I was cruising the web and I've just discovered to my utter shock that the host of Lite FM's Saturday Night Dance Party is only 25 years old. It's horrendous. I'm sure he's a nice person and all, but how does the #1 radio station justify hiring someone so young? This is the home of such seasoned veterans like Karen Carson and Al Bernstein, Valerie Smaldone and Rich Kaminski, along with pros Jack Kratoville, Herb Barry, and Kellie Quinn. I find it disturbing to say the least that they would hire someone so young, not that he probably doesn't deserve a chance in the industry, but getting a job at Lite FM is supposed to be something you earn after proving your worth. It's mind boggling especially when you consider how the dance shows at other stations are run by veterans who have been in the industry for years.
-
Get involved.
We want your input!
Apply for Membership and join the conversations about everything related to broadcasting.
After we receive your registration, a moderator will review it. After your registration is approved, you will be permitted to post.
If you use a disposable or false email address, your registration will be rejected.
After your membership is approved, please take a minute to tell us a little bit about yourself.
https://www.radiodiscussions.com/forums/introduce-yourself.1088/
Thanks in advance and have fun!
RadioDiscussions Administrators
I am shocked, stupefied and horrified at WLTW
- Thread starter LIradiofan226
- Start date
Most likely, it's:
A 25 year old can be hired at union scale.
A 25 year old can be hired at union scale.
R
radiosgreatest1
Guest
Are you kidding....i think this post is the dumbest thing ever to hit this board...Age does not speak for skill, i dont know the guy and havnet heard him but if you know the format and can preform like a pro...why not? Disturbing...well dont listen to it... Most people listen to music radio for the MUSIC.
LIradiofan226 said:
I agree completely with "radiosgreatest1". Age is not always a factor when it comes to talent. Perhaps you should try giving him a listen once or twice before you pronounce yourself "horrified". (Really - was actual horror provoked in you by this news? How fragile your life must be.)
There is a LOT of billing on the line at this station - I doubt they would risk losing numbers just to save a few salary dollars by hiring a lower wage jock, as someone here mentioned. (BTW, if 'LTW is anything like my AFTRA shop, all announcers get the same pay regardless of time served, unless a Personal Service Contract is negotiated.)
Besides - who better to host a Saturday Night Dance Party than someone in the age group who goes to Saturday night dances? A 55 year old would be more in touch, you think?
There is a LOT of billing on the line at this station - I doubt they would risk losing numbers just to save a few salary dollars by hiring a lower wage jock, as someone here mentioned. (BTW, if 'LTW is anything like my AFTRA shop, all announcers get the same pay regardless of time served, unless a Personal Service Contract is negotiated.)
Besides - who better to host a Saturday Night Dance Party than someone in the age group who goes to Saturday night dances? A 55 year old would be more in touch, you think?
LIradiofan226 said:
Wow! As a 25 year old myself, I am shocked, stupefied, and horrified at your willingness to discriminate against a radio personality based on age. Have you ever considered the possibility that maybe - just maybe - the jock in question is a solid personality who is passionate about the music and can connect with the listeners? No, you just looked at a number on a website and made your judgment.
How in the hell are the next generation of radio people supposed to get a shot when closed-minded individuals like yourself are in the target demo?
That is the dumbest gripe I have ever heard! I'm a twenty five year old who works on a CT radio station and do you think I shouldn't get that opportunity because of my age?!! I've worked 7 years in the business and believe I earned the slot that I got.
[EDIT] and think before you post "stupified" things on here!
X
[EDIT-inflammatory]
[EDIT] and think before you post "stupified" things on here!
X
[EDIT-inflammatory]
P
PaulBWalkerJr
Guest
This is the dumbest piece of garbage question I've EVER heard on this board!
I know someone whos been working in NYC radio for years and he's only a year older then me(I'm 23)
Since WHEN IN HELL did age matter? It's all about your talent and ability to DO THE JOB.
[EDIT].
[EDIT-inflammatory]
I know someone whos been working in NYC radio for years and he's only a year older then me(I'm 23)
Since WHEN IN HELL did age matter? It's all about your talent and ability to DO THE JOB.
[EDIT].
[EDIT-inflammatory]
P
PhilGalasso
Guest
A 25-year-old working in New York radio is shocking? I guess you've never heard of Orson Welles, who was 23 when he produced the Mercury Theatre program for the entire CBS network. Nor have you heard of Dan Taylor, who was in his early twenties when he was on WHN. Or Bruce Meyerowitz ("Cousin Brucie"), who started working in the record library of WINS when he was a young kid, later moving to an on-air gig there, then to WINZ in Miami and WABC. William Breitbart ("William B. Williams") was also quite young when Bernice Judis hired him away from WOV (now WADO) to work for her at WNEW. The rest is history. If he sounds good, has a rapport with his listeners, knows the format, and pulls down a salary within the station's budget, why not?
J
JonRadio
Guest
I think that some people are missing LIradiofan's point. If I understand correctly, this person isn't just saying that this DJ on LiteFM shouldn't be on because he is so young. It's just physically impossible (unless this he was 10 years old when he started being on the air) to have a lot of experience. Lite FM is the number 1 station in the number 1 radio market, and was always known to have jocks with years of experience and therefore a large listener fan base. The guy could someday be the most famous DJ ever, but right now it's just surprising that Lite FM would take this big a chance with an inexperienced person.
B
BACKnUSSR
Guest
JonRadio said:
Y'think? Do you need 15 years of experience? And 26 year old Dan Ingram wasn't experienced enough to join WABC when he did? It also had veteran jocks and a large listener fan base. By the way, he kinda did become one of those "most famous DJ's".
And beyond all of this. Trust Jim Ryan...he knows what he's doing.
LIradiofan226 said:
You do realize that the VP of Programming for XM Satellite Radio is under 35, after successful PD stints in Chicago and other areas?
He started working in radio when he was 16.
When you're the #1 station in one of the top markets in the industry I don't know, I think you should set a standard for the rest of the industry. The station took some heat for dumping JJ Kennedy rightfully so, but her replacement is one of the most highly regarded veterans in the radio industry. Delilah has been in the radio industry for years and is probably the queen ofI' love song and dedication shows. I'm not saying that rookies have no place in the industry. I think radio stations should always be on the look-out for new and promising talent. I just don't think the #1 station, the home of radio greats like Al Bernstein and Valerie Smaldone should be that type of radio station. Lite FM at least in the past has hired people who have already reached the top of their professions and are considered amongst the best of the best. Look at their weekday roster filled with long-time radio veterans considered to be amongst the finest in the business. Karen Carson in the morning, Al Bernstein doing the midday, Valerie Smaldone in the afternoons, and Rich Kaminski for the afternoon drive. It doesn't make sense that the #1 stations dance party jock is a rookie when KJOY, WEBE, and WALK have radio veterans doing their dance parties. It makes Lite FM look weak. If my complaint is foolish so be it, but I think Lite FM made a mistake here.
R
radiosgreatest1
Guest
Who cares...as long as he sounds good and has a solid base of the format it shouldnt matter if your 16, 25 or 75.
Common cut this guy some slack...
Common cut this guy some slack...
JonRadio said:
M
menotti1
Guest
i left a small town station and worked at the legendary WTIX New orleans when i was just 21.all the other jocks were mid 30's and i felt like a new KID on the block.When i showed up for remotes folks would say you sure sound older than you are on the air.did not know how to take that.ha...Hey give the Guy a chance and chill out..might have a real diamond in the ruff...Also Ryan Seacrest worked in Atlanta at the ripe young age of 18.seems he's done pretty darn well....
JonRadio said:
That's what happens when you assume. "Young" does NOT necessarily equal "inexperienced." You and LIradiofan have no idea how long he's been on the air or how good he is (since you obviously don't listen; otherwise you'd have some legitimate criticisms).
And to add to what others have said: Pat St. John was on-air at "The Big 8," CKLW, doing the Drake format, when he was 18. Jim Kerr (where does he work, again?
) was hired by WPLJ at age 21.I have to agree wholeheartedly with what all of the people shooting down the OP have said. I haven't heard this guy, but how do we know that he hasn't come very far in his 25 years? It's not like they'd just hire some random guy on the streets. The big stations may not always do things that work out for the best, but I think they would know better than to hire someone with insufficient professional experience and skills.
- Status