WQFM... another ad on Allaccess

[blueboy]

I remember the first ad for a PD back in May. Then a few weeks ago another ad for a Morning Show Host. Today there's another one. This time, it's the PD job again. With all the skilled people out of work how is it that two major positions at a new station in a market the size of SC/WB can go unfulled for so long? They can't find talented people for this place? C'mon!

 

[NEPA_radiobored]

Nobody wants to work for Bobby "I know what radio needs" Lynett! They were better off finding some talent for the Oldies Format. At least it had a better following. Even WWDL knew to keep the now QFM Midday brit on overnights. Reminds me of that Australian Mike Betts (AKA Ken Garoo). Was just as talented...and annoying!

 

[gwjr67]

Actually the first ad was back in February. I know, I applied. In late June it was determined I was out of the running because of my refusal to relocate (I live about 80 minutes away) Looks like it's time to give them a call.

 

[blueboy]

I know someone down here in the Lehigh Valley who applied for BOTH the PD and morning show gig within the last couple of months and never heard a thing. They have major market credentials and sound great on the air. I guess they really want a guy/gal to live right there, and that's it. It's understandable but it stinks for people who cannot relocate but who would otherwise be devoted to doing whatever it takes to be a success.

 

[waunderlust]

"It's understandable but it stinks for people who cannot relocate but who would otherwise be devoted to doing whatever it takes to be a success."

What!?! How can you be devoted to a market you don't even live in? Where is that devotion? "I'll work from my home and email the logs?" The job also demands a shift, how do you do that when you're not in the market? Voice track afternoon or morning drive?

People are complaining on the Beale's Bites blog about TV anchors that can't pronounce local names and cities how could you do that if you aren't there?

Relocating IS part of this business. No offense, but if you can't or don't want to relocate...don't apply!

 

[blueboy]

Uh...cool your jets a little. What I meant was that it is diffiucult for a guy/gal who is commited to providing stability for their family AND is willing to commit themselves to job that is 60 to 80 minutes from their home. Plenty of folks with the "real jobs" commute 1 to 2 hours one way to provide for their family. There are many who work in NYC but live in Pennsylvania. Radio opportunities are extremely rare. It's a shame that those who treasure their children's sanity by not moving every few years must opt out of those opportunities. Obviously a morning guy/gal wouldn't want to get up at 2:30am and commute for an hour and a half but I've known PDs, GMs, sales people and other on-air people who can't afford to make a move and instead, make the long commute. Some have burned in the past. They MAKE the move and then with a year or two the station, for whatever reason, makes a change. And that change is them. If you have a family and a house this can be traumatic. Maybe not for the jock but for their children. In the grand scheme of things it's just a job. Kids are more important. Yeah, it's a fun job. It's just too bad there aren't many aound.

 

[Punk]

Even WWDL knew to keep the now QFM Midday brit on overnights.

Haven't heard the British guy in a couple weeks, a girl Lynn (maybe?) is doing middays

 

[ColorRadio]

Yo blueboy... they knew the job was dangerous when they took it. Perhaps it's time for a career change. I hear McDonalds is hiring! Pick yourself up by the bootstraps and get on with your life.

 

[blueboy]

ColorRadio: I think you missed the point. If an employer is going to require an employee to devote themselves to the job (and indirectly devote their family to that job) then they should only look at local candidates. That's fine. An on-air personality should be as much a part of the comminity as they can, anyway. So why place an ad on a web site that can be viewed by the entire planet if the employer really only wants someone who is already in the area. It takes a couple of big ones to ask someone to move their family and commit to a job BUT not to recipricate that level of commitment. We all talk about how much of radio has changed. One of the things that's different now is the unwillingness of jocks (and non-jocks) to make a move after a certain point in their lives. And yes, maybe a career change is the best thing then. My orignal point made a while back in this thread was that WQFM seems to be having a difficult time finding quality candidates for two major positions. I don't live in the market but I'm sure that WQFM could find TWO quality people who are already in the market for these jobs. If they decide to interview candidates just outside the market then the subject of required relocation should be one of the first things out of their mouths. If, though, they decide that the best candidates are just an hour away, don't quibble about moving. If the new employee turns out to absolutely love their job, they will move closer on their own. Sorry for the ramble.

 

[nutterz]

Even WWDL knew to keep the now QFM Midday brit on overnights.

Haven't heard the British guy in a couple weeks, a girl Lynn (maybe?) is doing middays

From what my sources at Shamrock say, the Brit was fired for the same reasons he was fired from all of his other radio gigs - he can't keep his hands off women. Every time he'd go on a remote, they always got a few complaints that he was harrassing women and asking them out on dates etc. Heard one even threatened to sue.

Pretty sure it's Lindsey on now during the midday - I remember hearing her doing traffic on Magic in the mornings. She sounds pretty good on QFM.

 

[waunderlust]

First off have you ever heard of non competes? Yes, they are still alive and well in NEPA-at least for six months. Thus limiting available local candidates. Second, EEO is harsh via the FCC. The more people you advertise to, the better you are. Third and I may be repeating myself, if you're not committed enough to move for a job, you are not committed to that job. This is not a 9 to 5 office job, it's a PD positon with a full time air shift. Think of the "what ifs" if you live an hour or two away. What if there's a snow storm? What if you have to do two free-community service-pr remotes in one weekend? What if your internet goes down (a voice tracking reference). How 'bout the price of gas? Shamrock employees "usually" last a while, look at the 107 jocks, who, besides Dave the morning show producer, has been there less than five years?

 

[masterg]

I love the not a 9 to 5 office job line, it's been around forever. It's the kind of thinking that allowed station owners/managers to work jocks like rented mules over the years; six days of an airshift, appearances, promotions, etc., on weekends without a nickel's compensation. Working 12-14 days in a row without a day off. How about doing AM drive, then going out several nights a week for whatever promotion was happening, usually one dreamt up by the sales department? That would be the same sales department that was MAKING MONEY on the promotion, while the jock gave up his/her free time, and sometimes sleep, for absolutely nothing. Many years ago I made the cut on a job in Buffalo, I had the job, I thought it was a dream come true. During the final interview, the "duties" they kept piliing on me started my stomach churning, it was clear they would indeed "own" my ass if I took the job. I didn't.

 

[gwjr67]

Blueboy, I'm with you. It is a big jump to uproot a wife and kids for a job. My situation is a little more unusual than most. For starters my wife ( the bread winner) just took a new job in Reading in October. There is no happy medium between Reading & Scranton. We would both need to commute so why not just stay where you are and at least not deal with a move and your wife having to find a new job too? Unfortuantely the QFM job wasn't going to pay enough to have her quit but that's besides the point. Second, I grew up in a household with a father who was a broadcaster. I personally attended 4 different schools for third grade alone, as dad jumped to each new and better opportunity. I vowed that was never ever going to happen to my kids. Thirdly, I have been out of radio for over 8 years. When you're looking to get back in you apply anywhere and everywhere and just hope you get a call. Fortunately I did and pursued it. I knew that being 80 minutes away from my home market would be tough, but if there was ever a time I would dive headfirst into something this was it. Next is the fact that Shamrock, and this is important, never mentioned relocating until the very end. They assumed I would move, I assumed it was OK to commute. What's more, they are only live AM drive and part of the evening shift. They were voice tracked for mid-days and PM drive when I applied. That may have since changed. Also, the "Brit" was voice tracked from Texas or Oklahoma, not sure which. So I guess if he was fired because he lacked self-control, they must have heard about that from a news source in the southwest. At least a guy from 80 minutes away knows something about the W/B-Scranton market. Besides, I WAS on the air there at one time. I wasn't a complete stranger like the trackers are. In fact, one of my first challenges was getting the trackers to sound as if they are at least in the same hemisphere.
Lastly, the circumstances of my applying may help explain some things. I applied just hoping someone would listen to my demo and consider me for part-time duty as a means to get my foot back in the door, (Tom Bass & Shamrock know this-it's no great revelation). When they began talking to me, they realized there were some unique things I could offer that other applicants couldn't. Having been away for 8 years, I was extremely hungry for the challenge that WQFM would provide. No burnout here. It was Shamrock that became more & more intrigued by me. Each interview brought us closer & closer together. I was just along for the ride. I knew it was a shot in the dark but what did I have to lose? I admit that commuting 80 minutes would present plenty of obstacles and I'm sure that I could do an even more effective job as their PD if I lived there. However, they were going to get a hidden gem if they took a chance on me. In summary, I guess I felt that committing to almost 3 hours daily in a car was as much or even more of a committment as moving my family to a new town for a PD job at a second tier station. After all, I'm not unemployed. It was going to be a career change. Perhaps I'll regret that one day, but so far I feel as if I made the right decision.
Thanks for support blueboy. For those that ripped me as Joe South would say, "Walk a Mile In My Shoes".

 

[waunderlust]

First off, let me redefine the "not a 9 to 5 job" line. I agree with you about how radio stations in the past use your free time to make $, but I meant it more along the lines of a salaried position. You're not always there at 9 (unless that's your on air shift), and you're not always out by 5pm. According to PA law, a salaried positon will sometimes work 45 hours a week, sometimes 35 it's supposed to balance out before overtime kicks in. Yeah, I know management doesn't understand anyone ever working under 40, but on paper, that's how it works.

Two, I didn't mean to rip you, just warn you. I have been in your shoes. I had a house, a family and a long ride to work. Though my ride was only 45 minutes it seemed optimal at first. Time in the morning to get focused. Time on the way home to calm down. Listen to CD's I didn't have time for otherwise. Great time alone! Then the time seemed useless. So, try to make calls on the cell phone to make that time usable. Use the laptop while stuck in traffic. Eat breakfast on the way in. Dinner on the way home. That time became the albatross. If something happened, that was 45 minutes to go to work or get home to fix it. Station off the air, 45 minutes. Sick daughter at day care, 45 minutes. I no longer worked nine hour days, it became 10.5. Trust me, it wasn't worth it.

 

[marker102]

Also, the "Brit" was voice tracked from Texas or Oklahoma, not sure which. So I guess if he was fired because he lacked self-control, they must have heard about that from a news source in the southwest. At least a guy from 80 minutes away knows something about the W/B-Scranton market.

Uh.. no.

 

[gwjr67]

Are you saying he wasn't from the southwest, or that he wasn't VT? When I applied, I know I was told that the shift was VT. I'm fairly certain they said he was from OK or TX. I admit that part was fuzzy. All I meant was that I don't think it was possible that he was doing any local remotes in the W/B-Scranton market and that someone who lives 80 minutes away would know more about the market than someone VT from 1500 miles away.

 

[blueboy]

GWJR67: I worked with your dad for a while at WLEV. He was in sales at that point and I was on the air. It was within the last 8 years but I don't want to say which shift I had because I kinda like the anonymity this board affords us all. My knowledge of his on air background only went back to the early eighties when I was in college. Didn't realize he had worked in other markets, too. It must have been rough for you growing up and moving so much. I've moved a few times during the last 20 years but I became aware of the toll it took on my children and made a choice to stay put.
I'm curious about your WQFM interview experience. If it's OK to ask, what was the salary range? Did the position also include the morning show job that they are also advertising for? And finally, what word did they use to label the format?
Good luck with your search. I'm on on one of my own.

 

[MACK184]

I love the not a 9 to 5 office job line, it's been around forever. It's the kind of thinking that allowed station owners/managers to work jocks like rented mules over the years; six days of an airshift, appearances, promotions, etc., on weekends without a nickel's compensation. Working 12-14 days in a row without a day off. How about doing AM drive, then going out several nights a week for whatever promotion was happening, usually one dreamt up by the sales department? That would be the same sales department that was MAKING MONEY on the promotion, while the jock gave up his/her free time, and sometimes sleep, for absolutely nothing. Many years ago I made the cut on a job in Buffalo, I had the job, I thought it was a dream come true. During the final interview, the "duties" they kept piliing on me started my stomach churning, it was clear they would indeed "own" my ass if I took the job. I didn't.

While there's nothing wrong with good, honest enthusiasm, when you get right down to it, yes, it IS a 9 to 5 job. Or an 8 to 4 job or whatever you want to call it. The poster is right, playing on the desires and/or fears of the jock, that form of thinking has been allowed to chain people to jobs. But think about this..if you are unfortunate enough to have a coronary, or stroke, or get hit by a speeding Martz bus while trying to cross the street, SOMEONE will be there to do your work the next day. I'm not saying that all owners are heartless, but that's simply the truth. Someone will be getting your work done. They might not be as good, they might be better, but no matter what, someone is going to be getting the work done. So don't burn up your life chained to a job. Enjoy your work, do the best you can at it. BUT...don't fall into the trap of giving all your life forces to the company. Save some for yourself and your family.

 

[Prospector]

Are you saying he wasn't from the southwest, or that he wasn't VT? When I applied, I know I was told that the shift was VT. I'm fairly certain they said he was from OK or TX. I admit that part was fuzzy. All I meant was that I don't think it was possible that he was doing any local remotes in the W/B-Scranton market and that someone who lives 80 minutes away would know more about the market than someone VT from 1500 miles away.

F.Y.I. The British guy lives here in NEPA. That's how he was able to be involved in the Dancing with Local Celeberties thing.

 

[masterg]

While there's nothing wrong with good, honest enthusiasm, when you get right down to it, yes, it IS a 9 to 5 job. Or an 8 to 4 job or whatever you want to call it. The poster is right, playing on the desires and/or fears of the jock, that form of thinking has been allowed to chain people to jobs.

When Susquehanna was still present in the market, they had a few cute tricks when it came to squeezing the life out of employees and NEVER paying OT. For openers, on-air people were classified by corporate as "professional employees." No one ever explained what that meant, except that you were on salary, so don't look for OT. Keep in mind, you had to fill out a time card, clearly indicating you were paid an hourly rate, but for God's sake, don't ever ask for time-and-a-half, even if you worked a 60 hour week. Comp you could get, news people often did, but no OT. By the 80s, most jocks had been given titles, which was obviously a further attempt to categorize talent as management, which was never the case. I remember one jock being something like The Dayside Program Manager. Not Program Director, Program Manager. Someone in news, and I honestly do no recall who it was, challenged WARM on this matter and PA Wage and Hour got involved, following which no OT was ever accumulated again. I can still see GM Jim Davey looking apoplectic at the very thought of paying an employee OT.