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Your thoughts...

L

LocalRadio

Guest
...on your thoughts about the viability of local, community-based radio; WCOJ, WCHE, WBCB, etc. Is anyone making money and paying decent wages?

Your thoughts on your thoughts about your thoughts would be appreciated.
 
The formula for making it in small scale radio is the same as it was 20 years ago. Find a program director and a sales manager with "the heart of a teacher." Pay them enough to retain them, then exist on a revolving door of people getting their start who are: a) young, b) single, c) willing to work cheap to learn the ropes. They will be turning over frequently so the two department heads need to keep good rapport with any local colleges so they have a ready pool of marketing and on-air/journalism staff.

At least that's the only way that I've seen it 'work' in my 20 years.

Joe Thomas
WDEL
 
bk1808 said:
The formula for making it in small scale radio is the same as it was 20 years ago. Find a program director and a sales manager with "the heart of a teacher." Pay them enough to retain them, then exist on a revolving door of people getting their start who are: a) young, b) single, c) willing to work cheap to learn the ropes. They will be turning over frequently so the two department heads need to keep good rapport with any local colleges so they have a ready pool of marketing and on-air/journalism staff.

At least that's the only way that I've seen it 'work' in my 20 years.

Joe Thomas
WDEL
Click to expand...

Also not to mention that you need to spend a little money to make a little money. What I mean here is just marketing flyers, bumper stickers, and what not just to get your name out there. Which I think will make a few heads tune in once in a while, which in turn might be able to pick up a sponsor or two.
 
Local Radio means School Closings by the name, not the number!...(just kidding).

But you can earn a beginners living at local radio like those mentioned. WPAZ in Pottstown was a great training station for Wilkes-Barre, Reading, Harrisburg and Allentown, then onto Philly if you were motivated and good.

"Decent Pay" would include outside personal appearances and possible DJ work at a local club or bar. Learning Sales is important for real money.
 

Also not to mention that you need to spend a little money to make a little money. What I mean here is just marketing flyers, bumper stickers, and what not just to get your name out there. Which I think will make a few heads tune in once in a while, which in turn might be able to pick up a sponsor or two.
[/quote]

The late, great, Fred LeBow once told me; "Never underestimate the power of a t-shirt." Though here's an idea for you... Get window decals that say "I support local radio" with your logo. But don't only give them out to listeners.. put them in the storefront window of every client on your station. You can usually get them paid for by selling the space on the peel off to a restaurant or carwash.

Joe Thomas
 
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