Radio's future

[MississippiRadio]

Here's a question for J Boyd and other "old radio dogs" out there. Do you think that anybody realistically has a chance to have a 50+ year career in radio anymore?

 

[Goat Rodeo Cowboy]

That is an excellent question. It will be interesting to see what logic and insight people use to "groom" their answer.

But that is a much broader question than "Is radio worth it?" or "Can radio be trusted?"

What profession today holds out to a young person finishing high school or college any hope for a life time career? When I came through school years ago they told us that people were not as likely to stay with one employer or on industry so prepare yourself for Plan B and Plan C. I took them at their word! After I left radio, I made several "career changes". (Can it be called part of a career if you only stay in a line of work for 5 years?)

Unfortunately the Personnel Directors did get that "it's o.k. to change careers" message. Many of them were not very receptive to candidates from outside their industry.

All the verbiage to make this point: Before we get too rough on radio, is there ANY industry or profession where people can expect a 50 year career? Question #2: Does today's generation DESIRE to stay with one line of work or will they welcome "mobility".

I look forward to hearing the answers of the people who were able and willing to do radio all the way through.

 

[tzbarber]

Depends on what is meant by "in radio". Unfortunately,the employment opportunities are different from before. The industry has changed,and so have the jobs. I've done on-air,management,dabbled in ownership,and sales, for about 35 years. There are positions that open up in traffic,accounting,sales,engineering, programming, and internet based positions,for example. If you're stuck on just one thing it might be a push for longevity. I don't think the younger folks care to put in the 50 year thing in any profession,anyway. The right company has a lot to do with longevity,too. But it's up to the individual to want to be in the business,IMO.

 

[jboyd]

Thanks TZ and others. My mentor was Carroll F. Jackson...long time employee of the McClendon Mississippi
Group(READ: WOKJ, etc. etc.) He gave me my first radio job as a high school junior in 1958. Very soon, I became fascinated with the business. When I asked him how to be a success in the business, he told me the following:
1. Be able to know or perform every job function in the operation of a station.
2. Stay away from major markets.
3. Be a local station, and provide what the locals want.
4. Keep overhead to a minimum
5.Try to live in the community of your key station.
Carroll is still alive and I speak to him occasionally. I followed his advice and am still eating.

Answer to the posed question:
As an employee, I see no future.
If you are willing to learn what is necessary and be on call 24/7/365...

It can be done. JBI

 

[DeadElvis]

> Before we get too rough on radio, is there ANY industry or profession where people can expect a 50 year career?

Yes, a few. Law and medicine. Or, an industry in which profit and hard work don't matter, like government.

DE

 

[K4WRF]

> Before we get too rough on radio, is there ANY industry or profession where people can expect a 50 year career?

Yes, a few. Law and medicine. Or, an industry in which profit and hard work don't matter, like government.

DE

I would have to add to that list, plumber.

All other replies are spot on….

w/

 

[MarcusMax]

I think you can have a long career in radio. 50 years is long for any job considering the average swaps careers 3 times in their adult life. But their is a future in radio. People will always have a need for this medium as long as the stations maintain somewhat of a local feel.