Is this true?

[ZAX Double J]

My PD says that most stations are letting all their on-air people go and hiring webmasters. He cites Clear Channel, but in going to their corporate website and searching their available jobs I only find a few (about 5 or so) that are actually for webmaster type positions. He claims that there is a huge push for web stuff, but quite frankly I don't see that in the trade news and other publications I read. I really think it's a way for him to get me to work on our websites since I am the only one in the building that has the "limited" knowledge of what to do in keeping the sites updated and no one else wants to do it. I really want to expand my on-air presence, but he keeps going back the aforementioned layoff position and will not let me go beyond my Sunday morning voicetracked shift. I have been overlooked for three full-time positions (all the same job, production manager) in the last three years. I have not even been considered for the position. I have been in this business for 21 years and when I started I was live, no voicetracking whatsoever. I've been working with this PD for the last 10 years and he knows of my ambition and drive for this business and what I want to do. However, I can't get him to see that I just don't see the internet being a viable solution right now. Which of us is right? If I can't move on past the part-time board-op phase then I might as well get out of the one thing that I love - radio or at least move on to another station that will hire me full-time as an on-air personality and allow me to grow. I know there's alot that I still need to know in this business, but if I am not given the opportunity to do it then how can I possibly ever learn. Any thoughts or suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

 

[Ssummers]

ZAX, I feel your pain, so I'll cut straight to the answers to your concerns:

1..Most all large and major market stations have a dedicated webmaster handling the clusters' web presentation and content. Those that don't are going to attempt to get someone (with web knowledge...any amount of web knowledge) already in the building to wear the "webmaster" hat...much like getting the midday guy to be the PSA director back in the day.

2...which leads me to the answer to your second issue...YES, your PD wants you "to work on"...your..."websites since"...you are "the only one in the building that has the "limited" knowledge of what to do in keeping the sites updated and no one else wants to do it".

3...having said that, the web can be, and is for a lot of stations, a great "added value" tool. Plus, it's here to stay and announcers/djs have to re-invent themselves constantly or risk becoming irrelevent and consequently, unemployed and, worse, unemployable. I remember when the transition to CD's began and, honestly, a lot of jocks just didn't get it. They are the ones that had the hardest time adapting. The same can be said for jocks that don't put a lot of stock in VTing. I'm one of them, but when I VT, I am constantly trying to find different ways to make my voicetracks sound more "vital", "hip" and "live". A jock, like yourself, that says he/she is still passionate about radio, has to rise above those things in the business we don't particularly like or understand that are here to stay. If you're still in love with radio, embrace the technology and make yourself indispensable at your station so the next time there's an opening, your PD not only thinks of you first, but he knows he can sleep at night knowing you can do the job.

4...now, in conclusion, it is a reality that some people that work part time at a station get stereotyped as a part timer. That makes it hard to make the leap to FT. If that is the case and your desire is to go FT, then you may just have to go where there is a FT opening at a station that appreciates what you bring to the table. You've got to remember, if you're good, you provide a service. Do you provide a service that they have to have? It's worth thinking about. Good Luck. The vast majority of us have been there...some still are.

 

[NewsNow]

Letting talent go in exchange for hiring webmasters is not at all an industry trend. Letting local talent go in exchange for net savvy talent who can voice track multiple markets is. That's the cornerstone of CC's programming philosophy.

So, if your PD is planning to sign up virtual talent who will do localized shows, he'd have a case. But hooking up to something like Jones satellite music service in order to afford webmasters? That's not really happening.

But hey, if I wanted to be in radio full-time and it meant coding most days and VTing on Friday, I'd do it. As it is, we have a news intensive web site and all of the anchors are supposed to update the web everyday. And all of my newscasts are voicetracked. It's just the way things work today. There are a couple of outcomes that can happen, you do it and send out packages until somebody else picks you up to do live work, or you do it until the PD leaves and then apply for his job.

 

[ZAX Double J]

Both very good points and I do view it as an opportunity. I'm willing to accept change. I just need the appropriate training to take the sites to "the next level" rather than just simple HTML editing and maintenace. However, they don't seem to want to spend the money to send me to school to learn and I obviously can't afford to go to school on my own. I realise that this industry is going through a transitional period. I can accept the reality of the internet and it's role. I can VT and I try to make them sound as live as I possibly can. I can do the webmaster stuff too and I have pretty much accepted that.

I have figured either 1. I'm not really "good enough" to go FT in my PDs eyes or 2. I must not be providing a service that they have to have on air. That bieng said, I feel if I send out a scoping of my VT show that it will be evident that it is VT and therefore I will be overlooked for a FT live position. Sometimes in my own mind I don't think that I am that good on-air, but then again in some cases I think I sound better than others on my station even my PD. Overall I love where I work, it's just that I don't think that I am taken seriously enough to be considered for a FT position of any kind.

So it appears that it really depends on where you go and who you talk to, but in essence we both are right.

 

[Ssummers]

So it appears that it really depends on where you go and who you talk to, but in essence we both are right.

It's not a question of one person being right or not. I'm telling you that if you're working part time now, your station's "powers that be" might have you stereotyped as part time and part time only. I'm also saying that if you want a full time job, you're probably gonna have to pull up stakes and jet to a place that hires you full time...especially if you feel you're not being taken seriously.

Until then, if you want to work on a better aircheck that isn't VT'ed, go in and do the shift live and aircheck that. Most employers don't mind if you go live on a VT'ed shift as long as you only put the usual hour or two that VT'ing takes on your time sheet instead of the usual 5 hours for a live shift. But then again, most employers don't have employees that want to go the extra mile for a better product(i.e. in this case, a better air check).

 

[ZAX Double J]

So it appears that it really depends on where you go and who you talk to, but in essence we both are right.

It's not a question of one person being right or not. I'm telling you that if you're working part time now, your station's "powers that be" might have you stereotyped as part time and part time only. I'm also saying that if you want a full time job, you're probably gonna have to pull up stakes and jet to a place that hires you full time...especially if you feel you're not being taken seriously.

Yeah this much I have determined that in order to get what I want I will have to move.

Until then, if you want to work on a better aircheck that isn't VT'ed, go in and do the shift live and aircheck that. Most employers don't mind if you go live on a VT'ed shift as long as you only put the usual hour or two that VT'ing takes on your time sheet instead of the usual 5 hours for a live shift. But then again, most employers don't have employees that want to go the extra mile for a better product(i.e. in this case, a better air check).

I have thought about that and I may just ask him if it is OK for me to do that. I DO want to go that extra mile to give a better product.

 

[allenv]

Hey John,
We have talked about this before but let me stress again how talented I think you are. People with you're knowledge & love for the business are few and far between. You are being severely underused while being used if you know what I mean. Every station needs more employees like you. Keep your head up dude. You have alot to offer a radio station. You are an inspiration to me & I am jealous
cause I ain't nearly as smart as you. Don't let the ignorance of others hinder your love of radio...

Your Buddy,

Allen

 

[ZAX Double J]

Hey John,
We have talked about this before but let me stress again how talented I think you are. People with you're knowledge & love for the business are few and far between. You are being severely underused while being used if you know what I mean. Every station needs more employees like you. Keep your head up dude. You have alot to offer a radio station. You are an inspiration to me & I am jealous
cause I ain't nearly as smart as you. Don't let the ignorance of others hinder your love of radio...

Your Buddy,

Allen

Hey Allen,

Thanks for the wonderful words. I really appreciate that. You are a true friend and for that I am greatful.

 

[NewsNow]

Just out of curiousity, I checked the Bureau of Labor Statistics unemployment stat for radio announcers. It currently stands at 2.2%, which is very close to a labor shortage. So, even with voice tracking and satellite formats, it would appear that layoffs aren't really happening.

In fact, this suggests it's a good time to move up.

 

[XTalker]

That statistic is very misleading. Many, I would even say most, radio people who get turnd loose end up going to jobs outside of radio! I can't tell you how many former radio and TV people still live in North Carolina.

 

[NewsNow]

I can imagine it is misleading, but the indicator represents people let go from radio announcing positions, not people who claim to be in radio sans job.

 

[XTalker]

No, unemployment numbers DO NOT represent the number of people let go from jobs, but actually are those from an industry who continue to file unemployment claims.

Since most of us in radio can even spell the word savvinggs, we jump on the first job that comes along and often that takes one out of the business.

 

[ZAX Double J]

No most who get out of the business find jobs that PAY better than this industry does. With better advancement opportunities too whereas radio is not giving the average worker that. But then again that could be said for practically every industry in this country. The owners, managers and higher ups don't care about the average worker as long as their own back pockets are full. That's why the middle class is gradually shrinking and one day will be gone in the not to distant future.

 

[stench]

If you can, go to where the full-time work is. Control your own career, don't wait for something to happen, make it happen for yourself. Send resume's and demos when there are no openings.

Develop on-air assets that go beyond liner reader or "that was and coming up next"--push yourself to be compelling with content, if you cannot (or are not allowed) to do it on-air then go into prod room or home studio and push your limits. Ask other PD's and Talent for critique of your work. Network.

Have skills that make you invaluable. Creative idea person who makes sales department money, incredibly creative copy writer who sells spec's to clients, talent with wide vocal range who is flexible in delivery styles, talent who knows how to listen to and adjust audio chain, talent who can pick a hit before everyone else, talent that can magically interpret the written word and make it come to life. Promotional idea person. Public File expert. Tapscan genius. Volunteer Board Member of community charities. Soldering gun maverick. Graphic Artist. Writing code is just a small part of what assets you can develop and with today's CMS you don't even need to know code except when you want major web site overhauls on structure and design.

It ain't about being on the radio anymore. Delivery platforms are merging. Run with the bulls.

Finally. Don't whine. Just go do it.

Good Luck Hombre, now go suck down a shot of Silver and turn up a Howlin' Wolf song.

 

[NewsNow]

No, unemployment numbers DO NOT represent the number of people let go from jobs, but actually are those from an industry who continue to file unemployment claims.

I think we're pretty much saying the same thing here. Unemployed radio folks registered so by the labor bureau are those who have filed for unemployment after being let go from radio jobs without cause.

I didn't make quite clear what I meant.

 

[XTalker]

My point is this - there are way more "radio people" out of radio work than the 2% indicates. The number does NOT represent the number of people "let go" from announcing positions, It simply represents those who are STILL out of work and STILL filing for unemployment.

It does not represent those who were let go and have a severence package. It does not represent those who were let go and found other jobs and no longer file unemployment claims. There are thousands of us who are no longer in radio (and might like to be) but are working in other fields and not collecting unemployment.

I only argue the point because of the original premise that we have close to full employment in the field.

Fact is this - there are thousands of fewer jobs in the radio business that there were even two years ago. Take the recent WSJS announcemnt as an example. With Glenn Scott retiring after 29 years doing the morning show, they will replace him with Brian Freeman. Freeman is also Program Director and News Director - replacing two management people and the top paid on-air talent.

 

[ZAX Double J]

If you can, go to where the full-time work is. Control your own career, don't wait for something to happen, make it happen for yourself. Send resume's and demos when there are no openings.

Develop on-air assets that go beyond liner reader or "that was and coming up next"--push yourself to be compelling with content, if you cannot (or are not allowed) to do it on-air then go into prod room or home studio and push your limits. Ask other PD's and Talent for critique of your work. Network.

Have skills that make you invaluable. Creative idea person who makes sales department money, incredibly creative copy writer who sells spec's to clients, talent with wide vocal range who is flexible in delivery styles, talent who knows how to listen to and adjust audio chain, talent who can pick a hit before everyone else, talent that can magically interpret the written word and make it come to life. Promotional idea person. Public File expert. Tapscan genius. Volunteer Board Member of community charities. Soldering gun maverick. Graphic Artist. Writing code is just a small part of what assets you can develop and with today's CMS you don't even need to know code except when you want major web site overhauls on structure and design.

It ain't about being on the radio anymore. Delivery platforms are merging. Run with the bulls.

Finally. Don't whine. Just go do it.

Good Luck Hombre, now go suck down a shot of Silver and turn up a Howlin' Wolf song.

I guess I do have some talents along some of those lines. I am probably the only one at the station that can actually fix most computer problems. I even applied the time change patch to our automation system. I seem to be the one to turn to when someone wants to buy a new PC for their own use (and do technical support on as well). I am even listed in the iMediaTouch support list and am working on being one of their standby tech support people. I even once owned an AV-100 AudioVAULT system (for real, no joking) so I DO have a lot to offer a station. Not only can I voicetrack but can also do some engineering too. I am a member of the SBE and as you can see by my signature am a Certified Radio Operator (CRO) and still have a valid FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator License. I realise that the days of being live on air are limited, but I'd like more on-air time to better those skills. I am a quick study on any new technology and feel I can be a great asset to any station because of my diverse talents. Unfortunately, my "network" of people is small who know me and not being able to drive hinders some things I can do, but what I can do makes up (I think) for that lack of a drivers license. And NO I don't whine I just want people to see that I have many talents and am trustworthy enough to actually DO something rather than be limited to (or relegated) to menial tasks. I feel that after 21 years in this business I should be in a much higher position than I am and yet cannot get becuse I am treated as if I am a nerwbie or someone who can't be trusted or something. A mentor who can guide me and help me would be a good thing, but most people feel that I am (I guess) trying to get thier job and don't want to help me, but I just want to learn and ultimately get better at what I do what's wrong with that?

 

[XTalker]

ZAX Double J, it sounds like you are a nice guy who has put in some time, but gets no respect! Not unusual.

There are a couple of things that stand out. First, no one cares about an FCC Restricted Permit anymore. Hell, I have a valid 3rd Class ticket - took the tests including element nine. That and $3 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

Same with the CRO. Nice to have initials behind your name, but honestly, you never see it as a requirement on a job listing.

Your knowledge of computers and various automation systems is valuable, but if that is the top thing on your resume, you are not going to get recognized for being creative.

Learn that the word REALIZE is spelled with a Z in America (an S in Australia and New Zeland).

The lack of a drivers licence could be a bigger deal than you think. Depends greatly on why you don't have a drivers license. It also limits your mobility.

If you have been in the same place for a long time, you will always be thought of as a newbie! That is just the way it is. I worked 15 years at my first station - and never got the respect I got when I moved on. Owners and managers have a hard time thinking of rookies as anything more than that (even after 20 years or more).

Finally, it is most often about how you interview and what your audition package looks like. Get some help putting together a package that will stand out. Talk to friends who hire - doesn't have to be radio. Get help on selling your talents.

It is really learning about what the employer is really looking for. If he wants a CRO, you are the guy! ut if he wants a highly qualifed. creative air personality with computer skills, you may be the guy, but your presentation may not reflect it.

Good luck!

 

[ZAX Double J]

ZAX Double J, it sounds like you are a nice guy who has put in some time, but gets no respect! Not unusual.

There are a couple of things that stand out. First, no one cares about an FCC Restricted Permit anymore. Hell, I have a valid 3rd Class ticket - took the tests including element nine. That and $3 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

Same with the CRO. Nice to have initials behind your name, but honestly, you never see it as a requirement on a job listing.

Your knowledge of computers and various automation systems is valuable, but if that is the top thing on your resume, you are not going to get recognized for being creative.

Yeah you're probably right, but if you believe the SBE's wording about certifications then it should make a differnce, but I guess the industry doesn't look at the SBE (but should). My radio experience is top on my resume. I'd be happy to send anyone who requests it a copy.

Learn that the word REALIZE is spelled with a Z in America (an S in Australia and New Zeland).

Thank you for correcting me. Sometimes my spelling is not that good.

The lack of a drivers licence could be a bigger deal than you think. Depends greatly on why you don't have a drivers license. It also limits your mobility.

I was born blind and through operations at Duke I am able to see well enough to get around, but not good enough to drive. There is not much else the doctors can do for me according to my eye doctor. So driving is pretty much out of the question unless technology can help there.

If you have been in the same place for a long time, you will always be thought of as a newbie! That is just the way it is. I worked 15 years at my first station - and never got the respect I got when I moved on. Owners and managers have a hard time thinking of rookies as anything more than that (even after 20 years or more).

Finally, it is most often about how you interview and what your audition package looks like. Get some help putting together a package that will stand out. Talk to friends who hire - doesn't have to be radio. Get help on selling your talents.

It is really learning about what the employer is really looking for. If he wants a CRO, you are the guy! ut if he wants a highly qualifed. creative air personality with computer skills, you may be the guy, but your presentation may not reflect it.

Good luck!

Well I even spent a few years out of the business and fortunately enough my current PD hired me 10 years ago. Radio seems like the only industry that thinks that way. I wonder why.

 

[Ssummers]

There are a couple of things that stand out. First, no one cares about an FCC Restricted Permit anymore. Hell, I have a valid 3rd Class ticket - took the tests including element nine. That and $3 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

UGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!! Summer of 1975. 14 years old. Had to be taken to Atlanta to take the 3rd Class License (endorsed for broadcasting) Exam. I thought I would never hear the terms "Element One", "Element Two" and "Element Nine" again. I was wrong. You're right, tho. No one cares anymore. All you have to do is drool on a Restricted Permit App and you're golden.

...but I'm not bitter.

Learn that the word REALIZE is spelled with a Z in America (an S in Australia and New Zeland).

The lack of a drivers licence could be a bigger deal than you think. Depends greatly on why you don't have a drivers license. It also limits your mobility.

Although I know ZAX has spelled "realize" as "realise" before, it's still kind of funny that you spelled "license" wrong in your very next sentence. Sorry.