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First Radio Gig
- Thread starter Phus
- Start date
Don't make a disparaging post about WKLU on here! 
Other than that, good luck! Radio is very much a 'learn-as-you-go' operation. Do what your PD wants, and take any remotes/appearances that you can get with enthusiasm. And always be willing to fill in whatever odd shift that pops up - increases your value.
Other than that, good luck! Radio is very much a 'learn-as-you-go' operation. Do what your PD wants, and take any remotes/appearances that you can get with enthusiasm. And always be willing to fill in whatever odd shift that pops up - increases your value.
Don't. Give. Up.
You're doing what a lot of people would call a cool job, but it's very demanding and calls for sacrifice. If you can weather one mistake, chances are you can weather another one. If you build up an immunity, you'll go far.
That's radio...continuous vaccination. ;D
You're doing what a lot of people would call a cool job, but it's very demanding and calls for sacrifice. If you can weather one mistake, chances are you can weather another one. If you build up an immunity, you'll go far.
That's radio...continuous vaccination. ;D
P
pot-up-the-bird
Guest
What they didn't tell you in college is that they ripped your ass off for tuition. What do you get? Low wages, no job security, used & abused. Yes you will make sacrifices! I've seen many, many, many jocks work two jobs to sit in the "kewl" chair. Pizza boys, chefs, bus boys, retail clerks to supplement their income to survive. Bet they didn't tell you, it is a dog eat dog world. You can consider yourself lucky since most of your fellow ex-classmates will not even see the inside of a radio station after paying such an exorbitant tuition. So sorry school was so damn high for a job that brings such low wages. Welcome to the big city!
Now, unlearn everything you've just learned in school, so you please your PD. Have the time of your life!!!
Now, unlearn everything you've just learned in school, so you please your PD. Have the time of your life!!!
D
darrentandy
Guest
Congratulations on getting the job! The quickest way to improve is to critique yourself daily. Make it a habit to record every show you do and listen to it the following day. Get ready for a wild ride! This business is STILL a lot of fun.
I echo Darren's post. (Hi Darren!) Learn as much as you can at your new job. Learn about things outside your job description.
When you aircheck yourself, wait about a week or so before you listen to it. That way you distance yourself a little from that particular show, and you can listen to it with 'fresh ears'.
When you aircheck yourself, wait about a week or so before you listen to it. That way you distance yourself a little from that particular show, and you can listen to it with 'fresh ears'.
Phus said:Okay guys... I have my first big radio gig out of college, here in Indianapolis. What do I need to know that they don't teach us at school?
Yeah. Forget everything they taught you in broadcasting classes and learn from your PD. Hate to tell you kid but you wasted your money. I have an A.A.S. in Broadcast Communications Technology and honestly it did very little for me (unless I had gone into TV--then it would have been worth it). Everything I learned about radio I learned from the various PDs I've worked for over the years. Be prepard to do extra, make yourself more valuable. In doing that, you'll have at least a little job security. Oh, and stock up on ramen noodles. You can get pretty creative with them on a budget. ;D
Seriously, welcome to the game! Enjoy it, learn from it and try not to take it so seriously that you forget that this biz is supposed to be fun and all about our listeners.
Jonathan
1. Radio's fun but if you want to rent anything bigger than a trailer you'll need a second job.
2. Radio's fun but if you ever want to buy a house you'll need to get out of radio and get a real job.
3. Radio's fun but if you ever want to take a vacation that requires an overnight stay in a motel, you'll need a second job.
4. Radio's fun but if you ever want to get married and raise a family you'll need to get out of radio and get a real job.
5. Radio's fun as long as you don't mind a standard of living that will make your friends think you work at Wal Mart.
6. Radio's fun as long as you realize that to get a better paying position you're going to have to move from one market to another about every 9 to 12 months.
2. Radio's fun but if you ever want to buy a house you'll need to get out of radio and get a real job.
3. Radio's fun but if you ever want to take a vacation that requires an overnight stay in a motel, you'll need a second job.
4. Radio's fun but if you ever want to get married and raise a family you'll need to get out of radio and get a real job.
5. Radio's fun as long as you don't mind a standard of living that will make your friends think you work at Wal Mart.
6. Radio's fun as long as you realize that to get a better paying position you're going to have to move from one market to another about every 9 to 12 months.
Phus said:Okay guys... I have my first big radio gig out of college, here in Indianapolis. What do I need to know that they don't teach us at school?
K
Kelso66
Guest
Good luck is my best advice and don't let the bastards grind you down because many will try. If you're talented enough to get hired once, you will get hired again. The pay will never be much, but I'd rather be poor and love my job than rich and miserable.
jo-nathan said:
Actually, I learned how to take full advantage of Wal-Mart's "Right Price Guarantee" and found myself able to live quite well on a small radio paycheck! However, I don't think the Wal-Mart managers did so well. I very seldomly had to pay for soda or condiments and even got some full meals free because of pricing errors! Even today, a couple of Wal-Mart managers still freak when they see me walk into their stores!
Also, I have to agree with you about learning as much as possible from your PD's and learning everything you can. I know both have saved my job a few times.
N
NiteTimeDelight
Guest
Look to your left, look to your right, now look at the person on air. Chances are one of those jocks will be arrested on alcohol or pornography related charges in the next couple of years. Just try not to do anything dumb.
The best-paying radio markets in Indiana are Sullivan and Winchester. Try to get a position at the stations in either of those two Indiana towns.
Congratulations on your first paid radio gig. I too was fortunate to have my first paid job in a large market.
In my case Seattle. Starting in a large market begins your career with the advantage of learning from, and being expose to, some of the best people in the business. Learn to listen, do your homework, continue your radio education, be careful of who you trust (not everyone you might confide in can be trusted), and
keep your ears open. You're off to a great start!
I remember that when I got into radio in 1971, the old timers discouraged me from a career in radio, saying the radio's best days were behind us. Thank goodness I didn't listen to them and pursued a radio career anyway. It's important to heed warnings and stay on top of changes in the industry (especially now) and remember that change can be scary, but it can also be exciting and offer opportunites.
I don't know why radio gets such a bad rap about low pay. I've earned in the 30's and 40's most of my career
(sometimes more, sometimes less). If you employ some fiscal responisbility, live slightly beneath your means
and take advantage of extra income opportunites (voiceover work for agencies, cable tv, narrations, remotes
and mobile dj work), you should be fine.
Good luck and have fun.
In my case Seattle. Starting in a large market begins your career with the advantage of learning from, and being expose to, some of the best people in the business. Learn to listen, do your homework, continue your radio education, be careful of who you trust (not everyone you might confide in can be trusted), and
keep your ears open. You're off to a great start!
I remember that when I got into radio in 1971, the old timers discouraged me from a career in radio, saying the radio's best days were behind us. Thank goodness I didn't listen to them and pursued a radio career anyway. It's important to heed warnings and stay on top of changes in the industry (especially now) and remember that change can be scary, but it can also be exciting and offer opportunites.
I don't know why radio gets such a bad rap about low pay. I've earned in the 30's and 40's most of my career
(sometimes more, sometimes less). If you employ some fiscal responisbility, live slightly beneath your means
and take advantage of extra income opportunites (voiceover work for agencies, cable tv, narrations, remotes
and mobile dj work), you should be fine.
Good luck and have fun.
You'll want a mentor in one of the other jocks working for your station, whether or not that jock is your PD.
Now that a 3rd ticket isn't required, you don't need to know much of that college knowledge.
Mr. Sills: There is a radio station in Sullivan?
Now that a 3rd ticket isn't required, you don't need to know much of that college knowledge.
Mr. Sills: There is a radio station in Sullivan?
K
kcbeav51
Guest
Congrats on your 1st gig!!! Just remember to have fun. Radio is a demanding line of work, but it is very rewarding! Live the dream!
Very successful 95.3 FM with local programmed country in "Golden Arrow" Country....Owners run and work at the station... He does the play-by-play, as well... Impressed with their localism...
Congrats! I, too, got my first gig right out of college, in Bloomington at (then) 97WB. I learned more there in the first 6 months than I had in my 4 years at IU. But...as responsibilities expanded past the studio and prod room, I eventually got to the point where I was using my degree every single day, without fail. Even those stupid classes that I took only to fulfill a requirement came in handy on occasion. Really. I was in radio for for 5 years, out for 9, back in for 8, freshly out again. I've been on both sides of the management fence and I've seen a lot of people come and go, both in and out of radio. But the advice is the same: work hard, be loyal, keep the complaining to a minimum, respect the chain of command, pay your dues, don't be afraid to do one ounce more than someone else, be a sponge--learn as much as you can about your position and the other positions in the building, make yourself as indispensable as possible, share your knowledge with others, admit when you screwed up and don't repeat the mistake. Most importanly, keep your ego in check, and always be honest, ethical, responsible and professional. Always. Because dang if it ain't true...at the end of the day all you've got is your reputation. One thing I didn't mention is to not be afraid to ask for advice. You've already done that, good for you! Best of luck to you! mw
K
kirkiefan
Guest
1.) Keep your guard up..don't let the big fish in the little pond(and there are way too many out there)demean you.
2.) Don't try to raise a family in this buisiness unless you've been in the biz for a long time. We all admire the late Bob Braun for being a succssful broadcaster and a successful family man..but unless if you are in management or own the station with plenty of a cash cushion to weather the storm,it's not an option....also too many marriages have failed on account of the transient nature of this buisiness. If you're in love,want to start a family,then get a radio job part time on the weekends and do a "regular" day job..family is more important..This biz is NOT family freindly! If you're single and want to sow your wild oats..DON'T! You don't want the STDs along with that reputation. "As a man soweth he shall also reap" the big guy upstairs says.
3.)Remember the O' Jays song "The Backstabbers"? They're in this biz too! Been there....been used and exploited all the way from "dubya-bump" to Waxcee..you've been warned..the wolves lurk and they want to control you...Control freaks aren't limited to the CC head honchos...they're also in the podunk town stations too!
4.)You're YOU..NOT them! Don't try to imitate the other guy. It's good to admire the likes of Charlie Van Dyke,David Letterman,Dr. Dave Gross and Reb Porter but don't dupe them....Too many Bob and Tom wannabes already!
5.)Don't sell your soul...and work on a plan B(in other words a trade skill to fall back on.) Things change way too fast in this bis and you still need to pay the bills.
Even Bill "Super" Shirk had a second job...as a daredevil back in his day.
5.)Watch your Ps and Qs at all times
6.)Have fun..but once again I empahasize DON'T sell your soul!
Peace be with you
Kirkiefan.
2.) Don't try to raise a family in this buisiness unless you've been in the biz for a long time. We all admire the late Bob Braun for being a succssful broadcaster and a successful family man..but unless if you are in management or own the station with plenty of a cash cushion to weather the storm,it's not an option....also too many marriages have failed on account of the transient nature of this buisiness. If you're in love,want to start a family,then get a radio job part time on the weekends and do a "regular" day job..family is more important..This biz is NOT family freindly! If you're single and want to sow your wild oats..DON'T! You don't want the STDs along with that reputation. "As a man soweth he shall also reap" the big guy upstairs says.
3.)Remember the O' Jays song "The Backstabbers"? They're in this biz too! Been there....been used and exploited all the way from "dubya-bump" to Waxcee..you've been warned..the wolves lurk and they want to control you...Control freaks aren't limited to the CC head honchos...they're also in the podunk town stations too!
4.)You're YOU..NOT them! Don't try to imitate the other guy. It's good to admire the likes of Charlie Van Dyke,David Letterman,Dr. Dave Gross and Reb Porter but don't dupe them....Too many Bob and Tom wannabes already!
5.)Don't sell your soul...and work on a plan B(in other words a trade skill to fall back on.) Things change way too fast in this bis and you still need to pay the bills.
Even Bill "Super" Shirk had a second job...as a daredevil back in his day.
5.)Watch your Ps and Qs at all times
6.)Have fun..but once again I empahasize DON'T sell your soul!
Peace be with you
Kirkiefan.
What a mixed bag of "advice". I agree with Mike Warner's post but will add this.
Open a savings account and try your best to keep enough money in it to live 6 to 12 months without a job. It was the best advice I received 30 years ago and that parachute has served me well.
Best wishes from someone who started in Tinytown, Indiana and is now working in a top 20 market.
Open a savings account and try your best to keep enough money in it to live 6 to 12 months without a job. It was the best advice I received 30 years ago and that parachute has served me well.
Best wishes from someone who started in Tinytown, Indiana and is now working in a top 20 market.
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