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Double M

Hi my name is Michelle and I'm a new member. I've been reading the site for awhile now, I decided I would like to be a part of the blogging now. I was a radio major in school. I am an alum of WQOX from back in the day. I see they have had some upgrades since I was there. Wish they Had of had more then. My instructor was Sherman Austin. I also new Jim Futrell and Robert Thomas when I was there. Looks like from the site some things have changed. I heard Jim had died is this true? I spent four years there honing my radio skills. I loved it. Now I would like to get back into radio. I have sent some resumes out to a few stations mostly in the Jackson,TN market. Hoping to find an entry level gig at any station where I can learn the new technology and work my way up. I try to look on the station sites and see what's going on. I also look on this site alot. If anyone can help and knows of something please let me know. I would really appreciate it.
 
.....good thing you'd be willing to work your way up! You can get a job in radio (sales) at any of at least 20 stations in Memphis.......or, you might do better by learning to appy vinyl siding. ...ever hear of AMWAY?
 
Yeah I see there are openings for sales gigs everywhere. But don't want to be in that part of it. I spent too many years working in retail. And yes in my later years now since I have gotten more confidence and less cocky I am willing to do what it takes to get there. I know all the crappy stuff going on in radio and I think its wrong. But I'm willing to take a chance on them if they will take one on me. Yes I've heard of Amway it's a load of crap. I have other work I can do to support myself. I know most gigs don't pay great. Next comment please.
 
I see alot of negativity on this board. I know radio isn't perfect but neither is anything else. Thanks for the warning anyway. Can't be worse than retail. Can I get some positive feedback please?
 
Double M said:
Hi my name is Michelle and I'm a new member. I've been reading the site for awhile now, I decided I would like to be a part of the blogging now. I was a radio major in school. I am an alum of WQOX from back in the day. I see they have had some upgrades since I was there. Wish they Had of had more then. My instructor was Sherman Austin. I also new Jim Futrell and Robert Thomas when I was there. Looks like from the site some things have changed. I heard Jim had died is this true? I spent four years there honing my radio skills. I loved it. Now I would like to get back into radio. I have sent some resumes out to a few stations mostly in the Jackson,TN market. Hoping to find an entry level gig at any station where I can learn the new technology and work my way up. I try to look on the station sites and see what's going on. I also look on this site alot. If anyone can help and knows of something please let me know. I would really appreciate it.
Click to expand...

Define 'back in the day' :)

I'm probably farther back...anyway, Jim Futrell died a year or so ago. WQOX is now at the MCS communications building at Hollywood and Union. I understand they hire air staff, which makes me wonder how the students learn...but anyway, welcome to the board. As for getting back into the business, I've been out for 10 years now, but I'd advise you to visit some stations and talk to some current employees to see how much it's changed.
 
Thanks radiosaur. Really sorry to here about Jim. He grew on me. Do you know where the other guys are? I started there in 1990. I graduated in 1991 but kept my show once a week for several years. When were you there? Did you ever hear my show? When I was there it was still at Craigmont. I knew they had moved and upgraded. 88 Hires airstaff? How can they do that they are supposed to be a non commercial student station. I heard their star jock was a college student who got a pt gig at snap. I never got a dime was just there working on my skills. Before I left they put an automated system in so the instructors wouldn't have to work any airshifts. I wasn't real cool with that. Last time I was there it looked like the student ratrio wasn't very big. But I hope it has gotten better, I thought they should have used the money to upgrade the production and on air equipment, not automate the station. I know they used to let people volunteer for airshifts like wevl does. I should stop by there sometime. I know much has changed since I was around. That's why I was looking fr an entry level gig.
 
88 is actually one of the stations I listen to almost daily... I enjoy the Jazz and better selection of R and B they play. I believe Rick Wagner is behind those changes. I wouldn't be a bit opposed to even more jazz thrown in... Technically 88 sounds better then I can ever remember it sounding. I can remember the horrid sounding music on cart the used to play. During the early 90's I spoke to Sherman Austin and Jim Futrell by phone on many occasions while looking for new weekend talent. I never got the opportunity to meet them in person but always enjoyed my calls to them. They both always tried to help out.
 
Since I'm old enough to be your uncle... my avuncular advice is if you want to play radio it's all well and good, but you would do well to have a job (or three) on the side to pay the bills. From my sidelines view, radio appears to be a shrinking, not expanding field. The opportunites that do open up pay 2/3 to 1/2 what the positions did two decades ago, despite the expanded responsibilites of multiple station clusters. Also, the industry seems to make liberal use of "part timers" to avoid paying benefits. Once again, not negativity, but reality*.

So, if you complain about cleaning up after the elephants, why don't you quit the circus? WHAT, AND GIVE UP SHOW BIZ?

* not so fast... you may be the next Rick Dees, with that combination of entrepreneur, saleperson, entertainer, and charismatic who breaks the mold and brings radio out of its doldrums. If so, I say go for it! And remember I was the one who believed in you when no one else did!
 
Double M said:
I started there in 1990. I graduated in 1991 but kept my show once a week for several years.
Click to expand...


Jeez, when you said 'back in the day", I didn't think you meant 'yesterday'...

WQOX 1977-1979.
 
That is some really good advice from Rob.
I ignored all of the negativity when I was in college, and then found out it was reality 12 years later.

RB
 
I work part-time for 'QOX now..Sherman Austin was my instructor too..He's the greatest with the students and yes they still educate students (times have just changed, they don't see the same passion for the industry as it was just 5 years ago...just another class). Thanks for loving the R&B and jazz mix Michael. Chris Malone and Rick Wagner program the music tightly and students have much input in their currents cateorgy...Welcome to the board, stop by and pay the crew a visit they may can help.
 
Thank all you guys for responding to my post. It means alot. Rob I've been hearing you on the radio for along time. I know what you all are trying to tell me. I've heard alot of horror stories over the years. Unfortunately radio has changed a great deal. Too business oriented now. Wish I had of come up at a different time. Wish I had of done something with my major when I was younger. The radio bug never went away for me even when I tried to make it. Finally I decided I would try and give it another shot. I see why it's important to have something else going on. Maybe the PT people have it better dont know. I would have to start there anyway. And 91 doesn't sound so yesterday for me. Been forever since I've done any radio work. Yes I would at least like the opportunity to play radio to see if it's still for me. I've always loved music and radio and I love to talk. Though I don't know that I could be a radio godess. So is Sherman Austin still there? I don't know the other guys. I haven't listened to 88 in a long time. It had a top 40 format when I was there. Maybe I should go by and see what's happening. I would love to see the new station. I was there in the early 90's. Wish I could have picked up a weekend gig then. And thank you guys again. Though I wish I could figure out who you are.
 
Well, for one thing, most of us posted here are still trying to figure out how to play rock, paper, scissors without hurting ourselves. Rob, for instance, still runs with scissors!
 
That's ok I have alot of respect for Rob and the other great radio vets on here. I'd love to meet you guys and pick your brains about radio. I love the stories Rob tells on here about the good times in radio. Robs a great guy.
 
If you are interested in the Jackson TN market your choices are Thomas Media (Chip Thomas), Forever Communications (Gregg Rivers would have to help out here, I'm not sure who the contact is), News Talk 101.5 (Carlton Veirs), Gerald Hunt with Kool 103, Grace Broadcasting (Lacey Ennis) and then there is AFR (Hap Fowler). I think those are the only Jackson area stations. I might could come up with some phone numbers also if that would help.
 
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