scrtr84 said:I have heard much better things about the American Broadcasting School. To be employed with ABS, you have to have a minimum of 5 years of radio experience. I have a friend who resigned from ABS to take a higher paying job, and he now regrets it.
RadioBrat78 said:While the company that ran CSB was very shady, I can attest as both a graduate and former employee, the teaching was very informative and stressed the do-it-yourself attitude that is necessary for a career in this business. I can say that because I am working in the industry, locally. While I have my personal gripes with the way several things were handled by the upper level staff, the instructors are talented individuals who got caught up in a bad deal. They truly cared for their students and attempted to give them insight in how to get started in this industry. I benefitted from my experiences there, and would not be where I am today without them. I am sure there will be several of you who disagree with me, this board is full of that kind of thing. I am only saying it helped ME, that is all.
ISaidSo said:CBS and ABS turn out nothing but Promotion people... They don't have a clue about teaching anything that you need to know about radio...
I hear from a friend that taught there until last night that most if the other "teachers" were nothing but "talking heads". They wouldn't know how to run a board if their life depended on it. No REAL radio skills are being taught at CSB.
I have a close friend that is/was an instructor there.
CBS and ABS turn out nothing but Promotion people... They don't have a clue about teaching anything that you need to know about radio...
Hmmmmmmm, I went to ABS and I have NEVER worked in promotions. I have only worked in programming and production. Same for all the people I know that actually got a radio job after graduating.
Ken Barnett had some pretty pointed comments to make when they cut him loose as the director at CSB a short time back. Unfortunately, looks like he was right, and now he gets the last laugh!
These broadcasting schools are nothing but diploma mills. Sure you may learn some valuable info about radio, but the costs are way to high for the line of work your going into.
analog78 said:I hear from a friend that taught there until last night that most if the other "teachers" were nothing but "talking heads". They wouldn't know how to run a board if their life depended on it. No REAL radio skills are being taught at CSB.I have a close friend that is/was an instructor there.
Well, that depends on which specific instructor of whom you speak. All the instructors with the exception of one self promoter from a local christian station, were very informative and knowledgeable in their respective fields. Probably including your friend.
CBS and ABS turn out nothing but Promotion people... They don't have a clue about teaching anything that you need to know about radio...Hmmmmmmm, I went to ABS and I have NEVER worked in promotions. I have only worked in programming and production. Same for all the people I know that actually got a radio job after graduating.
I can't speak for ABS, but I've only encountered a couple people from there in this business. None of them promotions. I went to CSB and never spent a minute in promotions. Even when I did an internship, it was Programming and Production. Bottom line, CSB had a good and fast program, that turned out many professionals in TV and Radio in this market and across the country. I'm sure ABS can say the same. It's desire thing in this business. I was once told by a very wise APD in this market, "You've gotta want this business bud, or it will chew you up and spit you out!" Very True!
I have heard this quote from someone I once worked with. It is VERY true. I also agree with your summation in the above paragraph. Now that I think about it, I do remember when I worked at KLLI many promo kids that went to ABS. I think they thought it was an easy way to get their foot in the door.
However, I CAnnot argue that there are a large majority of students who aren't ready for this or any business that were duped into the program with dreams of being the next Howard or (fill in any famous or local personality here).
Very True!
What I thought was most interesting is the number of guys wanting to be the next Timbaland going to school there to learn how to "produce" hip hop.
I saw this also at ABS.
They did have good equipment, and instructors. I hold high value on the persons who shared their know-how with me, and I also hold high value of the contacts in the business I have made, which are helping me to this day.
I'm not getting rich in this business, and don't plan on it. I am comfortable, having a great time, and love the business and most the people in it.
I think I have an extra case of Bananas here somewhere...
;D
Ken Barnett had some pretty pointed comments to make when they cut him loose as the director at CSB a short time back. Unfortunately, looks like he was right, and now he gets the last laugh!
I was fortunate to have met and learned from Ken. He is a great person, and was put into a bad situation at that school. It sucks to be given a pail of water on a sinking ship. I hear Ken is happy and doing well, and I wish nothing but the best for him and his family! Too bad CSB didn't hire more people like him.
It is also too bad it shut down, It was really turning around this past 6 months at the Dallas campus, thanks to the efforts of many people.
5515 said:What are the costs of the two schools discussed here? And do they have job placement?
To say that all of these schools are mills that pump out people with no skills or knowledge is a blanket statement.
I went to Columbia Broadcasting School in the late 80's. I don't remember what the costs were at the time. They required that you go for 6 months. I finished it in 4 because I had prior knowledge and friends in radio. They had job placement for everyone who finished. They sent me to an interview at a station in a small market where I worked for a year and a half and then went to a top 10 major market immediately after. I've been in major markets ever since doing everything aside from Promotions, Sales, and Administrative.
Some of those schools are actually good institutions. Lord knows I didn't need to go to 4 years of college to get in radio. What a waste that would have been.
board monkey said:5515 said:What are the costs of the two schools discussed here? And do they have job placement?
To say that all of these schools are mills that pump out people with no skills or knowledge is a blanket statement.
I went to Columbia Broadcasting School in the late 80's. I don't remember what the costs were at the time. They required that you go for 6 months. I finished it in 4 because I had prior knowledge and friends in radio. They had job placement for everyone who finished. They sent me to an interview at a station in a small market where I worked for a year and a half and then went to a top 10 major market immediately after. I've been in major markets ever since doing everything aside from Promotions, Sales, and Administrative.
Some of those schools are actually good institutions. Lord knows I didn't need to go to 4 years of college to get in radio. What a waste that would have been.
ABS = 30 weeks training. I stated 40 earlier in the thread but I double checked and its 30. $8k
CSB = 10 weeks I believe. $11k This one is radio and tv though.
If you have the proper understanding of the industry and know where to start you can get in radio without going to either of these.
I feel that ABS is more in depth of radio form what I've heard. Copy writing, on air, news gathering, vocal coaching, mic presence, production, yadda yadda yadda...