Any NTers in the Radio Industry?

[romedadude]

I know NT is a filled with people from all walks of life and in different fields, anybody in the radio industry or in any type broadcasting field?

I'm currently interning at the jazz radio station on campus and doing some work with our student run station as well, in addition to a few other non-broadcast related activities. I want to be a talk  I graduate in May and I'm looking for some advice on how I should proceed with my job search and other insight you guys can provide.

I'm well aware of the things I might have to go through in the next few years, but I'm ready for it. Low pay, long hours, possibly being in a city in the middle of nowhere, no "glamour" in the job etc. etc. #+#! it, this is what I WANT to do!


A couple questions...

Radio is one of those forms of media that is "dying." Agreed?
I want to get into the talk radio. Any thoughts on that format?

 

[venom lyrix]

I'm a producer and board operator in New York for a Radio Talk Show in Drive Time.

Journalism major, was Sports Director at my college radio station. This is my foot in the door, I eventually hope to be on-air, or calling play by play.

I am on air every day in my current position, but I'm more of the guy that keeps the show running, the two co hosts are on the mic most of the time.

I'm 23.

 

[venom lyrix]

Originally Posted by romedadude



A couple questions...

Radio is one of those forms of media that is "dying." Agreed?
I want to get into the talk radio. Any thoughts on that format?

I wouldn't say radio is dying, that's more the notion with print journalism, but I don't think either will go anywhere. The focus has been on the internet recently, but people drive cars forever, people will still listen to music or sports in the car.
What kind of talk radio do you want to do?

News / Politics? 

Entertainment?

Music?

Sports?

Religious?

there are tons of areas to go for.

 

[romedadude]

Thanks for the response.

I want to do Sports talk radio, but to start off I'll get in where I fit in, so any format. I know I can't just pop on the scene and get behind the mic. I currently do news spots for the jazz station I mentioned in my first post.

What was the interview process like for you?

 

[venom lyrix]

I had no interview.

The radio business is a very small, close knit family. It's all about who you know.

I got my job through my mentor / professor in College who is a pretty well known sports anchor in NY, he had a friend who worked for the station I do now, they were looking for a guy, he sent me the info, I got in touch with the station and the next day the job was mine.

Trust, and contacts will get you far in this business, do not burn bridges.

 

[romedadude]

Originally Posted by venom lyrix

I had no interview.

The radio business is a very small, close knit family. It's all about who you know.

I got my job through my mentor / professor in College who is a pretty well known sports anchor in NY, he had a friend who worked for the station I do now, they were looking for a guy, he sent me the info, I got in touch with the station and the next day the job was mine.

Trust, and contacts will get you far in this business, do not burn bridges.

Duly noted. The importance of networking has definitely been hammered home during my 4 years of college. But, I'm really hoping an opportunity arises like the one you got. I'm not in large market (Raleigh/Durham), but I'll definitely try to utilize the connections I've made.

 

[trelvis tha thrilla]

Producer/reporter/board opp/kind of host for sports radio station. Been working in radio for 7 years now. Started in promotions when I was still in college. Did a couple internships. Timing happened to be good. Got hired at the end of my 2nd internship. Once I got into programming I started on overnights and slowly worked up. Executive Producer of the Mavs Radio Network now so that's fun.

Radio is definitely a shrinking industry though. Alot less opportunities. Alot more stations doing prerecorded and voice tracking stuff. Im actually looking to get out of it if the right opportunity presents itself.

Be prepared to work terrible hours and be broke for a while unless you want to pick up a second or third job like alot of people I know...Also be prepared to work alot of nights and weekends and holidays, especially if you are wanting to do sports. I worked on Christmas eve, Christmas day, New Years day, and Thanksgiving this past year.

Radio is fun, its different, but it takes alot of dedication and has to be something you really want to do. Ive done alot of things and talked to alot of people I would have never imagined but I would never recommend that anyone try to get into this business though.

 

[romedadude]

Originally Posted by Trelvis Tha Thrilla

Producer/reporter/board opp/kind of host for sports radio station. Been working in radio for 7 years now. Started in promotions when I was still in college. Did a couple internships. Timing happened to be good. Got hired at the end of my 2nd internship. Once I got into programming I started on overnights and slowly worked up. Executive Producer of the Mavs Radio Network now so that's fun.

Radio is definitely a shrinking industry though. Alot less opportunities. Alot more stations doing prerecorded and voice tracking stuff. Im actually looking to get out of it if the right opportunity presents itself.

Be prepared to work terrible hours and be broke for a while unless you want to pick up a second or third job like alot of people I know...Also be prepared to work alot of nights and weekends and holidays, especially if you are wanting to do sports. I worked on Christmas eve, Christmas day, New Years day, and Thanksgiving this past year.

Radio is fun, its different, but it takes alot of dedication and has to be something you really want to do. Ive done alot of things and talked to alot of people I would have never imagined but I would never recommend that anyone try to get into this business though.

at the bold part

Please, expound on that statement?

EDIT: 3,000th post

 

[trelvis tha thrilla]

Talk radio isnt shrinking as bad as music stations but I still know alot of people who have lost their jobs in the last 2 years or so. Im not trying to discourage you, if that's your dream, go for it. Im just saying I think there are better options. At least have a back up plan.