If some high school or college student came up to you and asked your advise on whether they should pursue a career in broadcasting; be it announcing, or news, what advise would you give them?
-
Get involved.
We want your input!
Apply for Membership and join the conversations about everything related to broadcasting.
After we receive your registration, a moderator will review it. After your registration is approved, you will be permitted to post.
If you use a disposable or false email address, your registration will be rejected.
After your membership is approved, please take a minute to tell us a little bit about yourself.
https://www.radiodiscussions.com/forums/introduce-yourself.1088/
Thanks in advance and have fun!
RadioDiscussions Administrators
Be Honest Now!
- Thread starter Mark Giardina
- Start date
What would I say to them? I'd try to get a read on the level of their passion for "the business." If someone's really and truly bitten hard by the bug, there's no talking them out of it anyway. If it's just a passing interest, or if they're interested more in fame and fortune than in the hard work of doing radio or TV, I'd warn them away.
In 2012, the other critical piece of the equation is conceptual and technological. You can't go out there today just as "a radio newswriter" or as a "TV reporter," just to name two jobs I've held that don't really exist in the same way anymore. You've got to know how to do a little bit of everything, on the air, behind the scenes, and in the social media world. Versatility is the name of the game, and if you're not ready to be versatile and flexible, don't bother trying to get into the business today.
In 2012, the other critical piece of the equation is conceptual and technological. You can't go out there today just as "a radio newswriter" or as a "TV reporter," just to name two jobs I've held that don't really exist in the same way anymore. You've got to know how to do a little bit of everything, on the air, behind the scenes, and in the social media world. Versatility is the name of the game, and if you're not ready to be versatile and flexible, don't bother trying to get into the business today.
I'm a regular guest speaker at a number of colleges, and I agree with everything Scott says. Broadcasting has changed from what it was 50 years ago. It's changed from what it was 25 years ago. If you can't adapt and change every few years, try something else. People considering it, and I've even had this discussion with family mebers, have to be realistic about it. But that's the same thing with most other careers built around subjective judgements, like acting, music, writing, or art. One relative of mine wants to be a writer. I told her that she needs to write all the time, and put her writing online so she can see how people react. And she needs to be willing to do it for free. Once her work is good enough, and builds an audience, then it's time to do it for money. Same with broadcasting.
But I also agree with Scott's point about gathering a broad knowledge, including business and sales. If you're good at what you do, you need to be able to sell it. In my case, the ability to do it all, from content creation to sales, in all formats and on all platforms, has kept me continually employed since I was a teenager. Had I specialized in just one area, like editing tape using razor blades, I would have been out of work a long time ago. But as I say to artists and musicians, if you're doing it as a business, you have to think like a businessman, not like an artist. Otherwise, it's a great hobby.
By the way, I see an incredible future in broadcasting. There will always be a need for content. The platform may change, tastes may change, and lots of other things may change. But the general business of delivering content to audiences will continue. The challenge for the future is to find out how to make money with it. But that was the exact same challenge I had when I was 15. I never expected to get paid for this. Once I figured it out, it's been very, very good to me.
But I also agree with Scott's point about gathering a broad knowledge, including business and sales. If you're good at what you do, you need to be able to sell it. In my case, the ability to do it all, from content creation to sales, in all formats and on all platforms, has kept me continually employed since I was a teenager. Had I specialized in just one area, like editing tape using razor blades, I would have been out of work a long time ago. But as I say to artists and musicians, if you're doing it as a business, you have to think like a businessman, not like an artist. Otherwise, it's a great hobby.
By the way, I see an incredible future in broadcasting. There will always be a need for content. The platform may change, tastes may change, and lots of other things may change. But the general business of delivering content to audiences will continue. The challenge for the future is to find out how to make money with it. But that was the exact same challenge I had when I was 15. I never expected to get paid for this. Once I figured it out, it's been very, very good to me.
Element9 said:
9, come on!
Most all of us here, you included, have handles for a reason...and the last thing you want is to be accused by your employer of disclosing sensitive information, even when no such breach actually took place. Perception is reality, after all.
Scott and A have it pretty well in hand as far as I'm concerned.
Gotta be willing to wear a lot of hats...gotta have a passion for this business and do not expect to get rich!
I made the mistake of ingesting generous doses of 'KB as a teen...followed by gobs of Super CFL (after moving back to my hometown of Pittsburgh and west of 'KB's pattern) and later, when I lived in Metro NYC, WABC. (Particularly Dan Ingram, then it was 'KB at night!)
There was no helping myself...I couldn't...not...do radio.
But here's the kicker...
TheBigA said:
BINGO!
I have several friends and co-workers who've stumbled over this very point. They get bitter over the fact that it isn't the way it was in 1980, or 1970. Yeah, there are times I wish it was that way again, but then again I read stories like the account of Fred Klestine's departure from 'KB and realize there are important areas where nothing has changed. What happened to him is happening right now to a friend of mine. It's happened to me in the past.
TheBigA said:
Even with what CC/Cumulus and some others are doing to the business...people still want to be entertained. Who can make that emotional connection? Here's a tidbit from Bob Lefsetz and I direct this at myself as much as anyone reading this...
"(five seconds). Yup, that's how long you've got to hook someone. Don't blame the listener, blame the plethora of entertainment options. We're limited in time and we only care about the best."
If you can get excited about how you might rise to that challenge...and aren't put off by the fact it's not a 9-5 M-F job...and aren't concerned that you won't get rich...but you just might have the time of your life...then you might have a future in this business.
Even now.
The other thing I'll add is don't expect to remain in the same town your entire career. When I was 15, I swore I would never let geography get in the way of a great career opportunity. That has meant I've done a lot of relocating. Not as much as some. But at least a half dozen cities, coast to coast and in between. It's been fun! That's the life I wanted.
TheBigA said:
And that's an excellent point as well.
In contrast, I've only made one job-related move...in 1986. Once in our current locale, I only took jobs where I didn't have to move. But that was a lifestyle choice between me and my wife, and objectively...it stifled potential career advancement, because I wasn't willing to move.
What do you want out of life? Where are your priorities? If you want to go as far as radio can take you, be prepared to move. Or else do as I did and adjust your expectations.
VERY FEW in this business get to have it both ways. For the rest, "town-to-town, up & down the dial" is how they advance...and as A notes, that too is quite rewarding.
Mark_Giardina said:
I've been doing radio for over 40 years starting as barely a teenager. When asking people in the industry way back then they always did their best to discourage me from pursuing my "dream'. The most common phrase in general was "radio is a cruel mistress. She always takes and never gives" this was way back in 1969.
At the time I never really understood the attitude. Now fast forward 40 years and many stations later, I too understand the relevance of that statement.
But I have to tell you, if given the chance for a re-do I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Yes radio is a cruel mistress. But she offers rewards along the way, experiences I'd have never had any other way. Standing on a stage introducing major rock bands. Participating in charity events giving back to a community in ways I would have never accomplished alone. Plus the joys of living in many different places.
Then there was the joy of piloting one of these "100,000 watt starships through the night into peoples homes, and life" Yes it's goofy, but I still appreciate the magical thrill of slinging RF around the planet.
Payback time is when you cross from the "money demo" as a talent into what you have hopefully prepared yourself for when it's time to hang up the headsets. Depending on how well you thought ahead will determine whether you are selling cars, or still in radio as Tech, Sales, or Management. In my case I always made it a point to diversify my place in the industry. I'm still employed full-time and still love it....
I hope those with the true itch can scratch it and enjoy it as long as I have...
TheBigA said:
May I add to that sentiment that the relocating is fun and exciting...for a while. In my case it got a bit tiring after 7 cities in 15 years. Fortunately I ended up in Toronto where the opportunities outside radio were enormous, and I have been able to make a decent living since leaving the biz 10 years ago. But The Big A is right-relocation is a necessary part of the biz. It can be very tough on your family (if you have one), though...and kids considering radio as a career have to understand that fact as well.
Like some of you, I speak at radio classes on a regular basis. While I try to give an honest appraisal of how I see the business today, I always encourage the students to think outside the box. After all, the next breakthrough in audio communications could very well come from someone in that classroom!
Well, according to TheBigA, if you voicetrack, you can do it from anywhere. That solves the relocation problem. Of course, it does cut down on the band intros. The way that the major corporations are moving these days, there will be fewer and few jobs in radio. That means that a lot of people need to start looking hard at their skill sets, and looking for other jobs where those skills apply.
There are so few young people interested in pursuing radio at this point that those few may not have much problem getting in if they're willing to work a lot of hours for a little money. I'd guess that most of us started under exactly those conditions. Unfortunately, thanks to VT and syndication, there are fewer rungs on the ladder when it comes to moving up. There are fewer opportunities to learn your craft, and fewer people with the time to teach you what you don't know.
It seems to me that several of the major players don't believe in the future of radio, at least as a broadcast facility. They seem infatuated with Pandora, which has never made money. There are exceptions, and I expect that the exceptions will do better in the long run. I think that the companies that focus on radio, and use digital to enhance their offerings instead of focusing on digital, and using radio to drive people to the Internet, will do better in the long run. Why? Simply because the price of digital services is going to continue to rise, and people are going to appreciate free music.
What to tell prospective broadcasters? To borrow from Hunter S. Thompson, "The (radio) business is uglier than most things. It is normally perceived as some kind of cruel and shallow money trench through the heart of the journalism industry, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free and good men die like dogs, for no good reason." If that doesn't deter them, then they're as hooked on the medium as we were at that age. All they have to do is figure out how to get somebody to pay them enough to live on. Or marry well.
There are so few young people interested in pursuing radio at this point that those few may not have much problem getting in if they're willing to work a lot of hours for a little money. I'd guess that most of us started under exactly those conditions. Unfortunately, thanks to VT and syndication, there are fewer rungs on the ladder when it comes to moving up. There are fewer opportunities to learn your craft, and fewer people with the time to teach you what you don't know.
It seems to me that several of the major players don't believe in the future of radio, at least as a broadcast facility. They seem infatuated with Pandora, which has never made money. There are exceptions, and I expect that the exceptions will do better in the long run. I think that the companies that focus on radio, and use digital to enhance their offerings instead of focusing on digital, and using radio to drive people to the Internet, will do better in the long run. Why? Simply because the price of digital services is going to continue to rise, and people are going to appreciate free music.
What to tell prospective broadcasters? To borrow from Hunter S. Thompson, "The (radio) business is uglier than most things. It is normally perceived as some kind of cruel and shallow money trench through the heart of the journalism industry, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free and good men die like dogs, for no good reason." If that doesn't deter them, then they're as hooked on the medium as we were at that age. All they have to do is figure out how to get somebody to pay them enough to live on. Or marry well.
Within the past week. To a Communications class. Survey says that radio is a minor consideration. Video, and corporate communications are the big winners.
Might be the perfect place for them. We have excellent Internet access available here. Our job situation is actually better than much of the country. Post secondary education here is very good. Housing is very affordable. We do need to resolve some problems with too many layers of government, ineffective education in city schools, and poverty in the city.
Those who've experienced poverty are prepared for the wages that most radio stations offer these days.
Those who've experienced poverty are prepared for the wages that most radio stations offer these days.
As Scott said, "passion" is key. At my company, there are lots of on-air people in their 20s and 30s. Two in their mid 20s (one guy one girl), in particular, are true radio geeks and I love talking with them. They want radio careers and have no illusions about the business and the difficulty of finding solid gigs.
They seem to be doing what's necessary - extending their on-air work to blogs and social media, doing public appearances as part of their job, and networking in the biz. And they're great on the air.
Nick Seneca
They seem to be doing what's necessary - extending their on-air work to blogs and social media, doing public appearances as part of their job, and networking in the biz. And they're great on the air.
Nick Seneca
SirRoxalot said:
First time I saw that quote was in Tarlekland...I mean the sales department at my current cluster. I think in the National Sales Manager's office. And seriously, our NSM's a sharp guy...not really any "Herb" in him.
SirRoxalot said:
I wonder if Buffalo might have the last laugh here.
An area of the country people have been running from for 50 years, not seen by outsiders as a desirable place to live...
But for those "in the know"...an area with a truly friendly spirit, where prices are reasonable from housing to hamburgers and you can actually find a job...and didn't Buffalo win an award for clean air a few years ago? ...a truly great place to live.
And besides you have something Pittsburgh will never have...Wegman's.
Could there be a turnaround in your future, such as we're finally seeing here? I truly hope so.
Whatever the case, good to see the older generation talking with the younger...and to see some younger people interested in the business.
Mark_Giardina said:
I'd tell them, "Don't waste your time."
This former born and raised Buffalonian, living in AZ for the past 30+ years
wishes that The Buffalo Area was up and coming. That however, simply
is not the case. As was recently mentioned on national television, "Buffalo
is a city whose time has come and gone, never to return again." Doesn't
make me happy to hear that.....
wishes that The Buffalo Area was up and coming. That however, simply
is not the case. As was recently mentioned on national television, "Buffalo
is a city whose time has come and gone, never to return again." Doesn't
make me happy to hear that.....
"Stay in Buffalo." That little 'burg with two seasons, Winter and Deep Winter. Indeed. Say what you will of our fair city and surrounding suburbs, it might surprise some that people actually enjoy living here. Even more people would be surprised at the number of people who've moved away from Western New York, yet yearn to return.
I've refrained from responding to this thread because frankly, when did WE ever listen to what people told us? Over the years, I've lectured before college classes, run an internship program at two different clusters and have had the pleasure of knowing that a number of young men and women who interned with/for me are gainfully employed in this business, many in... Yes, Buffalo.
Rox makes good points about what college students yearn to do these days. But lately I've found, it's not college-bound students who ask for guidance, it's their parents, who often foot the bill. Parents aren't fools, especially when it comes to paying for an education and wanting what's best for their children. They know most of the radio and TV stations in Buffalo and the rest of the country are owned by a handful of owners. The really astute know that syndicated programs and voice-tracking are common.
So, I tell them to make sure their son or daughter has a goal and a timeline. Make sure he/she knows that every minute spent in the classroom has to be backed up by out of the classroom real-life activities associated with the field(s) that interest them. I advise them to network and schmooze. And I tell them that for every one of their sons and daughters, there are about a thousand others who want the same thing.
It used to be that I advised students (and parents) to have a back-up plan, study History, science, IT, math and journalism. Lately, I've advised them to study HVAC, auto technology, electrical and plumbing. Seriously. I hear people talk and write about being able to handle audio and video, writing , web based communication and social networking. Feh! Be prepared to get your hands dirty, know how to do a brake job, wire a house, fix a toilet and install a sink. THAT'S what I call being prepared for the real world these days.
I've refrained from responding to this thread because frankly, when did WE ever listen to what people told us? Over the years, I've lectured before college classes, run an internship program at two different clusters and have had the pleasure of knowing that a number of young men and women who interned with/for me are gainfully employed in this business, many in... Yes, Buffalo.
Rox makes good points about what college students yearn to do these days. But lately I've found, it's not college-bound students who ask for guidance, it's their parents, who often foot the bill. Parents aren't fools, especially when it comes to paying for an education and wanting what's best for their children. They know most of the radio and TV stations in Buffalo and the rest of the country are owned by a handful of owners. The really astute know that syndicated programs and voice-tracking are common.
So, I tell them to make sure their son or daughter has a goal and a timeline. Make sure he/she knows that every minute spent in the classroom has to be backed up by out of the classroom real-life activities associated with the field(s) that interest them. I advise them to network and schmooze. And I tell them that for every one of their sons and daughters, there are about a thousand others who want the same thing.
It used to be that I advised students (and parents) to have a back-up plan, study History, science, IT, math and journalism. Lately, I've advised them to study HVAC, auto technology, electrical and plumbing. Seriously. I hear people talk and write about being able to handle audio and video, writing , web based communication and social networking. Feh! Be prepared to get your hands dirty, know how to do a brake job, wire a house, fix a toilet and install a sink. THAT'S what I call being prepared for the real world these days.
I don't want to sound like a Buffalo sales person but it really does have a lot to offer. If you can take a little snow (last year it really was a little snow) the weather here really is better than most places in the U.S. No hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes or extreme temperatures, droughts or floods for the most part. The average commute time if you do work downtown is probably less than you would spend looking for an overpriced parking spot in a big city. As Rox noted, I feel the main things hurting Buffalo are self inflicted (or by Albany) as in too much regulation, government and taxes. There are radio stations of all sorts and the opportunity is there for those with the talent, desire and personality to make a career out of radio, or some form of it.
- Status