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Atlanta Broadcasting Institute training
- Thread starter chelcie3
- Start date
T
Twitch
Guest
CSB went under only a month or two ago. They might come back (according to their website). Although, I'm not sure I'd count on that. ABI just reopened and is under new ownership as of a couple weeks ago.
ABI is worth it and will work for you IF you put effort into it after you get the education. I went there and it worked just fine for me. I had people in my class who completed wasted their money, though.
I was able to find paying work after graduating, but not IMMEDIATELY after graduating...and neither will you. At best, you'll get an internship to start off. You'll meet people, and will be sending your demo out to various places around the country....and then MAYBE you'll find some paying work.
Oh, and are you willing to move away from Atlanta? Atlanta is a big market and tough to get in to as your "first gig". A lot of my friends in the business (in Atlanta and beyond) cut their chops in smaller markets before even getting CLOSE to Atlanta.
It's a tough business to get in to, but ABI can definitely get you going in the right direction. Having experiences with both ABI and CSB (long story), I can tell you that ABI will put effort in to helping you.....as long as YOU are willing to do what it takes to make it.
ABI is worth it and will work for you IF you put effort into it after you get the education. I went there and it worked just fine for me. I had people in my class who completed wasted their money, though.
I was able to find paying work after graduating, but not IMMEDIATELY after graduating...and neither will you. At best, you'll get an internship to start off. You'll meet people, and will be sending your demo out to various places around the country....and then MAYBE you'll find some paying work.
Oh, and are you willing to move away from Atlanta? Atlanta is a big market and tough to get in to as your "first gig". A lot of my friends in the business (in Atlanta and beyond) cut their chops in smaller markets before even getting CLOSE to Atlanta.
It's a tough business to get in to, but ABI can definitely get you going in the right direction. Having experiences with both ABI and CSB (long story), I can tell you that ABI will put effort in to helping you.....as long as YOU are willing to do what it takes to make it.
Thanks for the kind words about your ABI experience, Twitch.
A few things:
1) ABI and its sister school, Complete Game Broadcasting, only take 10 students. That way, we can make sure there are opportunities when the class ends. Everyone has their own computer workstation with video and audio editing software. We're not lecturing to 20 students.
2) The tuition is less than half of CSB's. It's outrageous to charge $12,000 for 128 class hours. That really was their undoing.
3) It is true that most of the early job opps are internships; however, the typical graudate is on a payroll within three months of graduation. At least, that's the way it's gone for the last two CGB classes. The entire fall class has received their first paycheck, and a few of the April graduates have earned too, after less than three weeks. Two of them on-camera at Comcast and two more on-air at a station about 30 miles out.
Jeff Batten
A few things:
1) ABI and its sister school, Complete Game Broadcasting, only take 10 students. That way, we can make sure there are opportunities when the class ends. Everyone has their own computer workstation with video and audio editing software. We're not lecturing to 20 students.
2) The tuition is less than half of CSB's. It's outrageous to charge $12,000 for 128 class hours. That really was their undoing.
3) It is true that most of the early job opps are internships; however, the typical graudate is on a payroll within three months of graduation. At least, that's the way it's gone for the last two CGB classes. The entire fall class has received their first paycheck, and a few of the April graduates have earned too, after less than three weeks. Two of them on-camera at Comcast and two more on-air at a station about 30 miles out.
Jeff Batten
Nice job of shilling for your company.
I would offer a different opinion.
I probably hired 50-75 people over the course my career for jobs in programming, news, production and promotions. I can honestly say that never one time did an applicants attendance of a broadcasting school help any of them get a job. It's likely, however, that it PREVENTED some from getting a job. Seeing someone's resume with the main focus being their broadcast school experience - coupled with a very week demo - landed that applicant squarely in the "not a chance" file.
In fairness, your school may be different. I can only comment on the ones I encountered, most of which were from CSB.
I would offer a different opinion.
I probably hired 50-75 people over the course my career for jobs in programming, news, production and promotions. I can honestly say that never one time did an applicants attendance of a broadcasting school help any of them get a job. It's likely, however, that it PREVENTED some from getting a job. Seeing someone's resume with the main focus being their broadcast school experience - coupled with a very week demo - landed that applicant squarely in the "not a chance" file.
In fairness, your school may be different. I can only comment on the ones I encountered, most of which were from CSB.
I've been in Atlanta tv/radio for 20+ years and, believe me, I'm aware that some industry people roll their eyes at broadcast education. After all, we all got our foot in the door without paying for it, so why can't they? (I went on a tour at the original ABI on Powers Ferry in 1989 and decided I could do it on my own. Of course, that was before voicetracking and non-linear editing.)
But as I've continued doing this, I'm certain that we're the exceptions. A lot of people lack the confidence/werewithal to open the phone book and call (and call and keep calling) the PD to let them do overnight fill-ins or whatever. And others have successful business careers already and don't have time to beat the bushes in an area they know nothing about. So, really, students are paying at least half the tuition for connections.
Ultimately, placement is the key to whether these schools are worthwhile or rip-offs. And quite honestly, there are 6-8 TV/radio operations, production companies, internet channels, etc in and around Atlanta who are calling Thea and me saying, "We need more people."
But as I've continued doing this, I'm certain that we're the exceptions. A lot of people lack the confidence/werewithal to open the phone book and call (and call and keep calling) the PD to let them do overnight fill-ins or whatever. And others have successful business careers already and don't have time to beat the bushes in an area they know nothing about. So, really, students are paying at least half the tuition for connections.
Ultimately, placement is the key to whether these schools are worthwhile or rip-offs. And quite honestly, there are 6-8 TV/radio operations, production companies, internet channels, etc in and around Atlanta who are calling Thea and me saying, "We need more people."
DEAD HORSE ALERT!!!!!
There is a place for broadcasting schools, which wasn't necesary 20 years ago. As small and medium market stations have either folded or turned to automated operation to survive, there's no place left for novices to learn the basics. How to seg, how to maintain optimum levels, how to load a piece of audio into a machine with constant levels, etc. The 'nuts and bolts' aren't learnt in the hinterlands any more because there's no place for warm bodies there. Consequently, a >lot< of talented but untrained jocks hit the air. Someone with the ability to run the thing properly has value, and this training comes from the schools now since the 'minor league' opportunities no longer exist.
There is a place for broadcasting schools, which wasn't necesary 20 years ago. As small and medium market stations have either folded or turned to automated operation to survive, there's no place left for novices to learn the basics. How to seg, how to maintain optimum levels, how to load a piece of audio into a machine with constant levels, etc. The 'nuts and bolts' aren't learnt in the hinterlands any more because there's no place for warm bodies there. Consequently, a >lot< of talented but untrained jocks hit the air. Someone with the ability to run the thing properly has value, and this training comes from the schools now since the 'minor league' opportunities no longer exist.
I'm just going to put this out there:
I went to college to get a degree in Broadcasting. The school and department were one of the best (in PA … in my opinion.) But to be honest, the best training I ever got was on the job training. I was able to get a TV job my first year of college, only because I was able to connect with people in the business.
Just be advised, that it's best to start at a small market and move up. That's what I did, and it's worked out great! You will get good training at most places, but the best training is on the job.
Just my two cents, take it or leave it.
I went to college to get a degree in Broadcasting. The school and department were one of the best (in PA … in my opinion.) But to be honest, the best training I ever got was on the job training. I was able to get a TV job my first year of college, only because I was able to connect with people in the business.
Just be advised, that it's best to start at a small market and move up. That's what I did, and it's worked out great! You will get good training at most places, but the best training is on the job.
Just my two cents, take it or leave it.
A fine idea. Unfortunately, those jobs no longer exist in any great amount.
T
Twitch
Guest
chelcie3 said:
WELL, I hope we all answered your question!
R
rolloneup
Guest
When I would get interns from these schools they really never worked out. They all thought that they would or should be radio stars and already had all the training they need. We need to stop VT'ing overnights and give us and these kids a chance. Radio just suxs these days and is all VT'ed. Radio use to be and still could be fun. Live radio means it is fun and VT'ed radio means hurry up and just lay something down. Had to vent!
I think everyone on here has made a valid point. I attended ABI in 2003 and was in the business for 5 years working in Atlanta, Athens, and Virginia. If you choose to attend, one thing you have to understand is the school will teach you the basics which help, however when you graduate, don't expect to land a job in a major market on a morning show. Also, if you limit yourself to one city and say you will not move, well that will make it even tougher for you to find what you probably want to do. You have to be open to moving around in this business to make it work and working your way up through the ranks. Realize as you walk into an intership or a job, take on the metality that you know nothing about the business, and show them what you have by doing, not telling. Also know, that this industry seems to not pay that well and if you are like me, making a career move in your 30's, it is more difficult to do when you have a family than when you are younger. Knowing what you want to focus on will help you out as well. Overall the school was beneficial for me as I met some great people in the industry which helped me land my first job. Yes, you will have some program directors out there that will not look at your resume since you went to a broadcasting school, but you have others that will as well.
I appreciate all the input. I personally am looking for a career change after being laid off back in Jan. I actually have a few choices in which training to try and get whether it's culinary or web design. Being an aspiring stand up comedian and considering my father has been in radio in my hometown for over 40 years, I have an idea about what it takes to be successful in radio. So believe me I'm not looking into this blind. As I said I'm trying to get money from the DOL through WIA so I need to be sure.
I checked out ABI yesterday and the Thea and the owner were very nice and answered the few questions I had. The thing that I do get is that something has kept this school around for a long time. I remember back when the Art Institute used to teach audio recoding and it turned out that kids were graduating from that school and getting jobs at Turtle's (dating myself) Basically the industry changed and away went that program in many of their locations. So for ABI to keep at it says something because I know the radio industry has changed. When was the last time you heard a record skip on air?
So any way...I'm still thinking
I checked out ABI yesterday and the Thea and the owner were very nice and answered the few questions I had. The thing that I do get is that something has kept this school around for a long time. I remember back when the Art Institute used to teach audio recoding and it turned out that kids were graduating from that school and getting jobs at Turtle's (dating myself) Basically the industry changed and away went that program in many of their locations. So for ABI to keep at it says something because I know the radio industry has changed. When was the last time you heard a record skip on air?
So any way...I'm still thinking
Anyone who is looking to make radio a career right now is CRAZY! Yes you can attend broadasting school and they will tell you about all the "GREAT JOBS" out there..and yes there are jobs out there.. in small markets.. with NO pay.. I mean yea you can get a job in radio... and get paid 7-10 bucks an hour... I've got 10 years radio exp... large and major market...and made some great money along the way.. but I know what is out there right now.. I'm currently not working (by choice) but I know that even in medium market it is hard to support yourself , let alone a family... Radio training is a waste of time... get trained in a field that is in demand..a field where you don't have to worry if you are going to have a job next week..ANYONE who tells you radio is the way to go is only trying to get tuition money from you.
Just for grins, how many "local" personalities (not including anybody who's syndicated) would this board think is making decent money -- $50-75,000 a year? I'd say more than 50 and maybe as many as 75. Do you think relative newcomers like Chuck Oliver or Rich Sullivan or Elle Duncan wish they were working at the paint store? Or even those like Sam Radin or Orff or Erin at 100.5 -- they may not make that kind of money, but you can be certain they aren't bashing the business. They're doing a good job and getting opportunities to shine when their break comes along.
Radio is not a career for fools and suckers. If you can do a lot of things well and have a little talent, there are lots of folks doing just fine, if not to everyone's current liking.
I'm in the process of buying a stick in the Atlanta DMA right now and am thrilled at the thought of building a promotions, marketing and public affairs operation from our graduate base.
Radio is not a career for fools and suckers. If you can do a lot of things well and have a little talent, there are lots of folks doing just fine, if not to everyone's current liking.
I'm in the process of buying a stick in the Atlanta DMA right now and am thrilled at the thought of building a promotions, marketing and public affairs operation from our graduate base.
K
Knowsnews2
Guest
I used to be an instructor at ABI, beginning when Bill Pearson ran the place. Yes, the student's drive matters. If you're willing to work at it, you've got a chance. But the downfall for ABI, to me, was the new ownership.
When Bill ran the school, he'd screen applicants to make sure they had a chance. If their talent level was severely lacking, he'd have the spine, and the decency, to tell them. Under the new ABI ownership, the interview process consisted of determining whether your check would clear.
The number of students who had absolutely no talent was alarming and a great hinderance as an instructor. I fould myself having to decide whether to try and help the student who was far behind the rest of the class, or help the other students and, basically, let the unqualified student flounder. As time went on, there were more and more of those students who clearly could not figure it out. But, they had money so they remained.
I don't know anything about the "new" ABI, but I hope the screening process is more than a credit check.
When Bill ran the school, he'd screen applicants to make sure they had a chance. If their talent level was severely lacking, he'd have the spine, and the decency, to tell them. Under the new ABI ownership, the interview process consisted of determining whether your check would clear.
The number of students who had absolutely no talent was alarming and a great hinderance as an instructor. I fould myself having to decide whether to try and help the student who was far behind the rest of the class, or help the other students and, basically, let the unqualified student flounder. As time went on, there were more and more of those students who clearly could not figure it out. But, they had money so they remained.
I don't know anything about the "new" ABI, but I hope the screening process is more than a credit check.
T
Twitch
Guest
Knowsnews2 said:
...you mean, like CSB's? ;D
"If you've got money and/or credit, YOU can enjoy a fun and rewarding career in broadcasting!"
I originally auditioned for Bill Pearson (before his unfortunate passing). I believe his family (wife) still owned it by the time I actually attended several years later. I can tell you that the ownership after Bill (and before it's most recent incarnation) actually did care about it's students and graduates and wanted them to succeed...and many of them did (like Jeff mentioned in an above post).
Again, it comes down to the drive and passion of the individual.
That's an excellent take, knowsnews. Indeed, we had to gently turn away someone just this week for the July CGB sports class.
I do have to remind myself, though, that a lisp, stutter, or "natural falsetto" in the demo shouldn't preclude a student from getting into a production or promotion career. The true red flag really is someone who is terrified of computers.
And twitch is also right: drive is everything.
CompleteGame said:
50 to 75 decent paying jobs in a metro of more than 4.5 million people.
Let me repeat that.
50 to 75 decent paying jobs in a metro of more than 4.5 million people.
And THIS is a career you're seriously considering spending, what? 10-15k just to get ENTRY LEVEL qualified?
No thanks...
Yeah, but the fact that there aren't as many radio stations as McDonald's restaurants isn't a recent development or 'sign of the times.' People think of 1970s and 80s as being the golden era of radio, but there are as many on-air people making 'decent money' today in Atlanta than there were in 1985.
I feel better.
I feel better.
I don't believe in luck. And, yes, drive and passion are highly vital in making it in this business. But, it's also a matter of being in the right place at the right time. How many talented people have we seen/heard have been overlooked for thier "big break" just because they weren't in the right place at the right time? However, isn't this also true about any business? There are the haves and the have-nots will always want to be the haves.
Here's also another factor: Being willing to do what you need to do as opposed to what you want to do. Not everybody can be the hottest morning personality in the market. But, that morning personality needs a second-banana. They need a producer or two. The producer(s) may be blessed enough to be budgeted with an associate producer or two, not to mention the promotions people for the station. They're all vital cogs, but the further you go on the totem pole, the less on-air time you'll have.
Here's also another factor: Being willing to do what you need to do as opposed to what you want to do. Not everybody can be the hottest morning personality in the market. But, that morning personality needs a second-banana. They need a producer or two. The producer(s) may be blessed enough to be budgeted with an associate producer or two, not to mention the promotions people for the station. They're all vital cogs, but the further you go on the totem pole, the less on-air time you'll have.
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