You know what else? Small market radio (and even mid-sized markets) allow for much more rewarding feedback from smaller retailers who know the value of advertising on their local radio outlet. And many of the successful smaller market stations are keeping AM alive as it remains a viable medium for local news, high school sports, and yes..gulp..even "Tell it and Sell It" In some small markets owners are even UPGRADING their AM signals! Unheard of! Mike Hennessy is one of the high end air talent/news anchors who sees the value in living life on life's terms, and not at the whim of a faceless cartel of accountants, and stockholders who, barely know us as an employee number.
Even today I received an e-mail from a successful program director who was let go as part of yet another run of "Reduction in Forces" in a seemingly stable market at a stable station..doing really pretty well in the PPMs..he has chosen to sell the contents of his condo, give his car back to the dealer, and relocate to Eau Claire, Wisconson to oversee a small FM station..making 36k a year, plus a free apartment traded out by the owner who is ecstatic to have a great people person who is eager to work with a fresh group of young radio people in a beautiful part of the country (at least until December...brrrrr) but he loves the Packers, and loves to fish, and has found a place to hang his hat at a 2 station cluster that actually DOES play polkas on Sunday with a polka-jockey who pulls down well over 200 thousand a year selling time on his Polka Party, and organizing dances, and appearing at weddings?..so once again. Who's stupid? Those guys are smiling, and satisfied...hmm.
