Who Are You?

I'm amused by those who have this notion that PDs have total autonomy. Are you kidding me? Yeah, I have the power to hire and fire -- only after getting okay from the GM, the market manager, the VP/Programming, the VP/Programming's wife, the Human Resources Director and the corporate lawyer. Bad programming decisions forced on PDs by upper management are defended with phrases like, "It's not that bad," or "It could be worse."

I have a letter of resignation in my laptop computer at home. I've come close to printing it out several times already this year. I just have to figure out what I can do to make a living after radio.

Nothing, my wife keeps reminding me.

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I got an outstanding CD in the mail today. It was a guy applying for the night shift on our Oldies station.

In fact, his demo was so compelling, I played it a second time on my way home from work. Talk about a keeper. This guy has great pipes, energy level, personality, musical knowledge, content and command of the format.

If only he'd remembered to include his phone number and e-mail address on his cover letter and CD.

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An old friend calls to share his joy.

"I got the gig!" he exclaims over the phone.

I don't know whether to congratulate him or offer my condolences.

Yes I do. I'm really happy for him. He's a talented talk host who, because of some bad luck and a tight job market, hasn't worked full-time in almost two years.

So what if he's going to a start-up station in a market that already has not one, but two powerful News/Talk stations?

"I really think I can win there," he says.

Air talent and PDs always do.