Re: Radio Ink: Forever one of the best!?
> > A few weeks ago in Radio Ink magazine, Forever
> Broadcasting
> > was named one of the best radio companies in America to
> work
> > for. Don't know how they came up with the list--I don't
> > recall seeing the survey. But there they were!
> >
> > Suffice it to say that there are some people who think
> it's
> > a great outfit--probably those who fit the culture, get
> > promotions, and get raises.
> >
> > I personally know a half-dozen former employees who did
> not
> > enjoy their experience. They've cited a top/down, command
> &
> > control management style... a low-wage/long-hour situation
>
> > on the programming side... a rigid high-pressure structure
>
> > in sales... and a non-compete policy that causes some to
> > feel trapped in their jobs--and resentful when forced out
> of
> > the radio industry upon leaving the company. In general,
> an
> > evironment unfriendly to the average employee.
> >
> > In some companies, it's great to be a chief and lousy to
> be
> > an indian. Kinda sounds like that might be the case.
> >
> Thank you...Pretty much the story I keep hearing over and
> over again as well. A close friend of mine was once fired
> because he was asked is anyone had an opinion at a staff
> meeting...he gave his and it was not liked...so he was sent
> to the door packing. His response was "You asked if we had
> questions or concerns" and the reply was that they were
> wanting to see who was and who was not on the team" Give me
> a break. Last time I checked its ok to have an opinion in
> America.
>
> I am sure they treat SOME well...I am sure some are
> happy...many more seem not to be however. That is my
> observation from the people I talk to who work for or have
> worked for the company. I never did so I have to take their
> word for it. I was out the door long before the ink on the
> deal for them to buy the place ever dried.
>
> Hitman
>
If your close friend had such a varying opinion as to how the station was being run, why did he continue to work there? Wouldn't he be extemely unhappy working is such an environment? From a managerial standpoint, I don't see anything wrong with having a team or group of workers totally committed to the direction of the department or company--it lays a strong foundation for unity and ultimately, success. If somebody is that unhappy with the station, its' direction or programming---move on.
I understand Forever is virtually the only radio gig in town, and if you're disenchanted you can't go out on your own; put up your own stick and directly compete with them, but this is an environment Forever did not create---the FCC and Congress did.
And, its not looking to get any better--the CEO of Clear Channel recently gave a speech lobbying for the FCC and Congress to further deregulate the airwaves, and give them the right to obtain a greater concentration of stations in major markets. He cites competitive pressures from satellite and IPods and the reasoning for obtaining more stations.