Got any plans for the weekend? One suggestion is that you make time for a little R&R, because the last several months of the year are looking to be frenetic and stressful.
The work load hasn’t lessened but the number of people doing the work hasn’t kept up. In fact, some facilities in our industry look more like “zombie radio stations.” There are fewer and fewer people in the building – in the air studio and in the cubicles. Our new AQ6 study we do in collaboration with Don Anthony’s “Morning Show Boot Camp” event reveals that the average air personality in commercial radio wears just about three “hats.” Or is responsible for three jobs.
Like any average, some are wearing more hats, some less. Nevertheless, consider the average standalone FM station in medium-size markets had maybe 50 employees a couple decades or so ago. Now admittedly, that’s an estimate, but it’s probably not off by much.
Today, you tell me. Many stations – even entire clusters – are somehow operations with just handfuls of people. And the trends lean toward even more cuts moving forward.
And all of that causes agita, especially among those on the air who are charged with differentiating their station sound, representing their local markets, and acting as ambassadors to the community. And yet, their passion for the business remains impressive. Our AQ6 study reveals that while their spirits are dampened, they still believe in radio. We need to support them.
So keep them in mind over this long weekend. They are the happy ambassadors of our business – the ones who bring joy to listeners, advertisers, and the communities they serve.
Yes, that’s a labor of love.
For more insights on those artists and craftspeople behind the mic, join us Wednesday, September 4 at 2pm ET for our free webinar unveiling the highlights of AQ6, Jacobs Media’s sixth report about the state of air talent. It’s perfect for anyone in radio, but especially owners, managers, and of course, air personalities. Register here. – FJ
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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