Community Stations in Las Vegas

[moesmith]

Hello. I've been trying to research this but my Google-fu seems to be failing me, so I wanted to ask the members of the board about any "community" based radio stations in the greater LV area. I'm currently located in Seattle and involved with KBCS, who have a very diverse format, to put it gently. But. it's a fun place to be and a means for me to get on-air experience, as I pursue a career in radio.

I'm looking at moving later this year and Las Vegas is a potential destination. I want to continue my radio participation, so I was wondering if there were any volunteer-run, community-styled radio stations in LV? Someplace where a person could get a few hours a week (or more, if there were open slots) on the air.

Or, (even better), does anyone know of a station that's a little more open to hiring people with limited experience, or stations that are more willing to take a chance on someone?

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot!
--m

 

[Organizer]

If you have hopes of continuing and even advancing your career in radio, Las Vegas is the last place on earth you should consider moving to.

 

[Demodave]

If you have hopes of continuing and even advancing your career in radio, Las Vegas is the last place on earth you should consider moving to.

Not true.

Several people here in Las Vegas (including myself) enjoy extremely satisfying careers. Is it any more difficult than other locales? I don't think so. I have a few friends that thru the years moved to another city because the grass was supposedly greener. Guess what....except for one, they all wanted to come back. The one holdout was The Byrd, who has been enjoying a great career on WLUP in Chicago.

Will you have to work 2 jobs to make ends meet during the beginning of your career? Probably. But hard work and real talent will be recognized here in Sin City for what could end up being a successful career.

Good luck moesmith!!

--Dave Martin

PS
Lotus Broadcasting is always accepting applications and resumes. Even if you have very limited experience, you could start out as a board-op or a remote engineer tech to get your foot in the door. The rest is up to you.

 

[Organizer]

Dave makes a few good points, but I still wouldn't recommend moving to Las Vegas for any reason, let alone to further a career in radio. We are still in a severe recession with no end in sight, regardless of what the tourism folks would have you believe. To answer your initial inquiry directly, the "community-based" stations here are KCEP, KNPR and KUNV. Each is a non-profit station with fewer than a handful of paid positions, and those don't pay very much. Once you go outside "community-based" stations over to the commercial side, the only opportunities that exist regularly are for folks just like yourself, who are willing to work odd hours at low pay, until (and if) a better position comes along. With jobs at a premium in Las Vegas more than anywhere else in the country, turnover is quite low right now and it could be a very long time before said opportunity arises.

Las Vegas is the #33 market in the country. If I were you I'd consider a smaller market with fewer corporate clusters and more stations owned by individuals or small companies. That way, your work will be more appreciated, you will advance more quickly, and you're far more likely to see how fulfilling an experience working in radio can be.