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For the love of the game?

L

louiemanno

Broadcasting Brothers and Sisters:

I know we all come to this forum for a variety of and a combination of reasons. There is the reminiscing, and commiserating, the spirited debate… Of course there is respect given here, as well as the cheep shots landed. I’ve seen – Posturing, plugging, strategic misdirects, bitching and ball busting. And it’s true, radio-info is a good source for industry news

But you know the human species is by its very nature gregarious and tends to congregate in like-minded clans. So, it seems to me that this forum is much more than just an info source or an unfolding tragically, funny drama… This is where our peeps are… In many ways, we are the last vestiges of a far-flung tribe. And I don’t care how many times we all lock horns or knock knuckles… We have a lot in common…

We are in a business that is currently being supplanted by countless gadgets and delivery systems… There have never been more ways to advertise or not pay attention to local radio. Our numbers are dwindling… sure the radio-industrial complex reluctantly keeps a few of us around, but they are selling a lot less Hi-C in the vending machine these days. It seems like we are becoming as relevant to the world as a guy wearing an Alf tee shirt selling pogs in parking lot…

It does look pretty grim. (Personally, I have a lot of hope) But still…

So my question to the broadcasters of Northern New England is why? Why do we do this? Why do you do it?

Just askin’

Louie
 
Well Louie,

I do it primarily because it's been my lifelong ambition, and it's the only job I really enjoy.

Then there are the more specific reasons: I love music, love to introduce new music to people, love to offer my insight on certain things, like the challenge of being able to relate to an audience (specifically because I'm "all-thumbs" outside of the radio arena) and there is nothing like the feeling you get when someone looks at you star-struck. This doesn't mean that they're gushing over you or even that they would listen to your show on a regular basis. It's more like the "I can't believe YOU of all people are doing this job, and are so COMFORTABLE at it" look. I've had it many, many times. From all arenas where I've DJ'ed: Clubs, just messing around in the barracks with a mixer, various radio stations, even from some veterans who have seen it all, or so you thought. Many have offered the suggestion that I deserved to be in a bigger market than I was, or DJing clubs in Miami of all places!?!

But most of all I do it because I believe in the power of radio, and that it's diluted state is brought about only by what programmers choose or have the ability to put on the air.

And yet, here I am, in the military full-time and only by chance should I be able to do a weekly show, only for as long as I am deployed. The tragic comedy that is my life. What wins is what pays the bills consistently and reliably I guess. :-\
 
Why do I do this? Because it is just plain fun. I have met great people, I get to connect with listeners, and when I was doing sports, I got to make listeners see what I was seeing. I get to be creative, somewhat dorky and I get paid to have fun. How much better than this does it get? Yes, the pay stinks but as someone once said to me, "This sure as heck beats working for a living."
 
At the risk of repeating what has already been said in the previous posts, I consider myself fortunate to have been able to "do radio" for much of my adult career.

One has to consider it's doing something that we want to do, rather than treating it as just a job or because it may provide much-needed benefits such as insurance.

Broadcasting gives each of us new challenges every time we go to work. How great is that?
 
There are still a few making some decent coin.
God bless them, they deserve it.

For the rest, few if no benefits, not so great pay and a uncertain future.

Sure it's fun, but with Fathers Day fast approaching,
do you want to be remembered by your kids as the Dad that kept them in poverty?
Just a thought
 
Your points are valid, but I'd like to think some of us do radio because we love it despite the wrenching changes in the last 10-15 years. I've wanted to be in the biz since I was 5, and have been doing it (on air and engineering) since 1983. There is a certain value to loving what you do (at least to me), and if it requires me to find other income sources (in my case teaching broadcasting and various home studio voice work) then so be it. I still wake up and look forward to going to work. Beats being stuck in a job you hate wishing for 5 o'clock only to wake up and do it again.
Idealistic? Maybe, but I still love being a broadcaster and have never regretted my career choice. Would I want it for my daughter? No, but Tony Soprano didn't want his son in the family business either.
 
Reminds of the great quote, "Radio is not a job, it's a chronic disease." :)

Most family, friends and neighbors I know love their jobs.
 
Radio is still the only medium where everyone has to use HIS OR HER IMAGINATION!

Some of the most creative people are still connected with this business...in the form of announcers, copywriters, producers, voice-artists. [I've been and continue to be all of the aforementioned].

Sadly there are still some great pretenders who feel it's more important to entertain themselves as opposed to the members of their audience!

So once boredom sets in....local radio djs and talk show hosts get tuned out...in favor of CDS and satellite programming! ::)

argytunes
 
12 In a Row said:
There are still a few making some decent coin.
God bless them, they deserve it.

For the rest, few if no benefits, not so great pay and a uncertain future.

Sure it's fun, but with Fathers Day fast approaching,
do you want to be remembered by your kids as the Dad that kept them in poverty?
Just a thought
Click to expand...


Well because of my radio job my son has had the chance to meet his hero Wierd Al, (give the kid a break he is only 6), we have gone to tons of baseball, hockey, basketball games, the circus, woodstock 99, things I would not have been able to do or afford if I was an office worker or a teacher, not to mention meeting a long list of musicians and interesting people I would have other wise NEVER have had the chance to meet. Sure every once in a while we might have to eat mac and cheese but who doesnt? If you work hard, have talent and find a good company, radio is more stable then most jobs. Plus Im the coolest mom on the baseball field casue "she's on the radio"
 
I guess Will just assumed that women posters would have feminine-sounding screennames, perhaps to immediately identify that they are, in fact, women. :D
 
I know its like a giant male member party on this board but sometimes I like to add my 2 cents.

as for my name......well many reasons I'm probuttonpusher......growing up my mother used to get mad at me because I could always push her buttons. she once said that I could have made a career out of it. and another reason is because in the past I have had jobs where thats all I felt I did was push the buttons on the board.

I dont feel the need to shout Im a woman, does it make my opinion less important? ;)
 
It doesn't make your opinion less important. Considering that 85% of this board is garbage, much like Kanye West, "you can't get much wronger."
 
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