This evening both WTNH and WVIT reported breaking news about the CSB closing its doors. No further information at the time, and nothing on their websites as of yet. This ought to be good...
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CSB (Connecticut School of Broadcasting)
- Thread starter oldschooltv
- Start date
I heard the same thing too.
That is just bullshit. The school takes $12,000.00 from these students, to train them for a field where the jobs are minimal, and one week before finals they lock the doors and put a note up saying sorry we're closed until further notice. Evidently they called all the instructors in and fired them too, telling them to grab their things and leave the building. I always told anyone that asked about CSB to avoid this scam at all costs. Hopefully they listened and saved themselves some money.
I remember it was either back in the late 70's or early 80's I was up for a job and the only other candidate was a then recent CSB grad. They made it a point to tell me I got the job as I had actual "practical" on-air experience (albeit, a local 600 community FM station located in my hometown's high school) over somebody who shelled out a few grand for some basic hands-on (yes, CSB was cheap in the day).
I know there are plenty of CSB grads who actually went on to get pretty decent positions but I had also heard many radio folks complain about not wanting to hire somebody who went to the "close cover before striking, school of broadcasting". I guess it's different strokes for different folks.
Of course, this leads into the question about what will spur anybody's interest enough to want to get involved in radio anymore? The industry has changed in the 30+ years I've been working it.
I know there are plenty of CSB grads who actually went on to get pretty decent positions but I had also heard many radio folks complain about not wanting to hire somebody who went to the "close cover before striking, school of broadcasting". I guess it's different strokes for different folks.
Of course, this leads into the question about what will spur anybody's interest enough to want to get involved in radio anymore? The industry has changed in the 30+ years I've been working it.
They had a story about it on Channel 3 this morning. They said all 26 locations nationwide were shutdown, but Dick Robinson was attempting to get a license from the state of Connecticut to take over and re-open the Connecticut locations.
Meanwhile, here's the story from Channel 8, as Channel 3 has yet to put the story on their site.
http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/news_wtnh_hartford_csb_close_200903042326_rev1
Meanwhile, here's the story from Channel 8, as Channel 3 has yet to put the story on their site.
http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/news_wtnh_hartford_csb_close_200903042326_rev1
T
Twitch
Guest
Also, they are supposedly closing all 26 locations including the two we have in Atlanta.
I started a thread about this on the Atlanta board. We had a local competitor school (Atlanta Broadcast Institute) that closed down about a month ago.....but they at least gave their students and graduates a bit of a warning. ABI used to be Connecticut School of Broadcasting until Dick Robinson sold that location to it's then Director.
I started a thread about this on the Atlanta board. We had a local competitor school (Atlanta Broadcast Institute) that closed down about a month ago.....but they at least gave their students and graduates a bit of a warning. ABI used to be Connecticut School of Broadcasting until Dick Robinson sold that location to it's then Director.
T
Twitch
Guest
The folks who bought it changed the name, too. Dick named it "The Connectitcut School of Broadcasting"....the investors changed it to the very "hip": "CSB School of Broadcasting"....yes, it's basically "Connecticut School of Broadcasting School of Broadcasting".....GENIUS!!!
wow I'm sorry to see this happen
CSB should look into some of the wasted Translators we have in CT. especially the 103.1 in Stamford since their an organization technically if they found the money they could buy it right?
for their location in the wesport CT area Is their Board for sale?
WXCI could use a new operation board... this things pretty old!
the board they use is the same one I used on WWLR.. the difference is I had an on-air switch to a 3,000 watt transmitter ;D
CSB should look into some of the wasted Translators we have in CT. especially the 103.1 in Stamford since their an organization technically if they found the money they could buy it right?
for their location in the wesport CT area Is their Board for sale?
WXCI could use a new operation board... this things pretty old!
the board they use is the same one I used on WWLR.. the difference is I had an on-air switch to a 3,000 watt transmitter ;D
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WCWalker
Guest
I was shocked to see this report. Another case of a corporation ruining a perfectly good business. Perhaps someone could persuade Dick Robinson to open a new facility or work out a deal to buy it from the dorks that ran it into the ground. At least the Robinson family name is not associated with the demise of his former school.
M
magpie
Guest
In defense of CSB:
I went there about 10 years ago in Boston (when it was still owned by Dick Robinson.) I got a paying job a month after I graduated, (hired by an instructor) and have been working various radio jobs ever since. Before I had a home studio, I did all my production there, I had job leads, advice, and support, and I even ended up teaching production there. The director and student advisor were always there for me and I am satisfied with my CSB experience. Plus the connections I made there have been long lasting and invaluable. It actually set me on a new course and changed my life.
The thing is, lots of people go there because they want to be the next Howard Stern or Big Sports Talker, but they just go to classes and don't put anything extra into it. I worked my butt off to learn and network and work my way into the business from CSB and it worked for me.
The director of the Boston school put his whole heart into running the place, and AFAIK, it was the top school of all of them--and the new owners blew it by not listening to him about what made things work. STUPID!! And now this....
I hope Dick Robinson does buy it back. Maybe he and his family can bring it back to what it was....an opportunity to start working your way into radio.
Of course, when I went, it was only $8000....
I went there about 10 years ago in Boston (when it was still owned by Dick Robinson.) I got a paying job a month after I graduated, (hired by an instructor) and have been working various radio jobs ever since. Before I had a home studio, I did all my production there, I had job leads, advice, and support, and I even ended up teaching production there. The director and student advisor were always there for me and I am satisfied with my CSB experience. Plus the connections I made there have been long lasting and invaluable. It actually set me on a new course and changed my life.
The thing is, lots of people go there because they want to be the next Howard Stern or Big Sports Talker, but they just go to classes and don't put anything extra into it. I worked my butt off to learn and network and work my way into the business from CSB and it worked for me.
The director of the Boston school put his whole heart into running the place, and AFAIK, it was the top school of all of them--and the new owners blew it by not listening to him about what made things work. STUPID!! And now this....
I hope Dick Robinson does buy it back. Maybe he and his family can bring it back to what it was....an opportunity to start working your way into radio.
Of course, when I went, it was only $8000....
Boo hoo hoo for Slicky Tricky Dicky Robinson. His CT schools have been deep sixed. A ten week course was close to $10,000. CSB considered job placement getting coffee and bagels from some morning show at minimum wage. Or better yet playing the role of cigar store Indian at the copier all day for some lazy ass PD at $8.00/hour. There are many great communications programs at several Universities in CT, such as Quinnipiac, Southern, UNH. Why would anyone spend that kind of money on broadcasting school? That is the definition of insanity.
In 1986, I won the "You're the DJ for a Day" contest on WZLX and the prize was full tuition to CSB. I couldn't use it at the time. I was rather sad. Then I went to work at UCONN in 1995 in my regular job and became part of WHUS, was trained, did 5-7am for a year and was on the air for 12 years in a primo slot and continue to fill-in and do production. Ya can't mention college radio programs in Ct. and beyond and leave out HUS! The student staff has become, over the years, a tradition of excellence as they seek to effectively herd cats with students and community members. HUS is a leader in IBS and it has produced some very fine talent for broadcast radio, satellite radio and the recording industry as well as home grown syndicated public affairs. Biased as I am...it doesn't cost anything, nevermind $10-12 grand to wade in there on what is a great place to experience radio...in HD and streamed live on the web 24/7. Stayed tuned to what they have next...it is still a great ride!
I think CSB had become a very overpriced and mostly ineffective way to get into what is left of radio.
I think CSB had become a very overpriced and mostly ineffective way to get into what is left of radio.
W
WCWalker
Guest
videokilledtheradiostar said:
Dick Robinson didn't kill the school. The corporation that he sold it to wiped it out.
T
Twitch
Guest
William C. Walker said:
Precisely!! Which is why he's apparently trying to step in and save as much of it as he can. You have to think, though, that it's worth a lot more than when Dick ran it. Dick sold it with 13 campuses, now they have twice that! What a mess...
K
ken gilbert
Guest
I'm thankful I went to the Connecticut School Of Broadcasting. It was back in 1971 and I believe it was the ONLY one at 750 Main Street in Hartford. I was fortunate enough to land some great jobs at WACKY 102 FM, TIC FM, DRC FM for 10 years and remain on the air now for 38 years. The cost then I believe it was between $700 and $1200. I hope Dick Robinson can bring this one back to life.
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WCWalker
Guest
Ken. They had a very good reputation when Dick Robinson owned it. I have a friend that graduated from CSB and after working in radio for a while he then landed a cushy desk job at the FCC in Washington. I also know at least two other people that graduated while Dick Robinson owned the school that still work in radio and have on air positions. I nearly went to CSB in the early 1990's but instead I opted for Morse School of Business.
I was gonna go there about 9 years ago (after I graduated high school). My parents were gonna pay the 8Gs for me. However I decided not to go after finding out the school required its students to take both radio and television classes. I only wanted to work in radio and had no desire to work in television, so to me the telelvision classes would've been a waste to me.
Looking back I see I made the right choice by not going. (Who knew radio would end up like this 9 years ago). I ended up learning radio for free from Charlie Profit at WNTY/WXCT for 2 1/2 years. It's just a shame there aren't more small AM stations around that will let people come in an learn radio for free.
Looking back I see I made the right choice by not going. (Who knew radio would end up like this 9 years ago). I ended up learning radio for free from Charlie Profit at WNTY/WXCT for 2 1/2 years. It's just a shame there aren't more small AM stations around that will let people come in an learn radio for free.
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