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ChiefEngineer said:
Chief... I have a WIKI story... This is a good one! Back in the mid 90s my friend Gary Clark [from Louisville] and I were driving up I-71 and happened upon 100.1 WIKI. I heard a former co-worker from my college past on the air there, so we decided to stop by their Carrolton studios. He gave us a tour which included a nice control room and a new Harris transmitter.
He described the function of the “reflected mode” of the RF power meter on the FM rig as an “audience measurement tool" [according to Station Manager, Jeannine Dean]... It INCREASED as snow and ice formed on the antenna and supposedly-indicated an increase in listenership that correspnded to that elevated VSWR – you get the rest of the picture.
At WIKI, they called it the “Reflect-O-Meter” which supposedly-indicated audience level that corresponded with an elevated VSWR indication on the Harris transmitter.
I’m NOT MAKING THIS UP – I promise... ‘Tales from the small market
C
cspotrun
Guest
well, isn't THAT how Arbitron measures audience listenership?
A lot of stations seem to have audience between 0 and 2
I always thought it odd two such opposing sounding stations used the name WICKIE and both were on the Kentucky Indiana border. WIKY Evansville and WIKI Carrolton.
No I wasn't on anything more than normal. My Vicadin prescription is still intact. My Assault Rifle is still loaded.
I just can't imagine that a factory job would have been this interesting. Fun doesn't come to mind neccessarily.
Like the WGBF shooting incident. At a factory job we would all have been dead. Shootings in radio started long ago. Phil Spector for example. But in most cases the shooter lives to become an employee of another station and doesn't go to jail. Crap, doesn't even get caught. What was the shooter's name? 'Cobra" I think cause he shot his mouth off about it.
In most work related shootings people die. And the IQ level of the shooter is directly related both to the shooting (duh you idiot you could've killed us) (oh yeah that's the point) and related the the remorse versus the need to be able to shoot someone else.
One incident I left out similar to the Howard Stern Incident was when I was consultant for the Society of Professional Journalists on the install of a new 800 system in Evansville. So all the News organizations could continue to monitor the corrupt police department.
The 800 Director Charles Cortright decided to use Encryption Mode to talk to his buddies. At this point all the scanners were set up to record the non Encrypted transmissions. Problem is he didn;t know how it worked. He keyed the radio then tried to encrypt which was backwards. Then the famous words (My name..you SOB (not letters-words) let's see if you can hear this. The Evansville Courier Press had a scanner running and recording. This sound byte ran for at least two weeks on TV and radio in Evansville.
I think I need to write a book. Next episode, Vince Fruge Radio One and Pay to be on the playlist.
No I wasn't on anything more than normal. My Vicadin prescription is still intact. My Assault Rifle is still loaded.
I just can't imagine that a factory job would have been this interesting. Fun doesn't come to mind neccessarily.
Like the WGBF shooting incident. At a factory job we would all have been dead. Shootings in radio started long ago. Phil Spector for example. But in most cases the shooter lives to become an employee of another station and doesn't go to jail. Crap, doesn't even get caught. What was the shooter's name? 'Cobra" I think cause he shot his mouth off about it.
In most work related shootings people die. And the IQ level of the shooter is directly related both to the shooting (duh you idiot you could've killed us) (oh yeah that's the point) and related the the remorse versus the need to be able to shoot someone else.
One incident I left out similar to the Howard Stern Incident was when I was consultant for the Society of Professional Journalists on the install of a new 800 system in Evansville. So all the News organizations could continue to monitor the corrupt police department.
The 800 Director Charles Cortright decided to use Encryption Mode to talk to his buddies. At this point all the scanners were set up to record the non Encrypted transmissions. Problem is he didn;t know how it worked. He keyed the radio then tried to encrypt which was backwards. Then the famous words (My name..you SOB (not letters-words) let's see if you can hear this. The Evansville Courier Press had a scanner running and recording. This sound byte ran for at least two weeks on TV and radio in Evansville.
I think I need to write a book. Next episode, Vince Fruge Radio One and Pay to be on the playlist.
I never heard WIKY [in Evansville]—I assume is was one of the “typical smoothly-designed” South-Central station playing “35-64 AC” that did well with the audience the bankers, upscale car dealers, and Realtors in town – and thus, was a commercial success in town. WIKI was an interesting closely-held “family” paradigm—YOU CAN DEFINE "THAT" [I don’t have too, but I’m sure we’ll agree]. They’d play Dean Martin, “Alfie”, and “Don’t Fear The Reaper” in the same quarter-hour for reasons we both could historically-recognize... ‘YA KNOW :
WIKI was “Small Market Radio a-la—1985” [I heard it in my hometown, too - believe me]... Then think of small market radio’s prior modus as it is sooooo outdated today... 'Then consider Shelbyville's WSVX current music/news presentation—a hometown station that plays "edgier" music - then do the news and the high school sports... And get some attention... BTW, I'm intrigued with the "Three Towers" WSVX presentation... 'Still watching.
WIKI was “Small Market Radio a-la—1985” [I heard it in my hometown, too - believe me]... Then think of small market radio’s prior modus as it is sooooo outdated today... 'Then consider Shelbyville's WSVX current music/news presentation—a hometown station that plays "edgier" music - then do the news and the high school sports... And get some attention... BTW, I'm intrigued with the "Three Towers" WSVX presentation... 'Still watching.
Not too far off on WIKY-Evansville.... But the key is 25-54 and leans to women.... Though the latest book was down 12+, the 25 to 54 numbers were like a thermometer busting the top off.... The morning show is a major thrust with a former Dayton-Cincy guy who worked at famed WRKO in Boston as a 'youngter dj' and a former CHR female... www.wiky.com if you'd like to hear the presentation... I enjoyed WIKI in those days, when going to family living in Cin-Cin..... :
F
First-time-long-time
Guest
I thought my topic of “Why stay in Radio?” would elicit a number of responses, but it seemed to really be on the mind of many. Just the news of radio downsizing, staff changes, shrinking sales, and market value drops since my post the first part of February have been significant.
My tenure in radio has been primarily in Indiana small market south of US 40 with lots of connection to the community. I enjoyed most of my time in radio but am glad to be out now. In my prior to radio life, one of my manager tasks was to plan and execute marketing in radio, newspaper, direct mail, billboards and some TV in metro and small markets. The small market radio people seemed to have the most fun so, I went into small market radio as a new career many years ago. Did I love radio? No. Did I like it? Absolutely yes. Radio gives one the opportunity and freedom to do things not offered in most other careers. But there is the time when you see the train wreck coming, the fun is gone and those up the chain won’t listen. That’s the time to make a change.
A number of responses were “you have to love radio,” but you also have to make some money to have a home, raise a family, play a little and save for the future. Life is not all about work. I can see where an unattached young person can have some fun for a few years going from market to market, but the day comes when you have to plan ahead or you can wind up sweeping French fries at one in the morning at McD’s as 75 year old.
The topic line drifted a little along the way but I really appreciated the insight of all and the humor of ChiefEngineer . Those of us who are or were in radio any length of time could write a book about the unique experiences and personalities we met along the way. I appreciated the civil tone to my question of “Why stay in Radio” without the personal attacks that happen so often on this board. It was like having coffee with a group of radio friends at the local restaurant in the morning, which I still do from time to time. Thank you all.
My tenure in radio has been primarily in Indiana small market south of US 40 with lots of connection to the community. I enjoyed most of my time in radio but am glad to be out now. In my prior to radio life, one of my manager tasks was to plan and execute marketing in radio, newspaper, direct mail, billboards and some TV in metro and small markets. The small market radio people seemed to have the most fun so, I went into small market radio as a new career many years ago. Did I love radio? No. Did I like it? Absolutely yes. Radio gives one the opportunity and freedom to do things not offered in most other careers. But there is the time when you see the train wreck coming, the fun is gone and those up the chain won’t listen. That’s the time to make a change.
A number of responses were “you have to love radio,” but you also have to make some money to have a home, raise a family, play a little and save for the future. Life is not all about work. I can see where an unattached young person can have some fun for a few years going from market to market, but the day comes when you have to plan ahead or you can wind up sweeping French fries at one in the morning at McD’s as 75 year old.
The topic line drifted a little along the way but I really appreciated the insight of all and the humor of ChiefEngineer . Those of us who are or were in radio any length of time could write a book about the unique experiences and personalities we met along the way. I appreciated the civil tone to my question of “Why stay in Radio” without the personal attacks that happen so often on this board. It was like having coffee with a group of radio friends at the local restaurant in the morning, which I still do from time to time. Thank you all.
The topic hit home. I have never made big money in radio except working for Shirk. (Take that any way you want.
My wife and I operate 2 Non Com networks from home in Indiana. We have 6 kids and my 11 year old has gotten very good at running wire and punching down wires on punch blocs. I can't see to do it anymore.
The ego thing died long ago (or not yet depending on who you talk to). Working at WLW I didn't want to be a jock ever again because I had done it all. Got into engineering, then, decided I wanted to 'do something" in radio, thus, the Non Com work.
Radio has been a lot of fun and still is, just different since I have a family, can't move to the "dream gig" in LA. Don't regret any of it, well, maybe some of it. I begin to udnerstand the burn out and the folks who didn't have the same fever for the biz I had at 19. I look at the kids I work with no and just remember how I was then...
If you ever get to Greenfield stop in. I am looking for the audio of tick tock tick tock tic tock it's 12 o'clock.
My wife and I operate 2 Non Com networks from home in Indiana. We have 6 kids and my 11 year old has gotten very good at running wire and punching down wires on punch blocs. I can't see to do it anymore.
The ego thing died long ago (or not yet depending on who you talk to). Working at WLW I didn't want to be a jock ever again because I had done it all. Got into engineering, then, decided I wanted to 'do something" in radio, thus, the Non Com work.
Radio has been a lot of fun and still is, just different since I have a family, can't move to the "dream gig" in LA. Don't regret any of it, well, maybe some of it. I begin to udnerstand the burn out and the folks who didn't have the same fever for the biz I had at 19. I look at the kids I work with no and just remember how I was then...
If you ever get to Greenfield stop in. I am looking for the audio of tick tock tick tock tic tock it's 12 o'clock.
This has and continues to be one of the BEST threads we've had in a long-long time...
First-time-long-time said:
If you have to ask - you should get out and make room for those that already have the answer.
Why would you want to be an artist, a musician, an athlete, etc? If you're upset about the lack of money in radio, go get a steady and be bored for the rest of your life. Just make sure to listen to us on your way to and from work!
W
words2you
Guest
Radio is not going through anything that is unique. Businesses in nearly every sector are in a free fall mode and it looks like their is no end in sight. Our Government is doing its job by controlling fears, but the facts are clear we are in a economic depression that will last for years.
If you have a job hold on to it and do whatever you can to keep it by vowing to be your best. If your fortunate to love what you do, regardless of the money. Congratulations, because you are in the top 10% of all working people and you are successful. Everyone feels under paid and overworked and perhaps they are. However, if you feel under paid and overworked by doing something you love, then the work is its own reward.
Must admit, I'm a little envious of the passion some of you have towards your profession. Your the creme of the crop and are in a minority. Most folks never find anything they love to do, they go to work tired, not wanting to be there and are critical of others behind their backs. The old proverb don't cast your pearls before swine is applicable here. Don't let someone who is bitter or jealous trample something you love.
If you have a job hold on to it and do whatever you can to keep it by vowing to be your best. If your fortunate to love what you do, regardless of the money. Congratulations, because you are in the top 10% of all working people and you are successful. Everyone feels under paid and overworked and perhaps they are. However, if you feel under paid and overworked by doing something you love, then the work is its own reward.
Must admit, I'm a little envious of the passion some of you have towards your profession. Your the creme of the crop and are in a minority. Most folks never find anything they love to do, they go to work tired, not wanting to be there and are critical of others behind their backs. The old proverb don't cast your pearls before swine is applicable here. Don't let someone who is bitter or jealous trample something you love.
radioho said:
I have looked at this post for a couple of days now and it leaves me somewhat puzzled. I'm trying to figure out what you are REALLY saying. I'm trying to figure out what message to infer from what you didn't say.
Your message assumes that the complaint people have about radio is the income level, and that the only people who deserve to have the fun and privilege of doing radio are those who are willing to be starving artists. A number of years ago I faced the question: "Why stay in Radio?" and for a combination reasons I got out.
I've tried to listen to you (not your personally, the "collective you" made up of everybody who IS in the business.) I've tried to listen to you to and from work, and in some jobs actually listen at the desk. So what has listening taught me about radio? Was it a mistake the day I decided to get out? No, a thousand times, no. What else have I learned: There is a hell of a lot of the "collective you" that should have gotten out of the business.
In the last six years I have tried to return to the business. I decided I would return in a small market station where I could call the shots. A place where I could build a team and we would correct some of the methods and traditions that the "collective you" have mistakenly nurtured. During those years I have bumped into some really great radio people and I look to them as mentors. Some of them will be offended With what I am about to say, but here is what I see:
Too many managers and companies when faced with employees who feel hemmed in and ask the question: Why stay in Radio? are simply told: Do it my-way, or hit the hi-way. Since I left radio I have been one soft-talking tough-as-nails guy who has in some way communicated to management: What you are doing is wrong, and you've got to change. It's cost me a job or two. I've had a couple of employers ask as I exited on my own, "Why?" Because you don't listen, because to won't have two-way conversation.
Some radio today is great. A lot of radio today is.... is... Well, if it were a horse we would put it down. I don't have any enthusiasm about dragging a saddle out and strapping it on one of the horses that should be put down.
There is money in radio. If you have no ambition or drive to do anything other than board op, then no, you won't make anything other than part time wages, because it's a part time job. Anyone, including junior high kids, could run a board with a script.
If you want to move up on the air, you have to move around to find the position. Your hometown doesn't guarantee you the job, you may have to leave to prove your value. Nothing in this day and age is going to be handed to you. But there is a great living to be made in radio. You just have to find the right place(s) to work.
And remember, NO owner/corp has ANY loyalty to workers, thus it's also true the other way, which is only fair. If you see the writing on the wall, or the hotline starts ringing, start dusting off the resume and hit the door before it hits you and you become another statisti/hater on this board.
If you want to move up on the air, you have to move around to find the position. Your hometown doesn't guarantee you the job, you may have to leave to prove your value. Nothing in this day and age is going to be handed to you. But there is a great living to be made in radio. You just have to find the right place(s) to work.
And remember, NO owner/corp has ANY loyalty to workers, thus it's also true the other way, which is only fair. If you see the writing on the wall, or the hotline starts ringing, start dusting off the resume and hit the door before it hits you and you become another statisti/hater on this board.
R
richmcdonald
Guest
radioho said:
Who comes to mind is the late Charlie Cropper of WWKI in Kokomo who just passed away about a week ago. He was the morning man for 40 years and few realized that after his air-shift he spent his time selling commercials. The man earned more at a radio station in Kokomo than most of the morning jocks and most of the AE's in a market the size of Indy. If a person is earning the company money, that person will never have to worry about the job they love or money. Most folks are like the guy who looks at the fireplace and says give me heat and I'll give you wood and then whines that they are cold. The times we are in are uncanny and the change that is occurring around us is staggering. But, their is always going to be a place for the person who can increase the bottom line of any business.
F
First-time-long-time
Guest
I guess the purest type on-air side people and business side of commercial radio will always be at odds with each other to some degree. That’s a tough balance to referee in the PD and managers meetings. I appreciate the love it or leave it comments which seem to come from the on-air side of the business and the, you can enjoy radio and still make money side which seems to be owner, management and sales people types.
I don’t know the background of the people who post on this site and don’t really need to, with the exception of Chief Engineer and Bob on the Job, two skilled and talented engineers I have known of for years. So, their input has a good reference point for me. Also being an engineer, particularly a contract engineer is a pretty good position to be in at this time.
It is easy to pick apart an owner, company or manager if one has never had that responsibility. I have great empathy for owners right now and the management staff who are charged with the operations of radio stations, particularly small market owners who have it all invested in their stations. Also, the uncertainty of all radio employees has to be almost overwhelming now and I really have empathy for those folks.
Commercial radio is just that. You broadcast for profit hopefully. Making a profit, if you are the owner, or running profitable station/stations for your owner as a GM is important. You need profit to give raises to deserving staff, improve your broadcasting equipment, add air staff and other operational employees, buy station vehicles, and add employee benefits just to name a few things. If there is no profit at the end of the quarter or year, things go away starting with people, benefits, upgrades and such. There is generally a more upbeat attitude with a profit making station, group or company. Right now is a very stressful time with many stations on the downward slide into circled figures on the bottom line.
Radio has always been resilient and grew after each downturn and will do so again. Lots of people are still tuning in to their favorite stations and the numbers show that. Staff that has been cut loose will find their way back into broadcasting sometime. If not, the training in radio has given them the experience and toughness to tackle any career.
I don’t know the background of the people who post on this site and don’t really need to, with the exception of Chief Engineer and Bob on the Job, two skilled and talented engineers I have known of for years. So, their input has a good reference point for me. Also being an engineer, particularly a contract engineer is a pretty good position to be in at this time.
It is easy to pick apart an owner, company or manager if one has never had that responsibility. I have great empathy for owners right now and the management staff who are charged with the operations of radio stations, particularly small market owners who have it all invested in their stations. Also, the uncertainty of all radio employees has to be almost overwhelming now and I really have empathy for those folks.
Commercial radio is just that. You broadcast for profit hopefully. Making a profit, if you are the owner, or running profitable station/stations for your owner as a GM is important. You need profit to give raises to deserving staff, improve your broadcasting equipment, add air staff and other operational employees, buy station vehicles, and add employee benefits just to name a few things. If there is no profit at the end of the quarter or year, things go away starting with people, benefits, upgrades and such. There is generally a more upbeat attitude with a profit making station, group or company. Right now is a very stressful time with many stations on the downward slide into circled figures on the bottom line.
Radio has always been resilient and grew after each downturn and will do so again. Lots of people are still tuning in to their favorite stations and the numbers show that. Staff that has been cut loose will find their way back into broadcasting sometime. If not, the training in radio has given them the experience and toughness to tackle any career.
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