Sometimes integrity means sticking your foot in your mouth!

[nhradiochild]

Here's a funny story which happened to me earlier today...

I was eating lunch with the AFN radio NCOIC when the topic of discussion came up over what songs you will/won't play, and he balked at the idea of playing New Kids on The Block's latest single and admitted to never having done so, even though previously it was on our playlist. I suggested that a true broadcast professional would play any song that charted in the Top 50 at least once before ditching it, regardless of his feelings about it. Which I have done, and honestly haven't played since. He looks at me and says:

"So, I'm not a broadcast professional?"

:-[​

"Well, no," I replied. Egads I was squirming, because the last thing a radio ego wants to hear is that his efforts are considered unprofessional. But it wouldn't be right of me to retract the statement that I believe in simply because the guy sitting before me (and technically my boss in the radio setting) just became identified with the negative side of the coin.

I'm hoping he had thick enough skin because he said in a somewhat cold tone "Let me know when you need a recommendation" or something to that effect. Wasn't sure how he took that, but it's not often criticism to that degree is taken well. :-X I did stammer something out about, well of course the format would have to be supportive of playing the tune to begin with. :-\ The bright side is later he asked if, once my reclassification paperwork was approved to change jobs, if I would be immediately transferred to AFN. I replied there is one other stipulation that was put forth by the powers-that-be locally, before I could do so. *Phew!* I think his heart continued to be kind to my comment, regardless. At least I can say when the cards are down, I won't dive into a sea of hypocrisy simply because the guy standing in front of me could end up being on some power trip.

Which reminds me, I now have the Battalion Commander's signature with "Recommend Approval" checked off for changing to broadcast journalism within the Army. So, now the paperwork is to be sent off to Human Resource Command for final approval or disapproval, I understand.

 

[Chuckigo]

so i have to ask - are they going to simply let you "change jobs" in theater? or are you going to have to go through the whole "contract/enlistment extension" thing to meet the 6 years that Uncle Sam usually wants from its broadcast and media people? And if so - do you get shipped out of where you are with a stop at Ft.Benjamin Harrison for DINFOS school? It might be the easiest way out of that foot-in-mouth thing. Regardless - good luck, have fun, do a better job of thinking before engaging mouth and at least be thankful your want-that-back quip wasn't on the air.
Keep your head down and stay safe.

 

[dabutler]

I have to say that while I am not a fan of "New Kids On The Block," if "Summertime" charted well, and it fit the format, as a MD, or PD, I would have to go against my taste and play it. As a jock, I would never drop a song, skip a song, or refuse to play a song that was scheduled for any reason other then timing. If this person felt his personal taste is a reflection of the listeners, than yes, he is not a broadcast professional. Feel justified in what you said, and if that person became angry with you for pointing out how the pro's do it, then he surely is not a pro. Tell him to stick to programing his iPod.

Gut feelings are part of the MD or PD jobs, but not the jock, lest we go back to the days were each shift was completely different and demos shifted with who was on the air.

That having been said, when it first appeared on the charts, I might not add it right away, as NKOB could polarize your audience fast. Love it or hate it strongly. In the rare cause, I'd wait.

Ironically, I work at a station that would never play NKOB, (WNSX) but I purchased the song this past week for my DJ business, put it in my playlist, and dropped it, about 10 second before it played. As MD, of my own business I feel I made the right call. I just wasn't ready to accept the return of NKOB, even though it was requested.

When I was at WWBX, I used to hate "Candy Shop" by 50 cent, but I never dropped the song because of that, at the time, I was the acting MD.

 

[nhradiochild]

so i have to ask - are they going to simply let you "change jobs" in theater?

The possibility for me to officially migrate over to AFN while deployed and still under my current MOS is real, but is entirely up to the section to let me go or not. My impression is that it is likely the platoon sergeant's decision when he's ready to make it. His initial stipulation was that my reclass had to be approved, so we wouldn't get back to home station and I'd be behind the 8-ball in knowing what's going on within my assigned unit. There is another stipulation that I cannot discuss here, but is within the realm of possibility.

or are you going to have to go through the whole "contract/enlistment extension" thing to meet the 6 years that Uncle Sam usually wants from its broadcast and media people?

I've just reenlisted for 6 this past April, without the knowledge of the possibility of reclassification, which is why I'm doing the paperwork shuffle now. Suffice it to say, I have more than enough required time. (Although I might have to fork back over a $10K resigning bonus.)

And if so - do you get shipped out of where you are with a stop at Ft.Benjamin Harrison for DINFOS school?

Again, the possiblity does exist, though highly unlikely. My theory is that it all depends on when classes are available, and how soon the Army wants me to be in the new MOS to begin with. That is, if the transition is approved by my current branch. BTW, DINFOS is now located at Fort George Meade, MD.

To dabutler: Thanks for the support. A lot of things must factor in for my statement to be valid. It is likely that the current situation where formats on the same station can shift with a tip of the hat, (there's still some confusion as to whether or not it should be AC or Rock at night from the satellite, even though the official change was to rock before the previous crew left.) The man locally in charge for all intents and purposes is the PD/MD of the station, so I suppose it would be his call. That doesn't mean I agree with the decisions he makes, but then, what's the ratio of jocks agreeing with management anyway? lol He is fairly laid back though and gives a lot of leeway to his DJ's (whatever there are of them). So I'd say he's a fair manager given what he's got to work with. I think he's just unused to getting that kind of critique is all, but I think overall he took it well. He didn't seem to get angry or irate. I think it was a sort of, well I'm the guy in charge and I'll call things as I see fit, which I've been given the liberty to do. And he's been in it for quite some time, so I can't say he hasn't worked hard for the position.

Here's to a speedy decision from HRC! :-*