Boycotting WFMX - send them an email

[SuperQ]

"but every city with a population of 15,000 or greater would be guaranteed at least one AM and one FM."

Another romantic dreamer. Do you realize how many cities of 15,000 or more there are in Los Angeles County alone. Or in North Jersey? Or other metros. You could never squeeze enough stations in.

The horse is out of the barn. You can't put it back in. Live with it and move on.

 

[RobynWattsV2.0]

Excuse me for interrupting this post, but Robyn!---great to see you back in the neighborhood! Like myself, I'm sure many of us missed you.
Okay...back to the post.

Eric

Thanks, Eric! Didn't notice your post until now.

Anyway, back to WMKS: Has WQMG reacted yet, or will they just ignore them (for now)?

Robyn

 

[carlosswicegood]

I doubt 'QMG needs to worry......for now, or ever. WFM-uhhh WMKS doesn't have a strong foothold like WQMG, and I don't think they ever will. Look how long 97.1 has been the 'soul' station in the GSO market. What ? Early 90's?
Wow, does anyone remember Power 97?

 

[Mike Sheridan]

Believe it or not, it's hard to find young radio folks willing to work weekend overnights and odd hours.

Oh? I can think of at least twenty-some-odd personal friends my age, myself included, who would take issue with that statement. We know what it takes to get our feet in the door, and we're ready and willing to do it.

YOu and your buds are in the minority. Hell, it's tough to find enough dependable folks to set up and tear down remotes...much less be on the air in a top 50 market.

Maybe young guys yes, but we old guys who don't know any better are STILL doing it because we love it! If I could find a way to make a full time job out of it and make enough money to squeek by I'd help the engineers and VT a few weekend shifts. That would make me a happy guy. Instead the group i work for hires kids to work in the promotions department who don't know one end of the antenna from the other and don't bother to show up on time because they had a real good time Friday night.

 

[wnih-wayne]

I too would be included in the statement that I would love to work the overnights....hey, there were times with WSIC i was there till almost 3 or 4 in the morning...and it was just a board op job, that could had DTMF tones sent to it...but I WAS DEDICATED to that job, and that is why I stayed....but hey I am just an 18 yr old who knows really nothing except radio....Radio is my life...and I love it....

Wayne

 

[Mike Sheridan]

I too would be included in the statement that I would love to work the overnights....hey, there were times with WSIC i was there till almost 3 or 4 in the morning...and it was just a board op job, that could had DTMF tones sent to it...but I WAS DEDICATED to that job, and that is why I stayed....but hey I am just an 18 yr old who knows really nothing except radio....Radio is my life...and I love it....

Wayne

Good for you Wayne, hang in there. Radio needs good dedicated people, most get disallusioned fast. There are still good stations run by good people but they are getting harder to find. A good PD or GM knows how to motivate and shows honest concern for the people working at the station. If you find a place like that learn everything you can from them and STAY THERE as long as you can.

 

[jcolletta275]

Wayne, I can honestly say I completely agree with the sentiment behind your last post. There have been countless nights (this being one of them) I've spent awake doing production work and such; not because I had to meet a deadline or even because I personally wanted to get whatever I was working on to the air as soon as I could... and even that is assuming what I was working on was intended for air to begin with! No, I spent those nights without sleeping, either on the air or in the prod studio, because I LOVE THIS JOB! The problem is that no one wants to hire anything more than a warm body who they'd only have to pay minimum wage... operating under the false presumption that I wouldn't work for minimum wage. It's nasty out there. But I'm confident that both of us will find a station somewhere that sees things our way in the not-too-distant future. You've just got to keep that in your mind as you go along: the day will come.

 

[Blanche]

But I'm confident that both of us will find a station somewhere that sees things our way in the not-too-distant future. You've just got to keep that in your mind as you go along: the day will come.

I hope you’re right, Josh. It’s inspiring to see such dedication and I hope you can keep that light alive until you find that station. When I was coming along as a young neophyte, I was fortunate enough to find a few mentors who took an interest in me. I shared your passion (most true radio people have it and never lose it) and it paid off- well, maybe not monetarily (although I’m not complaining), but certainly in personal gratification.

My serious concern is that radio is slowly committing suicide by not providing an atmosphere for nurturing new talent. Small town AM facilities are about the only places where you can really get your feet wet. One of the big reasons we’re hearing more and more syndicated morning shows is because there is no venue for young announcers to develop into “personalities” worthy of a morning show format. WMAG’s Bill Flynn is one of the last of the announcer breed to morph into a morning show personality some twenty years ago. And he made the jump to WMAG mornings directly from the AM band, I believe. I don’t know Jack Murphy’s story, but it’s likely to be similar.
WSJS’s Glenn Scott came from AM- oh, wait- he’s still there…but you get my point.

So keep at it, Josh! Dedication pays off in the end.

 

[youtheman]

My serious concern is that radio is slowly committing suicide by not providing an atmosphere for nurturing new talent. Small town AM facilities are about the only places where you can really get your feet wet. One of the big reasons we’re hearing more and more syndicated morning shows is because there is no venue for young announcers to develop into “personalities” worthy of a morning show format. WMAG’s Bill Flynn is one of the last of the announcer breed to morph into a morning show personality some twenty years ago. And he made the jump to WMAG mornings directly from the AM band, I believe. I don’t know Jack Murphy’s story, but it’s likely to be similar.
WSJS’s Glenn Scott came from AM- oh, wait- he’s still there…but you get my point

For the most part, Greensboro is too large of a market "to get your feet wet". It is very rare that someone is going to be able to get started with an on the air job at a Greenboro station. The small town AM's and FM's are where you HAVE to get started and get your training. Most people want to start out at a big popular AM or FM station and when they can't, they blame the industry for not nurturing talent.

Larger stations have never really nurtured talent. They instead provide the next step up for someone who has spent a few years working at the podunk stations that offer no prestige, but instead provide valuable real world experience.

Glenn Scott may "still" be on AM, but that doesn't mean he hasn't been successful. Glenn has had and still has a quality morning show and probably makes more money than 90% of the air talent in the Greensboro market. The AM radio band is still a powerful force in broadcasting across the country even if it is dwarfed by the FM's in the Greensboro Market.

 

[Blanche]

Glenn Scott may "still" be on AM, but that doesn't mean he hasn't been successful. Glenn has had and still has a quality morning show and probably makes more money than 90% of the air talent in the Greensboro market. The AM radio band is still a powerful force in broadcasting across the country even if it is dwarfed by the FM's in the Greensboro Market.

Oh, don't misunderstand me; I was in no way casting any aspersions toward Glenn Scott. He is a consummate professional by any standard, and a very nice soul. AND, he was one of my mentors when I was a wee awestruck lad and he was on WTOB. Nor was I denigrating A.M. I wouldn't be where I am today were it not for AM radio. AM is destined for a comeback very soon, too!

 

[XTalker]

For historical accuracy:

Bill Flynn - came to WMAG from WCHL (AM in Chapel Hill). Prior to that, Flynn worked evenings at WKIX (AM 850) in Raleigh. Bill left WKIX when it went country in 1981. He did mornings at WCHL for several years before going to WMAG. He's the only morning man WMAG has ever had!

Glenn Scott - still going strong at WSJS (600-1200AM). Glenn moved to mornings at WSJS from WSJS TV where he had been the weather man. His background, however, included a great deal of radio, including WTOB in Winston-Salem.

The problem today is there is NO training ground. Even the small stations are full of syndication and automation. There is no easy solution unless a group of broadcasters acquire a station and set it up as a working school. While I am sure many readers of this board have attended the various radio schools, they really don't turn out the best talent. It would be interesting to combine an attempt at a successful commercial station with a school.

 

[johnqdoe]

My serious concern is that radio is slowly committing suicide by not providing an atmosphere for nurturing new talent. Small town AM facilities are about the only places where you can really get your feet wet. One of the big reasons we’re hearing more and more syndicated morning shows is because there is no venue for young announcers to develop into “personalities” worthy of a morning show format. WMAG’s Bill Flynn is one of the last of the announcer breed to morph into a morning show personality some twenty years ago. And he made the jump to WMAG mornings directly from the AM band, I believe. I don’t know Jack Murphy’s story, but it’s likely to be similar.
WSJS’s Glenn Scott came from AM- oh, wait- he’s still there…but you get my point

For the most part, Greensboro is too large of a market "to get your feet wet". It is very rare that someone is going to be able to get started with an on the air job at a Greenboro station. The small town AM's and FM's are where you HAVE to get started and get your training. Most people want to start out at a big popular AM or FM station and when they can't, they blame the industry for not nurturing talent.

Larger stations have never really nurtured talent. They instead provide the next step up for someone who has spent a few years working at the podunk stations that offer no prestige, but instead provide valuable real world experience.

Glenn Scott may "still" be on AM, but that doesn't mean he hasn't been successful. Glenn has had and still has a quality morning show and probably makes more money than 90% of the air talent in the Greensboro market. The AM radio band is still a powerful force in broadcasting across the country even if it is dwarfed by the FM's in the Greensboro Market.

Actually, you see more and more people that go from interns to phone screeners to producers to air talent in markets like Greensboro and MUCH larger. There are people working in Houston, Philly, Dallas, Atlanta and more, that have NEVER worked outside the top 10. That's a wee bit different than those us that have ever pulled carts for the morning show during your last hour on the air, or dubbed national spots off the reel to reel, or whatever.

 

[XTalker]

But, the post is right - large markets don't nurture young talent. Not to say that producers and screeners in large markets don't have a chance, but they also don't have an automatic leg up. They happen because there are fewer small market stars to rise to the occasion.

Truth is this: there are fewer opportunities in radio that there used to be! Fewer entry level jobs in the smaller, medium, and large markets - and fewer opportunities to climb the ladder. That ultimately means fewer chances for a superstar to rise to the top. Those who might have neen radio stars of the future have wised up and gone to law school or med school where they can make a name for thenselves.

 

[jcolletta275]

I was lucky in that my mother was my "in"... and helped me land my first (volunteer) job in the biz at a prominent station in market #12 thanks to the fact that the station manager was an old college buddy of hers. That was an invaluable experience I could never possibly take for granted, and I'm thankful to be able to put it on my resume. After my stint in The Magic City, I moved on to a small market station here in Michigan, later moving on to a medium market, then to the beach, where I am now.

I can speak from experience: the opportunities I'm waiting for in any market size are darn near impossible to come by. For better or worse, though, this is my passion, my hobby and everything I've worked for in my entire life, and I'm not giving up on it anytime soon.

 

[johnqdoe]

But, the post is right - large markets don't nurture young talent. Not to say that producers and screeners in large markets don't have a chance, but they also don't have an automatic leg up. They happen because there are fewer small market stars to rise to the occasion.

Truth is this: there are fewer opportunities in radio that there used to be! Fewer entry level jobs in the smaller, medium, and large markets - and fewer opportunities to climb the ladder. That ultimately means fewer chances for a superstar to rise to the top. Those who might have neen radio stars of the future have wised up and gone to law school or med school where they can make a name for thenselves.

I just don't think radio appeals to that many young folks anymore. It's always been the lowest rung of the totem pole in "showbiz" so to speak...and with so many other options, radio just isn't as COOL to youngsters as it used to be. Combine that with making a whopping $22,000 out of college if you're lucky and moving around every year or 2 and it's no wonder they are turning elsewhere. These are just general statements. I'm encouraged that some folks here have piped up and shown the passion needed to succeed in this business.

 

[XTalker]

You have hit the nail on the head!

Radio isn't a cool job anymore - it is big busines with all of the seriousness and rules that go with big business!

Most of us got into radio because it was cool - and we couldn't get a date! They way was low, the hours were (and are) wierd, but we had all the records we could eat. Now they don't have the records!

 

[carlosswicegood]

But, the post is right - large markets don't nurture young talent. Not to say that producers and screeners in large markets don't have a chance, but they also don't have an automatic leg up. They happen because there are fewer small market stars to rise to the occasion.

Truth is this: there are fewer opportunities in radio that there used to be! Fewer entry level jobs in the smaller, medium, and large markets - and fewer opportunities to climb the ladder. That ultimately means fewer chances for a superstar to rise to the top. Those who might have neen radio stars of the future have wised up and gone to law school or med school where they can make a name for thenselves.

I just don't think radio appeals to that many young folks anymore. It's always been the lowest rung of the totem pole in "showbiz" so to speak...and with so many other options, radio just isn't as COOL to youngsters as it used to be. Combine that with making a whopping $22,000 out of college if you're lucky and moving around every year or 2 and it's no wonder they are turning elsewhere. These are just general statements. I'm encouraged that some folks here have piped up and shown the passion needed to succeed in this business.

Remember it also depends on what market you're in. It's naturally going to pay better in say, Chicago than Knoxville I've heard this from several people now. What are the cold hard facts about it?

...and just curious, who actually has the overall "best" job while at a station ? on-air (doubt it), PD...who ? For someone who is ambitious, dreams big, and is talkative, a bit hyper and full of energy.....any tips on what might be a good position to try and fill later down the road? (this question is aimed at those 'old timers' and the ones who have been in it forever.

-thanks

 

[eacalhoun1]

You have hit the nail on the head!

Radio isn't a cool job anymore - it is big busines with all of the seriousness and rules that go with big business!

Most of us got into radio because it was cool - and we couldn't get a date! They way was low, the hours were (and are) wierd, but we had all the records we could eat. Now they don't have the records!

Dittos...and there was an art required to be good in radio(up until about 1990) that is mostly no longer required. The "art" and talent was in the ability to run a tight airshift--punching carts, cueing records, etc. The art of the tight airshift is now "built-in" to computers, and almost anyone today can operate a computer. Yeah, you have to learn different applications--as you would with any job--but basic computer knowledge will about do it. And, how many new announcers today know ANYTHING about a transmitter, meter readings, AM power changes, etc. Most all of us here USED to know the ONE radio station that everyone interested in radio should work at, because it was an excellent training ground. Unfortunately, most of those stations are no longer around and that same training is no longer necessary to work in today's corporate radio. And the weird hours that xtalker referenced...if someone called in sick or you got caught at the station during a snowstorm--I usually ended up working the next shift, too, which included spending a snowy night sleeping on the lobby sofa.

 

[jcolletta275]

...and just curious, who actually has the overall "best" job while at a station ? on-air (doubt it), PD...who ? For someone who is ambitious, dreams big, and is talkative, a bit hyper and full of energy.....any tips on what might be a good position to try and fill later down the road?

The interesting thing is, there isn't just one position that someone can hold that allows them to use all of those talents and attributes. That's why I intend to hold several positions throughout my career... jock (been there, would go back in a heartbeat), prod. director (also been there, would also go back in a heartbeat), program director, MD, talk host, GM and eventually (with any luck) station owner.

 

[johnqdoe]

...and just curious, who actually has the overall "best" job while at a station ? on-air (doubt it), PD...who ? For someone who is ambitious, dreams big, and is talkative, a bit hyper and full of energy.....any tips on what might be a good position to try and fill later down the road?

The interesting thing is, there isn't just one position that someone can hold that allows them to use all of those talents and attributes. That's why I intend to hold several positions throughout my career... jock (been there, would go back in a heartbeat), prod. director (also been there, would also go back in a heartbeat), program director, MD, talk host, GM and eventually (with any luck) station owner.

You just have to get to work and see what interests you. I mean REALLY interests you. I would hate to be a prod director...Some guys love it, but I don't. Music Director is cool. I didn't like being a PD. You talk about sucking the fun out of your day...Meeting after meeting after meeting...I didn't like dealing with everything a PD has to deal with. Budgets, schedules, coaching your air-staff is fun...but the other stuff bogs you down. Mornings are fun with the right situation. But they come AWFUL early! My favorite has been afternoons. Good pay, lots of sleep, lots of fun. And as for pay, the bigger markets WILL pay more as a rule of thumb, but that's certainly not in stone. I'm positive there are people in Greensboro making more than people in Atlanta and prolly people in Greenville making more than some in Greensboro.. It all depends on your deal. And you have to weigh the quality of life issues too. Being in a major market is great to have on the resume, but if you hate cities and traffic and all that, then you may be looking for something else. There's no way to ease into a career in radio. You must dive headlong into it and soak up everything you can....