Hawaiin Radio

[Nostracorvus]

I mean no offense by this, and that being said, how is Hawaiin radio? I live in the south and I'm in radio right now and I'd like to look into making the move to Hawaii in a few years and was wondering how the business is over there and what formats are available, how hard it is to get in there compared to, say, New York, or another top market.Again, no offense is intended.

 

[SML]

Hey, no offense taken. First of all, have you ever visited any of the Islands? Hawai`i is a small town kind of place, even Honolulu is not that big. Oahu has the most stations, but only a handful of owners. Since you are already working in radio, and feel you have something to offer, try listening to some of the stations on-line, visit the web sites, try to get a feel for how it goes in Hawai`i nei. Keep in mind that the cost of living is very high here. You think gas is high on the mainland? You in for de shock, yea. Island radio is a place where most everyone knows each other. Since you live down south, Cox Radio owns some great staions on Oahu. Getting in with Cox in the south could be a bridge to Hawai`i. Clear Channel also has a number of station on Oahu. However, once you get out to Kaua`i, Maui or the Big Island, it's all local and regional owners. Like I said, it's a small town kinda thing.

 

[ScottBurns]

Beyond Oahu, opportunities seem limited. Many of the stations on the smaller islands have satellite-fed programming. Many, if not most, of the AM stations outside of Oahu have network programming. But Oahu has plenty of good stations. If you currently work in the CHR/Rhythmic arena, KDDB/Waipahu (102.7 Da Bomb) has had a lot of turnover in the past year, and could possibly have openings. Other than that, I know of no other opportunities.

 

[Bear the other white meat]

Re: 50th State Radio

Hawaii is an amazing place. No offense intended. I have friends in Oahu. Sometimes when I call, we compare the cost of things. Grasshopper... my advice is to visit first... look around, ask questions, compare store prices, check out apartments/houses. Call up some of the local jocks and tell them your plan. Who knows... you might get a job lead out of it.But remember, it's radio. If you land a gig and six months later the OM decides to automate, you're out on the beach (literally). Keep enough $$$ in the bank for a ticket home.Best wishes

 

[Nostracorvus]

Beyond Oahu, opportunities seem limited. Many of the stations on the smaller islands have satellite-fed programming. Many, if not most, of the AM stations outside of Oahu have network programming. But Oahu has plenty of good stations. If you currently work in the CHR/Rhythmic arena, KDDB/Waipahu (102.7 Da Bomb) has had a lot of turnover in the past year, and could possibly have openings. Other than that, I know of no other opportunities.

I've worked it before, currently I'm in rock. My wife and I are forced to live a good ways away from each other (and I know it's occurence in this career area) and she really, really wants to live in Hawaii and, truth be told, so do I. And like someone else said, you can be there six months or six years, depends on how management wakes up that day. Since most of the stations are automated, would vocetracking be a good way to get a foot in the door? And no, I'm not soliciting, just asking. And I appreacite everyone who took the time to answer my post! The people here don't seem as jaded as they do elsewhere on the boards, or soured one might say, so I appreciate any input you can give. I'm not really sure how to privately post or pm an email address, so if anyone know and has anyone's contact I could get in touch with I'll give it to you. Thanks!

 

[SML]

The two companies that hire outside of Oahu are Visonairy Related Entertainment and Pacific Radio Group. John Detz runs VRE and Chuck Bergson runs PRG. John/VRE owns a number of stations on Oahu (KDDB is one of them), and a couple of them are live at least part of the day. PRG owns a number of stations on Maui and the Big Island, and some of them are live part or most of each day. Clear Channel and Cox own all the others on Oahu, except for a couple of independent AM's. As was said before here somewhere, the focus is on local identity. Hawai`i is a different kind of radio market, kind of a small town for each island. If you know the local territory, that is a plus. It really helps to know a bit of the Hawai`ian language too.

 

[Nostracorvus]

I appreciate your reply, Mr. Mussel. Thanks for your input, and I agree I'd need to learn a lot more about Hawai'i which is why I'm here and asking questions and hopefully will make a few contacts and friends in the process. Do you happen to know any names I need to send info to?

 

[SML]

Re: Hawaiian Radio

The names I mentioned will do for an initial contact. John and Chuck will send your letter of inquiry to the appropriate person at each organiztion. Keep in mind that they are running competing organizations, so be discreet. I know the engineers at Cox and CC but I'm pretty sure you don't want to talk to them about an air shift.

 

[Tibbs4]

I just returned from there. It is indeed beyond cool and beautiful! That being said, I don't see howanyone outside of Waikiki can make serious money working for any radio stations. Gas was $3.60 agallon and yes everything is totally expensive (except alcohol.) I'd suggest you seriously look atthe formats and ratings and ownership situations. Knowing that, and knowing what generally radiopays for talent that wants to live in paradise, you'll have trouble finding a diamond in the rough.The formats are the majority local music and unless you're a "local" or can sound like one, it'llbe tough. The non-local, non-live stations that play Rock or CHR or AC sort of prohibit a chancethere as well. Just remember, you'll make much more money as a waiter. But, AGAIN - you have to go for your dream!!! You may very well hit the big time. But, to getthere you have to know exactly what the pros and cons are.