Well, it’s happened again. Another job search site – CareerCast – has come up with their list of the best (and worst) jobs of 2017.
On the top of the heap are jobs that generally involve math and science. Here are their top five best jobs:
OK, perhaps not the most exciting jobs out there. But they’re not very stressful, they pay well, and they’re in-demand.
Now for the bottom of the list – the worst jobs based on 200 different categories:
So there you have it. DJs, broadcaster, and newspaper journalist are right there with the guy who shows up from Orkin to rid your house of termites, enlisted members of the military, and loggers (no, not bloggers).
Why is being a broadcaster such a low rated position? According to the study, broadcasters earn the lowest marks on work environment, stress, and projected growth. Looking at these bottom ranked positions makes a statement about careers in both commercial and public radio, and that demanded a little investigative reporting of my own.
I took a look at the methodology CareerCast uses to build this study, to get a better understanding of why these media positions are all so poorly rated.
“Environment” measures variables such as competitiveness and public contact – areas that are part and parcel of most jobs in broadcasting. And by the way, these are typically conditions that most people in radio thrive on and even welcome as part of the buzz of the job.
Stress factors in CareerCast’s measurement is “meeting the public,” “working in the public eye,” and “deadlines” – all listed as negatives. And yet, they are job characteristics the majority of radio people embrace and excel at.
Income and growth potential are also key factors in these rankings. And clearly, broadcasting, journalism, and radio get knocked down in these areas. Media, in general, is under pressure, finding that next job isn’t easy, and salaries for many have taken a hit in the last decade or so. There’s not a lot of job security.
But in some ways, hasn’t it always been like this in radio? Even when the industry was in its heyday in the ’70s, and ’80s, it was never easy to find that first job. I would venture to say that most of the people in the people now occupying the best positions in broadcasting started out as an intern, the overnight DJs, or doing something menial in a newsroom. And many have adopted the book-to-book mindset, because broadcasting has been based on performance and results from its beginnings.
But there’s one missing element in CareerCast’s methodology that penalizes radio specifically, and media in general:
Job satisfaction.
I can’t tell you how many social situations I find myself in where the conversation turns to careers, and the attorneys, dentists, and CPAs in the room seem a lot more fascinated by what I do for a living than talking about their jobs.
And while income, stress, and environment are all elements that can make broadcasting tenuous at times, my assumption is that job satisfaction is what drives many of us to work those long hours. Whether you’re playing Country music in afternoon drive in Tucson, hosting “Morning Edition” for the public radio station in Sacramento, or selling time for the Alternative station in Boston, chances are you’re challenged, stimulated, and energized by what you’re doing. Many in radio get off on entertaining and informing audiences, serving communities, and building great brands. In the radio business, a single person, station, or team can make a big difference.
Most of us didn’t get into radio – public or commercial – to make a killing financially, to earn great benefits, or have a career that wasn’t non-stressful. Most of us didn’t pursue a broadcasting career because we were seeking a secure profession.
Most of us knew what we were getting into…and on most days, radio delivers.
But that’s me talking. Maybe you see it differently. Or perhaps you were a lot more optimistic about the field a dozen years ago, but now find yourself jaded, unhappy, or even remorseful about your decision to go into radio. I know some have left the field entirely or have been cast aside – victims of a harsher media and economic environment.
So let’s run our own very unscientific survey. And let’s keep the “methodology” simple:
On a 1-10 scale, how satisfied are you with your career in radio broadcasting? “10” is “highly satisfied” while “1” is “not satisfied at all.”
You can use the comments section below or hit me up on my Facebook or Twitter pages. Give me the number, your specific area (DJ, public radio reporter, station manager, etc.), and a line as to why you feel the way you do. If you prefer to not use your name, that’s fine, too.
And finally, why all the hubbub about a lousy ranking from a jobs website? Because these lists tend to be well-covered online, as well as by media outlets looking for buzzworthy content. Investors see these stories, too, and they factor into broader perceptions of an industry. If the worst jobs are in broadcast-related fields, why would anyone want to make radio, TV, and print companies part of their portfolios?
A career in radio may not be as glamorous as it was decades ago. Most blame radio’s current condition on consolidation and other factors beyond their control. But disruption is a major part of the story, too, and there are few industries that haven’t been upended and redefined by the Internet and the technology that’s followed. That’s just the way it is.
So how does radio (and your job) rank on your own personal career yardstick?
Hopefully, better than all those loggers out there.
The entire CareerCast list is here.
- An American Radio Horror Story - December 6, 2024
- Radio, Beware the Sushi Menu Approach to Digital Sales - December 5, 2024
- Elvis Has NOT Left The Building - December 4, 2024
Tim Slats says
10. Mornings WNCX-Cleveland. Got lucky, and because I don’t know anything else.
Fred Jacobs says
You’re great at what you do, Slats, and you’re always been a passion player on the air and off. It’s a big part of what’s made you durable and viable over the years. Congrats.
Mike Brooks says
Color me a “10”, Mike Brooks Production Director and Ops at KING FM, Seattle. After 20+ years in the biz I still love every single day.
Radio has kept a roof over my head and fed the family. I still look forward to Mondays, getting back to the fun and to be sure, the challenges of every single day at “the office”.
Fred Jacobs says
Great story, Mike. Thanks for sharing your love affair with radio.
John Garziglia says
Mike is right! Being in radio is much better than being an attorney. I know. I have done both. Put down 10 for me also.
Jay Philpott says
I’m probably an “11” or a “12” in career satisfaction, but I try to pass enough of it along to people I work with and thru organizations like The Conclave, that I can bring it back down to and always keep it at “10”.
Brew Michaels says
I know the Radio business has changed drastically since I started in 1979, but I can honestly say I’m having more fun now than ever before. Here in beautiful market 261, Kalispell/Whitefish Mt, we recently broadcast from a Job Fair. There were 119 employers represented but although we were not recruiting (just doing our show live on location) I cannot tell you how many people came up to us inquiring about openings. Yes, Radio still resonates with people as a fun and cool profession. Which it is.
Fred Jacobs says
Great POV, Brew. Radio still matters to matter to people. AND we’re having a lot more fun than those “data scientists.”
Fred Jacobs says
Somehow I’m not surprised. You are on the most gung ho radio guys I know, Jay. Congrats on finding something you love to do and for doing it well.
Andre Gardner says
10. An absolute dream come true for me. I had hoped to have 10 good years in this business. Here I am coming up on 40 years, and I’m having the time of my life. The fire still burns just as strongly for me as it did when I was a youngster. No industry is without bumps along with way but I make sure to adapt, learn and have fun, all while remaining grateful for the privilege of cracking that mic every day.
Fred Jacobs says
Andre, your audience hears it every afternoon, one of the reasons why your best radio (IMO) has happened at MGK. You’re got a fantastic outlook, and it’s contagious. Congrats on a great run!
Steve Neumann says
I saw that survey and used for a bit on my morning show. I started in radio at the ripe old age of 16–coincidentally at the same station I’m the PD at now–WINT 1330am and 101.5fm. I then spent about 7 years at a couple of other Cleveland stations early on, which led me into the nightclub/disco scene, became a Billboard-nominated “Best DJ” for Cleveland. Then opened my own clubs and sports bars. After selling my businesses about 10 years ago, fate intervened and I ended up back at that very first station. We’ve been on the AM air for over 53 years and just launched an FM translator a year ago. So for many of us, radio is in our blood. There’s truth in both the survey and in your response/analysis of the business of radio–yesterday and today. Fewer and fewer “names” are being developed into local, let alone regional or national talents. Thanks to the profit-hungry conglomerates like Cumulus, CBS, etc…GOOD radio has nearly been destroyed. But they are reaping what they sowed–and not too many of us are shedding any tears. The salvation of radio will ultimately be the small LOCAL operators who own one or just a few signals–if they have the vision to see the future. Of course, radio will never be the same as it was in it’s heyday, but that’s where the vision come in. Being “on the radio” still has a certain “magnetism” to it–look at how many people are podcasters today! Most aren’t doing it for the money, but for the ego, the satisfaction, the bragging rights, the ability to have their voices heard by a large audience. And as long as people have that need, there will always be radio–in some form or another. Stressful–yes; long hours–yes; sometimes a PITA-yes; mediocre compensation-yes; lack of advancement/career opportunities-yes; but one hell-of-a-ride and a priceless experience we wouldn’t trade for anything–HELL YES!
Fred Jacobs says
Steve, thanks for some great perspective on a topic that has eclipsed my expectations. We’ve gotten a great response. Much appreciated.
dan mitchinson says
An 8. Fortunate because I’ve been able to decide where I wanted to live first, and then get a job there. Never based my career on market size…turned down Chicago for Spokane because I wanted a change in direction for my career and a challenge. Why after 30-plus years not a 10? Because I’m never satisfied with my performance…I know I can do better…I WANT to do better. It’s almost impossible to find a mentor these days to help me get over my self-doubts and fine tune what I want to achieve. At the same time, I love mentoring the next generation of broadcasters/multi-media journalists. It’s challenging. 20-somethings approach this as a job, not a career, and don’t take constructive critizisim well. But I don’t give up. We can’t give up. It’s our responsibility to mentor these people (and many older broadcasters) and help them/us move forward in today’s environment.
Bobby Rich says
My satisfaction as a radio person after 50 years in 15 markets is so far off the charts it can’t be measured. A few bad situations, a few bad people, but no regrets and I’d pay them to do it all over again.
Radio was my first love, it will be my last.
Fred Jacobs says
Bobby, great perspective from a true media pro. Thanks for weighing in.
Donny McGuire says
My Wife always tells me this is my first love, and the job security now days after being in the biz for 36 years is tough, but it’s still my passion even though sometimes it’s painful the fun I guess makes up for it, I am looking for that next adventure, why because it will never loose my first love……………….
Fred Jacobs says
You wife is one smart person. Thanks, Donny.
VonRoy Gee says
The two most important days of your life are 1. The day you were born and 2. The day you found out why(purpose). I found my purpose in radio over 35 years ago and I am still driven to learn and get better at ii to this day. For me it’s a 10.
Fred Jacobs says
Funny thing, VonRoy, I remember that second day very well, too. When the light bulb goes on, it’s a great day. Thanks for chiming in.
Russ Miller says
After 45 years on the air, I’d give it a 9, ‘coz it has a good beat and you can dance to it (thank you, Dick Clark)! Why not 10? Well, a little more money/benefits would always be nice, but when you stay with small market radio, you make your choice on that. Still, I’ve raised three kids and never gone very hungry or lacked shelter. Best of all, I have never dreaded going to work. Oh sure, there are days when you’d rather not be behind a mic or graciously smiling through another remote, but overall, I wouldn’t be caught doing any other job. Radio is simply what I do, and will continue to do as long as I can.
Fred Jacobs says
Russ, all things considered, not a bad grade overall. Thanks for commenting and reading our blog.
Frank Haley says
I started as a C&W DJ at age of 19 in 1960 in a small north Texas town. I have worked at 15 radio stations in Texas and New Mexico and am still on the air. Been doing morning news and talk for the last 45 years, now in my 57th year on the air. As Paul Harvey used to say, “I can hardly wait to get up at 4:30 M-F to see what crazy things have happened over night.” There are +’s and -‘s in broadcasting, but I wouldn’t want to have been an any other business. Radio am & fm have been good to me. I’ve done many things that no other industry could have provided for me. I hope to keep working till Jesus calls me home. I’d give it a 10+ overall. Frank Haley Good News Director KDAZ Albuquerque, NM
Fred Jacobs says
Frank, another great radio story, and congrats on a great career.
Frank says
Thanks Fred.
Care says
So happy you included your story! I am 19 and you have inspired me. God bless you
Dan Bindert says
Definitely a 10! Since the late ’80s, I’ve worked mostly for public stations in Rochester, Cleveland, and Chicago. I’ve DJ’d graveyard shifts spinning jazz and blues records (an 11!), anchored news, done production, live event broadcasts, even a little sports, all the way up to station management and enjoyed all of it. Seems like every day is interesting, fun, challenging and as another commenter stated, purposeful. You meet so many great people – from musical heroes to listeners of every societal stripe and the most interesting and dedicated colleagues who are all on this radio journey together. The state of the industry has always seemed a bit precarious, hours are crazy at times and most of us aren’t getting rich, but I still believe in the magic power of radio, still love it and wouldn’t willingly trade it for anything else.
Fred Jacobs says
Dan, thanks for the realistic view of the radio biz, especially from the public radio perspective.
Jillene Khan says
There are different areas of my job (midday host & digital/social media director for our station) that I’m more satisfied with others, but when I average them out… 10s and 11s all day long. Working in radio beats working NOT in radio every day of the week, every holiday of the year. When I think of the PEOPLE who’s stories I’ve been able to tell, because they trusted me with it, the satisfaction I get is unlike anything I’ve ever felt! They let us be a part of their lives… it’s really an honor to form those relationships with listeners. Relationships and people are what got me into radio, and they’re what will keep me in!
Fred Jacobs says
Jillene, other great testament to the field of radio. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment.
Keith Mitchell says
9 – because no job is perfect. As a kid I told my parents that I would have a career in radio. 31 years into it, it’s going pretty well outside of some really lean years at the start. But I knew that going in and was willing to rack up credit card debt to do it.
Sure, there’s the drama that goes with the territory, daily headaches and the occasional equipment meltdown, but at the end of the day I couldn’t be happier with my choice.
When I programmed Mojo 94.9 here in Cincinnati and it went off the air, I have a letter from a listener who told me what the station meant to her and her family – it helped them through some tough times. I still have it in my desk drawer and pull it out when I need to remember why we all do this.
Now, if only Mike McVay could move WGRR to a place without winter and it might be a 10.
Fred Jacobs says
A great story, Keith. Thanks for sharing it.
Amelia Ryerse says
Great blog as always. I wouldn’t trade any of my 20 year career traveling around the country as a “radio gypsy” for anything either. Being a DJ really isn’t a job it is a way of life and I feel lucky to have done it for as long as I have. Thanks Fred. Keep up the good work.
Amelia
WIYY Baltimore
Fred Jacobs says
Amelia, thanks for adding another positive story to mix & thanks for the kind words.
Bernie Wagenblast says
9* traffic reporter. I put the asterisk there for a couple of reasons. First, these days I’m only on-the-air four hours a week (my choice) and because, while it’s not officially radio, the work I do on podcasts is very similar to radio minus the transmitters. While traffic reporting might be looked down upon by some, where else could I have been on morning and afternoon drive on stations in the #1 market at 23 years of age?
I enjoy radio enough that I started doing podcasts about transportation and for my local community. The ones for the town I view as a community service (the reason I got into radio in the first place) and the transportation ones actually bring in income.
Fred Jacobs says
Bernie, congratulation on finding your niche in radio, and expanding your horizons in podcasting – a smart move.
Ed Hill says
Thank you for drilling down on the
criteria for the article. Very smart as you usually are.
I love the business.
I noticed that most of the posts here are from radio veteran’s like myself
who worked in radio when it was “the” Social Media App”. Radio has been an “off the charts” experience for me and dovetails nicely into my new podcast coaching career.
Fred Jacobs says
Ed, thanks. I noticed the same thing. Most who responded to the post have been radio for years and year – decades even. It would’ve been nice to hear from people who’ve been in radio for under five years. How much different a perspective would it be?
Billl Rock says
I find this article well written. As a broadcaster for over fifty-two years I agree the industry has all the negatives of insecurity, stress, long hours for low pay, bad working environment etc., etc. as referenced in the article . At the same time I also found that if you start out knowing that to “make it” you need to work hard for little compensation, and expect the unexpected as well as keep an open mind, be willing to be fixable and develop diversified skills , be creative, and of course have talent ( for the talent side of broadcasting) , you can eventually find that job or jobs that will pay a very lucrative salary and give you the prestige and excitement that drove you to this line of work in the first place . The key is eventually. Its like investing for one’s retirement , start early and stay in it for the long haul.
When I look back at my resume I see many jobs for relatively short periods of time early in my career that took me from state to state with a pattern of moving up in market size with each move until I hit Market # 1 New York where I was able to keep good paying jobs for well over 40 years. Along the way my journey also included on air radio, middle and upper management, television, syndication, commercials, narration, announcing, non broadcast video, local and network, cable, satellite, internet, plus TV show production and more. The point that I’m trying to illustrate is , it takes sacrifices, diversity and willingness to go the extra mile to eventually be set for life in an inherently volatile profession. Non on air jobs have more stability but yield different rewards and require a little different approach.
There are of course many differences in today’s communications industry. There are many more people wanting to enter the field. From the outside its glamorous and attractive, but starting out the world looks a lot different on he inside. There is so many factors that make the business different today in so many ways than it was in the 60’s,70′,80’s, but focusing on the individual aspiring on air broadcaster , it can be done if you have the right attitude , have the abilities necessary and are willing to work hard to get where you want to go. Know what you want to do as YOUNG as possible, don’t wait, and then start working in small settings set goals but prepare to be flexible, make and learn from your mistakes and pay your dues before you try for the big time.
Bottom line is that even though technology has eliminated many jobs, its also created other new platforms. There are more people entering the field today making the overall picture more competitive yielding fewer high paying opportunities. But no matter whatever level or job in communications to which one aspires , one still has to do the same things to get there. Don’t get in it for the money which maybe the motivating factor for the highest rated jobs on the list , if you’re good eventually the money will come. Its a test of “true love”. If you don’t love it, you’ll quickly learn to hate it. Everyone has to find their own way and it “ain’t easy”, but if it works out its the best job in the world.
Fred Jacobs says
I think you’ve nailed it, Bill. You have to understand what you’re signing up for, and somehow along the way, you have to find your place in the radio ecosystem. It doesn’t mean everyone figures it out. Luck plays a role in it, too. But if you want a career like radio badly enough, you’ll be willing to sacrifice – perhaps at several points along the way – to make it happen. Appreciate you taking the time.
Bill Rock says
Luck and the right connections one makes along the way. Timing is also a factor. Glad you wrote the article. When asked by young people today whether or not I think they should pursue a career in broadcasting I try to include ALL the aforementioned factors. BTW I found my ideal job when I was hired as a prominent announcer on the NBC Television Network 22 years ago were I’ve been since. I also still do radio on Sirius XM where I’ve been for the past 15 years. So if you stick it out , you can make that dream come true.
Rick Peters says
10. I have been very fortunate to be a 46 year survivor. From a jock, to PD, to VP, CEO, and now owner, I still get up every day with a passion for our business. Having participated in the first wave of consolidation, I quickly became disillusioned with corporate radio. Very happy here in Market 157 trying to recreate the “mom and pop” days of FM. We wear a multitude of hats, do not have a safety net, and run paycheck to paycheck. No one is getting rich, but we are doing worthwhile things, and I’d put my team and radio stations up against anyone in any market. It’s not about the $$$. It’s about a job well done. Want to hear some good radio? Look to local broadcasters.
Fred Jacobs says
Rick, good to hear from you. I think most people don’t get into radio in order to make a fortune. They get in because they want to entertain and perform, and have some fun along the way. Some people are good enough and fortunate enough to tap into a great living, and even riches. But in every case I’m aware of, it didn’t start out that way. It’s about local service and congrats to you and your team for providing it.
Rick Cody says
A 10! I’ve been blessed to do what I love for almost 40 years.. Sure there have been some rough times but to get paid to do what you were called to do is wonderful.. Can’t imagine doing anything else
Fred Jacobs says
Rick, thanks for chiming in on this one. Appreciate you taking the time.
David Manzi says
Great article and insight on why these “rankings” can be very misleading. You don’t get into radio because you’re just looking for “a job.” You get into radio because, somewhere along the line, radio got into you. It called you, not the other way around.
If this were just general information being made available to younger people who aren’t sure what they want to do with their lives, then yes, knowing about the job marketplace, money, job security and the future of radio–and any industry–are all important to know. But if you do what you do because it’s the only thing you ever wanted to do–whether that’s butcher, baker or radiowave-maker–then you’ll never find satisfaction anywhere else. In the end, after 35+ years now in the industry and currently enjoying the best job I’ve had yet, my satisfaction level is a 10…with plenty of room to spare. And it’s great to see so many others feel the same–many expressing “my thoughts exactly!”
Leave it to the fantastic Bobby Rich to say it best, that his satisfaction “is so far off the charts it can’t be measured. Radio was my first love, it will be my last.”
Fred Jacobs says
David, I saw your Facebook comment, too, and it’s spot on. You’ve captured the vibe of the situation well, and I also thought the Bobby Rich quote was a winner. Thanks for reading our blog and taking the time to offer up your POV.
Rick says
Hi Fred,
I spent over 50 years in the business–retired about 6 months ago. I’d give the career a definite 10. Along the way I had other jobs to pay the bills, so radio was part-time (morning show 6-9) for many of those years. Started in 1962, and yes, the biz has changed over the years. Remember the Ampex 600s and the transcriptions turntables, ‘cue burn’, etc.? No such things as voice-tracking, CDs, MP3s back then. We just spun the records and developed an air personality. That is long gone and likely won’t be. Great memories!
Fred Jacobs says
Rick, thanks for telling us your story. Appreciate the comment.
Rick says
Your column reminds me of the kid who said to his father:
“When I grow up I want to be a Disc Jockey.”
Dad says: “You can’t do both.”
Fred Jacobs says
I love this. Thanks for sharing it.
Kevin Fodor says
I agree with the article…you can’t say the business is as fun as it once was when you spend the day bouncing literally from one emergency on one station…straight to another on another with barely enough time to go to the bathroom. And yes, on some days it can be that bad.
Some employees have to voice track dozens of stations each day requiring the more “bland” and “boring” voice tracking that reduces the quality of the “local” programming. And the need, in some cases to deal with multiple stations, production and the more menial parts of the job (corporate reports, career goals discussions, etc) makes multi tasking a need…even when you should spending time focusing on the task at hand.
Having said all that, though, after 44 plus years, I still find the business enjoyable…and, unlike many, would still recommend it as a career path…(I teach part time a radio course at a local college). But, I don’t think salaries are ever getting substantially better, though if digital efforts by the broadcast industry take off, perhaps some relief in the job could be provided.
Fred Jacobs says
Kevin, it is what it is. I was in touch with a guy yesterday who told me he’s worked in radio for 25 year and has never made a living wage. At a certain point, practicality triumphs over passion. Your comment is pretty representative of many we received – despite hardships, disappointments, and missteps along the way, most have enjoyed their time in the radio business. Despite it all…
Jim Mourgos says
Good article. I reminsiced about my foray into radio and some TV in college and interning and later got my first radio job a few months after my BA in Mt. Shasta, KWSD. My brother got several jobs in the East Bay (Walnut Creek, Stockton).
However, the outside world was not as interesting as college radio. I’d do radio commercial production and it was never good enough. The manager didn’t want me to do an oldies’ style radio show but most people who were in our area were seniors!
That was in the 1970s and I’m certainly not dissing radio. It was fun and taught me a few things but then I realized I wanted more job security than radio offered.
I had the most fun as admin support at KNBR Radio San Francisco in the sales department off the air. Even got to write some commercial script.
I would have to retrain to the digital world if I ever wanted to take another dive into it. I still write and support a legal department in San Francisco.
Fred Jacobs says
Jim, thanks for the story. There are a lot of people who never ended up in radio – but wanted to be. It was never an easy field to break into, and it has challenges in today’s media world. But it remains a fun and challenging business. Appreciate you reading the blog.
Jim Mourgos says
Very true. In some ways very lucky. I traveled up and down California in a Greyhound bus after graduating college and got a radio job. Took a lot of tenacity! Thanks for the article
Daynon Weaver says
7. I chose radio broadcasting because I have a unique bravado in my voice. I can even change it like a ventriloquist with or without science. I choose the right, albeit relevant, questions or comments to get an answer. I create PSAs that grab ears with my creative craziness. I can also downgrade to simplicity if it came to it. I can commentate as well as the next John Madden wannabe. I have more spirit in myself than any bottle. I can also be curious.
I would’ve said 9 or 10, but this job research is demoralizing. What is the point of getting an AAS if I cannot practice or be hired at all in relative fields? If any other radio station heard my voice on the air, a liner or ad, I would be the first choice. I also know there’s more to radio than just one voice. A key component in any business despite individuality by gender, race, color, football team, or job position, is teamwork. One person can be great with politicians while another makes sales, or maybe both. One person can be entertaining while another prefers to be informative. One excited; another serious. You got to use the right tool, part, or person for the job.
Benji says
Radio student currently completing a diploma and looking to get some work on the side. I have a few ideas on podcasts etc but am looking for tips to help establish that first professional gig — any ideas ? also will be fundraising for my student radio station with a bakesale so anything else on the side that would encourage the crowd to donate would also be welcome if you can share some of your wisdom.
Other than that, your article was an interesting read. Well done. You’ve had a lot of positive engagement as a whole and seeing the the years that these people have clocked in the industry as a whole reassures me that I have a future if I consistently step up and give it all.
Thanks . Benji
Fred Jacobs says
Whatever you do, Benji, go the internship route. It’s a great way to immerse in a real station environment, you could (eventually) catch on and get a job there, and you’ll have a better sense if you make the right choice. Good luck and stay in touch.
Naphtali Jimi Bruce says
At this point and as good as I still am vocally, with the music history of an elephant who never forgets, I have to give it a “6” as in unfulfilled. It seems I cannot get hired or even interviewed for any on-air talent gig in radio after putting in forty years proving my chops and dedication. Having one radio GM pull a gun on me in Nashville, sixteen years ago and the ensuing tie it took to sue his ass for wrongful termination probably didn’t help, but he was an isolated dickhead out of the sixteen stations I jocked across formats! I hear you and I was one who toiled overnights in Top 40 as a young black American cat, as advised to by my dearly departed mentors, just to keep a “foot in the door”. It worked until that one P.D. was fired and I was one of his hires, and then in came another disciple of his as P.D, who had his own crew and then out the door I was – and hurt about it. So, now in my youthful sixties,it is still in my blood, yet I am poverty-stricken due to the dream, lost love and mentors many dearly departed. I use my English writing skills now more (I was an English/Communications major and grad from my Alma Mater) and read voice-over audition scripts whenever I can. Just had my first audio-book narration published earlier this year, but need a whole lot more of that to pay the bills. I am still the healthy, fun Jock I was thirty years ago, with more maturity and even better sense of humor to use on the air, but nobody seems to care. I guess I’ll keep the try -until i die. Curtis Mayfield sang famously, ‘We Just Keep On Keeping On”.
Kevin Fodor says
10 plus. I have never considered myself “in it for the money”. I believe in the notion of “interest, convenience and necessity. And while I don’t think things are perfect with the business these days, I can’t imagine working in any other line of work.
Ray Sullivan says
I am very new to the business. I am a music guy and have a very extensive media career thus far. I’m learning but enjoy it. 2-8 WELR Eagle 102.3fm
commander-cb says
hiya-
i was hoping to find the “dont do it ” comments i read somewhere yesterday.
i am thinking about doing a job with a small local community redio stTION.
the ” dont do it” comments really struck hard.
why would the answer . apparently . be only a 10 or a zero ?
i wanted , still want to do it, but. it seems like i am being asked to do lots of work for , little – if any money. for me i think it would be__ me paying__
to do the job .
he wants me = he insists i have a phone and be a phone slave.
and – he wants me to use all MY gear . tt and my sm7b , pres-etc
probably wants my vinyl too …
i give and give and make concessions and sacrifices for … >>???
it seems to be adding up to a negative – in the red – type scenario.
Uwu says
just read this and I have literally never laughed harder at anything in my life