I don't think Simon is good because I don't know how much longer that can last. No sense getting on a ship that is floundering. Buzzard could be a better product with her. Rock 92 is the best fit based on her experience. Don't know about how they treat employees, since I never worked there. All I know is there are a number of people who have been there a while. Other thing is like about them is the local ownership and resistance to selling out to Big Radio! They do seem to do their own thing and they are relatively successful at it.
Now, the bigger question - talk radio! Honestly, it is often like any other job - being in the right place at the right time. Question is, can she sustain a conversation for more than a few minutes? I found out very quickly that it is a hell of a lot harder than being entertaining for 30 seconds every seven or eight minutes! It requires a great deal of homework! So, how should she get into it:
1- Apply for every talk job she can find. They will all want tape, but you can do a talk demo in your home without much trouble. No calls, of course, but maybe an interview with someone locally notable. I suspect several local members of the legislature would be willing to help out.
2- Be willing to take a producer's position with a talk station. More and more you will find hosts willing to bring producers into the conversation.
3- Be willing to move to another market for a period of time. If she doesn't want to move, then the possibilities are highly limited, so she should look into doing some fill-in work to build some experience in the format.
With Curtis taking over WSJS soon, it may open some opportunities since they will have four talk stations in NC and who knows what they might do with 920AM, 1200AM, and WMFR! I did hear one suggestion that the WSJS simulcast might move to 920 and use 1200 and 1230 to simulcast the Oldies and Beach format! That could be interesting.
Here's the best advice I can give her or anyone else in the radio business:
1- The number one loyalty is always to yourself, then your station. Remember, the station will be kind to you as long as they feel they need you, but the minute you don't fit (whether money, format, color of hair or eyes) you're done. The business will always think of itself first, you therefore must do the same!
2- Keep tapes of everything you do! Do it every week or at least every month. Don't wait until you are looking for a job to put together a collection of your best stuff.
3- Don't turn down opportunities to interview for other jobs just because you are happy at the moment. It will sharpen you job hunting skills, and you might just find one you like better. It is one thing I regret about my 40 years in the business. I was too settled. When you stop going for interviews (while you have a job), the opportunities stop coming.
4- Don't be afraid to change jobs, particularly when you are young and realtively new in the business. I don't mean change jobs like you change underwear, but more, varried experience is priceless.
5- Don't lock youself into a format! You never know when your favorite format will disappear from the radio dial. Then what!
6- Plan for your retirement. Max out on any benefits package your company offers. Also, put aside money each month for a rainyday fund (the day you get fired with no notice, or the station is sold and the new owners don't hire you). You'll be a lot better off if you have six months of living expenses socked away.
7- Don't hesitate to collect unemployment! You paid for it, and earned it. File immediately. Even if you have a severance package. Did you know in North Carolina, if you are a student, you can collect unemployment while your severance package is still paying? Enroll in a computer, or watercolor class at your local technical community college! It costs about $75 including the text book and you are now a student!
8- Don't be afraid to take a part time job or a lesser job at the station you want to work for. If you have any talent, they will quickly recognize it and you will climb the ladder. Approach the job as if it were the one you really wanted.
