while extraverts tend to be oblivious of them because they are focused on the outside. Jung concludes that on average, extraverts also have a somewhat higher self-esteem than introverts. As in the case of happiness, this may be due to inherent differences in the brain, or differential social treatment.

Are there more introverts than extraverts in radio and why? Most likely any empirical data gathered that focuses on the personality traits of radio talent is most likely not available.

To put it more simply for us lay people:

Introverts get there energy by being by themselves.

Extroverts get energy by being around people.

I am more extrovert, my wife is an introvert.

No PHD required.

I do agree, many of the radio folks I know are introverts. Some really hate having to meet the general public, even though that would include many of their listeners. Having to do remote broadcasts or meet and greets is agonzing for many radio introverts.

In my case I love meeting listeners and pressing the flesh. I get energy from seeing the faces of the people who are only known as a demo on a diary.

I agree with this idea as far as it goes. I am somewhat introverted but learned that the " biz" requires one to "hit your mark and be on stage' from time to time. So suck it up and get over it, was what I learned.

I've always said that I love an audience, but hate a crowd. Groups of people are fine if I'm telling jokes or otherwise in a role where I'm the "life of the party". But being in a crowded room and part of the crowd is sometimes uncomfortable for me personally. I've met plenty of radio peple who seem to be the same way.