I've been out of radio for many years. Looking at some of the ideas to jump-start stations that have failed or ratings that have dropped considerably or even a change of direction. One thing that really stood out in 80's radio - the air-staff truely sounded like they were having fun and had originality. You had to actually think and create what you were going to say next. Not read from pre-written/pre-PD-approved liner cards. The jocks had to research the content they used.... and the music - you had some freedoms - you felt like you had control over your music. If done right "TRUE" personality-radio can be achieved. When we were on the air back then - you felt and sounded like you were having the time of your life! ! If the "ratings" can be researched back in the 80's - that would be an eye-opener. You came-off on "the air" sounding like a winner. People/listeners love to hang-out and associate with winners.
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IF PD'S TODAY WOULD LISTEN TO A/C'S SHOWS FROM THE 80'S
- Thread starter gmax2640
- Start date
Gmax,
My initial reaction to your post was, "Well, I'm still having fun".. And I am.. I like to think I know a little bit about the music I'm playing.. And whether or not my numbers are good or in the tank, I am having the time of my life.. Someone in a movie (I forget which one) said, "The real winner doesn't care if he comes in first or last..He just likes to run".. That line always stuck with me, I've let that be my mantra. I still love my job no matter how drastically it's changed in the last 20 some odd years, I still enjoy the art of constructing the show.
That being said...
I spent many nights listening to you on what was at the time, a rather lukewarm station musically speaking, And you blew the roof off the place. I'd go to sleep at night listening to every song that I'd never thought I'd hear on the radio. You flat out rocked. There was no way in hell you could get me to believe that you were just "phoning it in".. You were having a blast. And it translated into my radio, and became part of what I wanted to do. To me, your night gig on FM 97 was a giant. The only part I hated was waking up to the Culture Club and Cyndi Lauper after your shift was over.
My initial reaction to your post was, "Well, I'm still having fun".. And I am.. I like to think I know a little bit about the music I'm playing.. And whether or not my numbers are good or in the tank, I am having the time of my life.. Someone in a movie (I forget which one) said, "The real winner doesn't care if he comes in first or last..He just likes to run".. That line always stuck with me, I've let that be my mantra. I still love my job no matter how drastically it's changed in the last 20 some odd years, I still enjoy the art of constructing the show.
That being said...
I spent many nights listening to you on what was at the time, a rather lukewarm station musically speaking, And you blew the roof off the place. I'd go to sleep at night listening to every song that I'd never thought I'd hear on the radio. You flat out rocked. There was no way in hell you could get me to believe that you were just "phoning it in".. You were having a blast. And it translated into my radio, and became part of what I wanted to do. To me, your night gig on FM 97 was a giant. The only part I hated was waking up to the Culture Club and Cyndi Lauper after your shift was over.
No question. Just listening around the dial, it doesn't sound like people are having as much fun as they used to. Sure, some of the blame goes to programmers who have every little thing "formated" that it's tough for the personality to shine through.
There is also the thought by one programmer who oversees two stations that it's ALL about the music. Well. I can program my IPOD better than you can program your radio station. Because, on my IPOD, I'm always guaranteed to hear one of MY favorites.
So, with that being said, and throwing in things like Pandora and internet radio stations, what are you doing on your station that would make me want to put down my IPOD and listen to 13 minutes of commercials every hour?
I think the PD who figures that one out will be around for a long time.
There is also the thought by one programmer who oversees two stations that it's ALL about the music. Well. I can program my IPOD better than you can program your radio station. Because, on my IPOD, I'm always guaranteed to hear one of MY favorites.
So, with that being said, and throwing in things like Pandora and internet radio stations, what are you doing on your station that would make me want to put down my IPOD and listen to 13 minutes of commercials every hour?
I think the PD who figures that one out will be around for a long time.
"No question. Just listening around the dial, it doesn't sound like people are having as much fun as they used to. Sure, some of the blame goes to programmers who have every little thing "formated" that it's tough for the personality to shine through.
There is also the thought by one programmer who oversees two stations that it's ALL about the music. Well. I can program my IPOD better than you can program your radio station. Because, on my IPOD, I'm always guaranteed to hear one of MY favorites."
When I read posts like this I have to ask a few things:
What IS it about then? Personality's? How many top quality personality's are there in this market and how much of what they have to say is more compelling than the top 10 song in the genre?
Also, are you saying this programmer is playing nothing but everybody's least favorite songs? I thought you said they said it was all about the music? So....it's about everybody's least favorite music? I'm confused by your post. Is there a station out there that positions itself as, "91.9 with Your Least Favorite Songs because we believe it's all about the music....just not yours!"
And since when do the programmers REALLY control what is going on?
I think I can coach the Eagles better than Andy Reid from my armchair on Sunday afternoons but the reality is that I couldn't, but that doesn't stop me from talking smack on him when things aren't going the way I think they should. Maybe this describes you Seltzer otherwise you wouldn't be programming an IPOD while the programmer you speak of is running 2 stations....just a thought.
There is also the thought by one programmer who oversees two stations that it's ALL about the music. Well. I can program my IPOD better than you can program your radio station. Because, on my IPOD, I'm always guaranteed to hear one of MY favorites."
When I read posts like this I have to ask a few things:
What IS it about then? Personality's? How many top quality personality's are there in this market and how much of what they have to say is more compelling than the top 10 song in the genre?
Also, are you saying this programmer is playing nothing but everybody's least favorite songs? I thought you said they said it was all about the music? So....it's about everybody's least favorite music? I'm confused by your post. Is there a station out there that positions itself as, "91.9 with Your Least Favorite Songs because we believe it's all about the music....just not yours!"
And since when do the programmers REALLY control what is going on?
I think I can coach the Eagles better than Andy Reid from my armchair on Sunday afternoons but the reality is that I couldn't, but that doesn't stop me from talking smack on him when things aren't going the way I think they should. Maybe this describes you Seltzer otherwise you wouldn't be programming an IPOD while the programmer you speak of is running 2 stations....just a thought.
Okay.... I'm gonna make another run at this crazy industry one more time. I'm gonna do it. As some of you already know, I had my first interview. I won't say what station. Needless to say, the studios have changed drastically, but I'll learn it again. Who knows what shift or what station, if any, at this point.
It's great to hear when a radio vet gets a chance to get back in. Best of luck gmax! We'll be listening!
I would listen to a show from the 80s. But hope you don't get the job. New people should be getting those limited jobs not someone who's already done it for corn's sake!
Icycool, You are truly a moron's moron. You are far too stupid to insult. You couldn't get gmax his coffee.. Instead of wishing that he doesn't get a job, maybe you could try learning from the guy.
Gmax, I hope you get the job, and I hope you kick ass.
Gmax, I hope you get the job, and I hope you kick ass.
I agree! Good luck gmax!!
Icycool,
As someone who spent 10 years in the radio biz before a sudden, confusing, and disorienting dismissal, I'd like to hip you to something that may serve you well in your quest to become a program director and on-air DJ.
This is not a fair industry.
Anybody with any kind of tenure in broadcasting knows this. Talented, well-liked, dependable people are shown the door every day. Conniving, self-serving, untalented morons are given promotions and offices every day.
That, friend, is life. Sorry.
If this cat has the chops to get back into the game, he deserves a shot to get back into the game. If he doesn't get a job, it means one of two things:
1. He sucks.
2. He doesn't suck, but isn't a fit.
Either way, I can promise you it won't be because a manager thinks the position is deserved by some green, wet-behind-the-ears neophyte whose ego is a couple sizes too big. Know your role, son. Work hard. Don't piss off the man. And remember, there's always someone who knows more than you.
Today, that someone is ME.
As someone who spent 10 years in the radio biz before a sudden, confusing, and disorienting dismissal, I'd like to hip you to something that may serve you well in your quest to become a program director and on-air DJ.
This is not a fair industry.
Anybody with any kind of tenure in broadcasting knows this. Talented, well-liked, dependable people are shown the door every day. Conniving, self-serving, untalented morons are given promotions and offices every day.
That, friend, is life. Sorry.
If this cat has the chops to get back into the game, he deserves a shot to get back into the game. If he doesn't get a job, it means one of two things:
1. He sucks.
2. He doesn't suck, but isn't a fit.
Either way, I can promise you it won't be because a manager thinks the position is deserved by some green, wet-behind-the-ears neophyte whose ego is a couple sizes too big. Know your role, son. Work hard. Don't piss off the man. And remember, there's always someone who knows more than you.
Today, that someone is ME.
gmax...I worked with you over 30 years ago and I still manage to have a full-time on-air position. My question for you is: why would you want to get back in the business part-time? It's one thing to be full-time and use it to put food on the table, but I know you've been very successful outside of radio, so you wouldn't be doing it for that reason. Part-timers do it for fun. Let's contrast 30 years ago as a part-timer to now:
1. 30 years ago you ran your own board. You had control of all the elements. Tight or loose, it was you.
2. You had some say in music as far as picking golds. You could skip some titles if you didn't think they were right at the moment.
3. You could choose which sweeper or jingle you would be using at a particular time. Your could even decide whether you would use a jingle at particular time or talk instead.
4. At the station you and I worked at at the time, we talked up every intro, into every stopset and out of many of them. It gave many opportunities for personality.
Now let's contrast those 4 points against today:
1. The computer handles it all
2. It's already laid out in stone. The only choice you might make is whether to drop a song for time or not.
3. The computer chooses the sweeper...you never even touch the computer.
4. You talk maybe 4 times an hour at strictly formatted times.
This is not a comment on whether radio is better or worse today than yesterday. In many ways, it is better because it prevents bad jocks from making bad choices. In some ways, it's not a good as it doesn't give talented, prepared jocks the chance to enhance.If you never worked in radio in the old days, you might find today's radio fun .All I am saying is why would someone who did it during the "glory" days want to come back to sit and watch a computer run while talking a couple of times an hour other than for the money?
1. 30 years ago you ran your own board. You had control of all the elements. Tight or loose, it was you.
2. You had some say in music as far as picking golds. You could skip some titles if you didn't think they were right at the moment.
3. You could choose which sweeper or jingle you would be using at a particular time. Your could even decide whether you would use a jingle at particular time or talk instead.
4. At the station you and I worked at at the time, we talked up every intro, into every stopset and out of many of them. It gave many opportunities for personality.
Now let's contrast those 4 points against today:
1. The computer handles it all
2. It's already laid out in stone. The only choice you might make is whether to drop a song for time or not.
3. The computer chooses the sweeper...you never even touch the computer.
4. You talk maybe 4 times an hour at strictly formatted times.
This is not a comment on whether radio is better or worse today than yesterday. In many ways, it is better because it prevents bad jocks from making bad choices. In some ways, it's not a good as it doesn't give talented, prepared jocks the chance to enhance.If you never worked in radio in the old days, you might find today's radio fun .All I am saying is why would someone who did it during the "glory" days want to come back to sit and watch a computer run while talking a couple of times an hour other than for the money?
ROCKOFHBG....I've read your "reply #15", and actually re-read it at least 10 times. Each time trying to figure out the "specifics of your reply". You said you worked with me and also know of my latest successful venture, your words not mine, and you're wondering why I want to get back into radio. Then why not call me on the phone so we could talk and catch-up. Apparently you know where I am and how to get in touch with me. Now I reply. I will take either PT or FT work. I figured part-time would allow me the time to familiarize myself with these equipment changes that you have told me about.
After a 30-year reunion from the staff of WQVE-FM - QV-93, now WTPA, two summers ago, I got the "itch" to maybe get back into radio. My wife said to try it again and see if you "still have it".
So, ROCKOFHBG, it's not for the money. I enjoy music and I love people, and apparently my 12-year stint in radio effected alot of people. Did I enjoy radio, yes. I decided that it was the appropriate time for me to change occupations. Now, I want to see if I still have what it takes. Those people that I know, who have listened to me over the years, are just as excited as I am to get back into the field.
You have given me the "pros" and "cons", the "past" and the "present" as to how radio is today. I can hear how radio has changed. Is it lacking personality? You basically said there is no personality on radio and maybe all that is left is the age of automation. Or is it already here. Why is that? When and where did it change. If and when I get hired at a station, full or part time, and when I do get a chance to say something on the air, I will let my personality shine through. In writing this, do I sound excited? You bet! I loved radio.
With that being said, ROCKOFHBG, read the first and last sentence of your reply #15, together. One question for you........ where's your compassion for radio..... or is radio just a pay-check.
After a 30-year reunion from the staff of WQVE-FM - QV-93, now WTPA, two summers ago, I got the "itch" to maybe get back into radio. My wife said to try it again and see if you "still have it".
So, ROCKOFHBG, it's not for the money. I enjoy music and I love people, and apparently my 12-year stint in radio effected alot of people. Did I enjoy radio, yes. I decided that it was the appropriate time for me to change occupations. Now, I want to see if I still have what it takes. Those people that I know, who have listened to me over the years, are just as excited as I am to get back into the field.
You have given me the "pros" and "cons", the "past" and the "present" as to how radio is today. I can hear how radio has changed. Is it lacking personality? You basically said there is no personality on radio and maybe all that is left is the age of automation. Or is it already here. Why is that? When and where did it change. If and when I get hired at a station, full or part time, and when I do get a chance to say something on the air, I will let my personality shine through. In writing this, do I sound excited? You bet! I loved radio.
With that being said, ROCKOFHBG, read the first and last sentence of your reply #15, together. One question for you........ where's your compassion for radio..... or is radio just a pay-check.
G-Max, the point I was making is that the motivation of people who work full-time versus part-time is in radio or any industry is different. When you work part-time (unless that working part-time is to get a full-time job, that is different) it is more of a hobby. You want to have fun! Most of the time, it's not for money, particularly in radio. It is leisure time, an activity that relaxes you. When you do it full-time, it still can be fun. It is still fun for me, but mostly because I'm in programming and do mornings. Also, when I make a decision about anything, it's based on how is this going to affect our ratings/revenue. When we add new music, it's because I feel it has a pretty good shot of being a big hit and hopefully becoming an "A" and ending up in recurrent, not for any other reason. Not because it's a "cool" song, or sounds good. When you're full-time, the continued ratings/revenue success of the station comes first! G-Max, in your business you do things because they make you money, not because they give you a kick. That is the difference between full-time and part-time. At most stations that still have part-timers, they are kept on a tight leash. There may be exceptions, but as I mentioned you're mostly a computer jockey with liners sprinkled in. This might be neat for someone who's never done it before, but not for an old pro like you.
All right, I'll try one more time.......I'm not telling you how great I am. I'm just lucky. I am just saying someone with your talent and experience and not in need of the income and not having worked in radio since the late 80s will be very bored with what part-time radio has become, that's all! But if you do get back in radio, you'll find this out soon enough. I was trying to save you the trouble.
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