I'm New!

[Huff]

You should get in touch with Blake Lindsay. He was a successful jock in this market for many years despite his visual impairment and he managed to turn his radio experience into much bigger and better things.

I know Blake would be thrilled to give you insight and advice.

http://www.blazinblake.com/

 

[bturner]

I understand that passion for radio. I used to announce records to a pencil in first grade. I didn't go to college to get a degree to work in radio, I just started at a small market station and learned to live on very, very little money. I've been a GM at a major market station for about 18 years. I still don't work all day...I play all day. Oh yes! I know the passion.

I also know radio folks who are visually challenged. They find a way to stay in radio and and do what they love. I'm not saying it is easy but a never give up attitude made them find the perfect place in the business. My point is living the dream is worth never giving up on finding it.

Radio is in terrible shape but nothing has really replaced it. I tend to think it will survive.

Another thing I want to get across is you don't have to be the usual person. There are so many who got out of radio because they needed a better paycheck to raise a family or jobs were too scarce or moving town to town wore them down. There are those very talented and even successful people tossed out in exchange for a minimum wage board op. Radio has not been kind to many. On the other hand, there are those who stayed with it by sheer luck or determination who are still around and will be. For us, success is being in the business and we are successful. My point is you can be the exception. I feel I am.

As for an area of study you might consider, I would say Psychology would be a good choice. Much of radio is understanding the listener and responding to the listener. I contend the success of radio was the emotional bond it created with its listener. Radio listeners trust their radio station to alert them of present danger (severe weather) and played an important role in easing emotions when the events of 9-11 happened. Radio feeds other needs of the human psyche (being among the winners, belonging, companionship, etc.). A person who knows how to cater to these human needs will do well in radio. Talk radio does this by saying what a portion of America thinks. Hearing the words one is thinking is very powerful. Many talk radio listeners believe they know the host, although not on a personal level, and feel a need to listen often because they can relate to the talk show host because they have something in common.

The journalism end is also a good choice. At least some broadcast journalism basics make for a well rounded background for radio.

Please keep in mind that being on the air will not likely be the thing you are doing by the time you're my age. With such a passion for radio, you crave information on everything about radio. You will evolve in the way you satisfy your passion. A good college background coupled with experience and on-the-job knowledge will give you the edge to go anywhere and fill almost any position.

Many of us in radio learned directly, by will or against our will, from those with the experience in the business. Unlike many careers, many of us feel an obligation to help you get to where you are going just as those in our past helped us. Ask questions. Bug people. Then ask again.

In the meantime, get to know everyone you can and feed your passion. No is not an option. There is no other option than living your dream. Trust me, living that dream is just as great as you imagine. Never settle for less.

Take the more negative comments not as negatives as these folks are simply trying to say you are entering the fight of your life. They've done you a favor. They've told you what you're up against so you can figure a plan to make things work for you. With your passion, it's all about winning, not losing, so dig in your heels and stand battle ready. Many great radio and TV people had doors slammed in their faces. They kept knocking.

If you have any questions, I'll gladly share as more experienced people shared with me. I'm not a big name or the best and I don't have all the answers. I'm just a guy in the shadows of radio, a survivor in the business for 33 years and counting and making a living at it.

 

[radioaircheck]

And then....There is ken Jones

 

[mic_check]

Guess I'll be the grinch. Control boards do not come with brail, neither do liner cards, and VU meters. It's gonna take two people to run your shift IF you EVER get into radio. Just being honest. I knew of a deaf guy that once worked in radio, but if the format clocked EVER strayed, he was SOL. He ran his board by the clock and the level on the meters. Quite honestly, its gonna take one heck of a PD to even consider you as an employee IN the studio. You may have a place somewhere else in the station, but someone who cant see will constantly need assistance in studio.

Please consider the story of long time broadcaster Texas Phil Parr:
http://www.philparr.net/about_me

I arrived at my 1st job in radio at KTLW in Texas City in 1972, after Phil left in 1970 to go to KSPL in Diboll, Texas. Up until that time, I listened to Phil on KTLW many times and never knew he was blind. He ran his own board, flawlessly.

This is irrelevent to todays radio industry.

 

[mic_check]

Hello! Thanks both of you for your honesty and insiteful posts! Hmmm, all that is interesting stuff. Mic_check I am not getting my degree in communications, I'm getting my degree in broadcast journalism. As far as radio/small markets go, that's all interesting stuff. Honestly though, I've tried other fields- from Psychology to Socialwork, and I've found that they aren't what I want to do, that said, radio has always been a passion of mine- right now I don't care where I go, as long as I'm working somewhere-you know? I'm hoping that by the time I get out of school, this economy will inproove- making jobs in radio inproove. (cause I honestly can't see myself on TV) but if I have to- I'll do it. I was thinking about actually attending grad school for communications- just to have something to fall back on in case radio does not work out. Thanks for your posts, I do appreciate them.
Amber.

Broadcast journalism and communications is the same thing just a different name for the professor. Amber, chase your passion. Just take our comments as what we see in the industry everyday. Im still in radio. I've left and came back. I love what I do, but "it is what it is." I came into the industry with the same zeal you have and learned VERY QUICKLY it isnt what I saw on the outside lookin in. I work in the talk radio side of the industry and when I first got in the industry I was ALL about bein a jock. Never got that chance and dont miss it. You'll find your spot if you stay vigilent. You just have to eat in the meantime. It's kinda odd, I get offended when someone assumes i'm a dj. Guess that's the talk host in me.

 

[RadioGirl89]

Hello Ya'll! Thanks for your posts! Hmmm, I'll have to check out Phil's page, and contact Blake, thanks for the info! I've had internships with some pretty big names- (even saw a few people voice track) so I've definitely seen some parts of the industry. I'll definitely not give up- thanks for the pointers- if I have to move to Alaska, just to be on the air, then that's what I have to do. I'm not one who gives up easly anyways. There also was a guy on WLIT (Bill Jurek) who was also totally blind. (he no longer works there) but he had his own shift, wonder how he did that? (because WLIT's studio's are all tuch) hmmm. There was also a guy out in California named Vince something who was also blind... Thanks for all you're insiteful posts everyone!
Amber.

 

[ChuckTiller]

Guess I'll be the grinch. Control boards do not come with brail, neither do liner cards, and VU meters. It's gonna take two people to run your shift IF you EVER get into radio. Just being honest. I knew of a deaf guy that once worked in radio, but if the format clocked EVER strayed, he was SOL. He ran his board by the clock and the level on the meters. Quite honestly, its gonna take one heck of a PD to even consider you as an employee IN the studio. You may have a place somewhere else in the station, but someone who cant see will constantly need assistance in studio.

Please consider the story of long time broadcaster Texas Phil Parr:
http://www.philparr.net/about_me

I arrived at my 1st job in radio at KTLW in Texas City in 1972, after Phil left in 1970 to go to KSPL in Diboll, Texas. Up until that time, I listened to Phil on KTLW many times and never knew he was blind. He ran his own board, flawlessly.

This is irrelevent to todays radio industry.

You're incorrect.

 

[idiggraves]

[/b]
[/quote]


This is irrelevent to todays radio industry.
[/quote]

To you maybe...

 

[KERCAlum]

Hello! Thanks both of you for your honesty and insiteful posts! Hmmm, all that is interesting stuff. Mic_check I am not getting my degree in communications, I'm getting my degree in broadcast journalism. As far as radio/small markets go, that's all interesting stuff. Honestly though, I've tried other fields- from Psychology to Socialwork, and I've found that they aren't what I want to do, that said, radio has always been a passion of mine- right now I don't care where I go, as long as I'm working somewhere-you know? I'm hoping that by the time I get out of school, this economy will inproove- making jobs in radio inproove. (cause I honestly can't see myself on TV) but if I have to- I'll do it. I was thinking about actually attending grad school for communications- just to have something to fall back on in case radio does not work out. Thanks for your posts, I do appreciate them.
Amber.

Broadcast journalism and communications is the same thing just a different name for the professor. Amber, chase your passion. Just take our comments as what we see in the industry everyday. Im still in radio. I've left and came back. I love what I do, but "it is what it is." I came into the industry with the same zeal you have and learned VERY QUICKLY it isnt what I saw on the outside lookin in. I work in the talk radio side of the industry and when I first got in the industry I was ALL about bein a jock. Never got that chance and dont miss it. You'll find your spot if you stay vigilent. You just have to eat in the meantime. It's kinda odd, I get offended when someone assumes i'm a dj. Guess that's the talk host in me.

mic_check, you are mistaken about BJ and Comms being the same thing. Communications is about the art (and yes, they consider it an "art") of crafting a message designed to benefit a client/product/service. Broadcast journalism is the "who, what, where, when, why and how" of a story - the facts. Communications cherry-picks facts in order to push an image. (Of course, that's what most so-called "journalists" do today, but that's a topic for another board, and I digress.)

My first major was journalism, and I learned all facets of reporting (print, radio, and TV), while also being cautioned against putting out copy that sounded like a press release. Granted, many journalists have gone into communications, but it's not truly the same thing. If you truly believe in facts and the truth, journalism is as different from comms as night is from day.

 

[KERCAlum]

Hello Ya'll! Thanks for your posts! Hmmm, I'll have to check out Phil's page, and contact Blake, thanks for the info! I've had internships with some pretty big names- (even saw a few people voice track) so I've definitely seen some parts of the industry. I'll definitely not give up- thanks for the pointers- if I have to move to Alaska, just to be on the air, then that's what I have to do. I'm not one who gives up easly anyways. There also was a guy on WLIT (Bill Jurek) who was also totally blind. (he no longer works there) but he had his own shift, wonder how he did that? (because WLIT's studio's are all tuch) hmmm. There was also a guy out in California named Vince something who was also blind... Thanks for all you're insiteful posts everyone!
Amber.

Hi, Amber,

My two cents from a former DJ and TV reporter - find out what you want to do and do it. And remember, free advice is worth what you pay for it. There is some good advice on this board, and some not-so-good. Just remember, always keep your eyes open (no pun intended). Good luck in the future.

 

[mic_check]

Hello! Thanks both of you for your honesty and insiteful posts! Hmmm, all that is interesting stuff. Mic_check I am not getting my degree in communications, I'm getting my degree in broadcast journalism. As far as radio/small markets go, that's all interesting stuff. Honestly though, I've tried other fields- from Psychology to Socialwork, and I've found that they aren't what I want to do, that said, radio has always been a passion of mine- right now I don't care where I go, as long as I'm working somewhere-toi know? I'm hoping that by the time I get out of school, this economy will inproove- making jobs in radio inproove. (cause I honestly can't see myself on TV) but if I have to- I'll do it. I was thinking about actually attending grad school for communications- just to have something to fall back on in case radio does not work out. Thanks for your posts, I do appreciate them.
Amber.

Broadcast journalism and communications is the same thing just a different name for the professor. Amber, chase your passion. Just take our comments as what we see in the industry everyday. Im still in radio. I've left and came back. I love what I do, but "it is what it is." I came into the industry with the same zeal you have and learned VERY QUICKLY it isnt what I saw on the outside lookin in. I work in the talk radio side of the industry and when I first got in the industry I was ALL about bein a jock. Never got that chance and dont miss it. You'll find your spot if you stay vigilent. You just have to eat in the meantime. It's kinda odd, I get offended when someone assumes i'm a dj. Guess that's the talk host in me.

mic_check, you are mistaken about BJ and Comms being the same thing. Communications is about the art (and yes, they consider it an "art") of crafting a message designed to benefit a client/product/service. Broadcast journalism is the "who, what, where, when, why and how" of a story - the facts. Communications cherry-picks facts in order to push an image. (Of course, that's what most so-called "journalists" do today, but that's a topic for another board, and I digress.)

My first major was journalism, and I learned all facets of reporting (print, radio, and TV), while also being cautioned against putting out copy that sounded like a press release. Granted, many journalists have gone into communications, but it's not truly the same thing. If you truly believe in facts and the truth, journalism is as different from comms as night is from day.

You're really just splitting hairs.

 

[RadioGirl89]

That's correct. (at least at our school Journalism and communications aren't all grouped together) heck, they aren't even in the same college in my University. Journalism is definitely all about the facts. While I do not intend to be a journalist (only reason I'm in in bj is because to get into radio) and I enjoy learning about reporting in general. But yes, comm and bj are two different things. We have two different concintrations of journalism at my University print and, well broadcast lol. Only reason I'm in broadcast is for the radio side of things, but it is interesting to learn about all aspects. But I definitely can't see myself being a journalist.
Amber.

 

[OHTBGH]

Well, now that the Big Giant Head is back home:

First off: Welcome Amber. Its nice to see someone with passion in this business again.

I do not agree with mic check. Despite the nature of the business there is money to be made!

Despite your blindness, one thing is not being talked about here Gentlemen: Technology!

How do you think she is communicating with us right now?

I would love to hear what you are using to do this. There are many programs out there. Do you use a Braile pin pad to read the messages or audio? I may also be showing my age here on this one! lol.

Mic is correct that there is alot of voice tracking going on. But this is something you can also do. And from the comfort of your own home!

I know a guy just outside of Hot Springs. Not only does he syndicate three shows LIVE (YES LIVE) from his home basement he also voice tracks for many stations. He is even on one in London!

He uses equipment and software that is compatable with their systems. He voices and then FTP's it into their servers via DSL!

Modifying your systems for visual impaired should be a snap if not already there.

Also there are software setups for doing remotes via DSL as well. You could also do that at a fraction of ISDN.

I have a syndication start up and one of my guys does a rock music program from his home. He is 65 years old and I don't have to have him in a studio. We bounce it back and forth via DSL and he is downloaded by the stations in an mp3 format. He is abit odd and British. But it makes it easier for him since he likes to do his own thing being a retiree. It fits his schedule well.

If you would like to talk more on this just PM me and I'll give you my email address

Along with these ideas, here is what I also suggest for a long radio career:

1) Have a backup major. Radio is like music. Sometimes you will need a day job.

2) Radio may not be a full time gig. It took me about 16 years to realize this. Its not what I wanted it to be. But doing what I love on the weekends keeps me sane in the corporate world.

Like the Rolling Stones say: You can't always get what you want. Sometimes you find out you get what you need!

3) Learn the stock market as well. This you can also do from your computer or even a cell phone now. Invest any spare money you have in Radio, TV or broadcasting properties. Even if radio sucks as Mic Check says, there is still companies to invest in that are suppliers.

It will come in handy.

Believe it or not, I've made more money buying and selling radio stocks than I ever did working for those companies! Plus you have a vote in the company and can have a say in what goes. Although its risky, the payoff can be HUGE! My Sirius stock would agree!

4) Look at going syndication. Stations are always looking for programing.

Its also a numbers game. You could have 100 stations and two go sports. But someone else will change formats as well and pick you up!

And whatever you do DO NOT BUY TIME ON ANY RADIO STATION!

The only person who gets rich in this scam is the Sales guy!

Again would really like to hear what your setup is over there as well.

Hope this helps and let the Flaming begin! ;D

-BGH

 

[RadioGirl89]

Hello!! Thanks for the welcome, and the tips for radio! I appreciate it. Hmmmm. I've actually seen one of my close family friends voice track-- we were hanging out when her track was playing- it was quite interesting. Although I don't really like the idea of voice tracking personally, it could be a good option. I've always wanted to take calls on air, and do voice breaks after every second/third song! (but if I have to voicetrack, then it is what it is) I don't like it because it's taped, and something just excites me about when a dj is live on air versis them being voicetracked. (just my oppinion though) as far as what I am using to communicate, it is a optical charactor recignision softwhere (it reads the screen to me) it is synthetic speech for the visual impaired. So, it tells me the letters that I type on the screen and stuff, and reads the screen to me (as well as e-mail, and well webpages) and textbooks, this especially comes in handy when I have to read 3/4 chapters for school lol! But yeah, I'm sure a program could be adapted to work with my screenreader, provided it is accessible, that is. lol. Thanks so much, and if I have any questions, I'll be sure to PM you! Hope this answered some of your questions- I appoligize for the spelling lol!
Amber.

 

[bucwhyl]

Welcome to the madhouse called the Dallas-Ft.Worth board....

 

[OHTBGH]

Its quite alright. I have a listener from London who is blind and uses a similar setup. I agree on the voice tracking. But I also know of hosts and DJ's that have shows on the Internet and syndicated that have phone lines and do them from their own studios and homes so its not impossible.

Back in my computer repair days I worked with a local salesman from a company in Austin. They are a big company catering to the visually impaired. They had all sorts of stuff they would sell and buy the computers from us to create turnkey solutions. So I learned about the items used. But that was also in 1991! So I'm sure that its has evolved much since then. PM me and I'll send you my email and we can discuss more off line.

-BGH

 

[RadioGirl89]

Hi! Hmmm, that's interesting. Myself personally, I'd love to go into the real studio, apposed to doing it at home. But if I have kids, it'd probably be easier to do it from home, but I just like the idea of going into the studio and broadcasting live lol. Yeah, there is also the option of syndication, while that sounds cool and all, I'd much rather be local. lol. Oh wow that's cool that you have a listener who is also blind. Oh wow so you've worked with JFW (jaws for windows) (which is what I'm using) and similar programs before? wow. that's cool.
Amber.

 

[texasstooge]

Welcome to the boards Amber!!

 

[RadioGirl89]

Hi! Thanks for the welcome! Been having fun so far- still figuring everything out lol. Thanks everyone!
Amber

 

[In Rainbows]

Great story. Godspeed, Amber!