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An Industry In Need Of Better Hiring, Not A Deeper Bench
November 15, 2016
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If this were brain surgery, the claim that the present group of surgeons was the last to be able to sufficiently operate on neurological disorders would certainly send shockwaves within the medical community.
And what we do for a living, where the biggest mistake we could make, wouldn't kill anybody, but at its worst would have someone turning off the radio, or switching from one station to another, is enough to make a veteran radio programmer blow a gasket in the primary auditory cortex.
To quote Les Nessman of WKRP in Cincinnati, "The horror......the horror!"
In a climate of recycling radio program directors from job to job, from town to town and radio talent, as if there are no more being groomed and, as if, both talent and programmer are a dying breed, says way more about the people hiring and less about the true state of this Industry.
Radio Animal Creates Tomorrow's Talent Today
Veteran programmer and consultant Dom Theodore has been phenomenal in growing programming and on-air talent in times when others have given up on the concept, as a whole.
All you have to do to know this is true, is listen to RadioNow in Indianapolis to realize the talents of Brandon "Buster" Satterfield as an on-air talent and programmer, to witness what believing in someone can do in terms of growing them beyond the expectation of others.
Dom Theodore did that, but Buster didn't let him down in the process, as it only would have taken Buster giving up to make it appear that Dom's belief and time weren't worth it. Buster didn't disappoint.
Within the last week, two great on-air jobs opened in medium and major markets, and one programming gig was announced, as well, and all three companies reached out for suggestions on talent. Surprising to them, and to me, when it came to on-air talent, there were still more than 10 candidates around the country doing great work in small and medium markets, ready for the upgrade to something better.
Talent Hidden Like Horse Shoes in Highlights Magazine
One programmer commented that the suggestions and the on air demos forwarded gave him renewed hope that it isn't "curtains" yet for our Industry. B96 in Chicago finally hired Corey B after he had been overlooked for other opportunities over the past couple of years. I had suggested him to stations more than 15 times. That's proof that it is in the person hiring, and not in the talent. Corey B did not receive 15 phone calls or emails. In fact, I believe he only received one from all of the times I recommended him.
In the New Year, I will highlight some on air talent you may not know of just yet; that are kicking around the Industry. But today, I want to prove that the programming bench in radio is not as shallow as many attempting to hire for these positions believe.
Sometimes you have to look under a rock, not because that's where they are, but because someone put the rock in their way. Here are six people who can successfully program in any market, any time, anywhere. If you don't know them, let me have the honor to introduce you to...
Radio's Golden Future
(Names in alphabetical order)
Stacey Brady -- There is an advantage in programming when the person in the chair has a wide variance of skills, having a better ability to know how to roll out those skills, because they used to physically handle those tasks. Stacey Brady has succeeded in music programming, talent development, on air, morning radio and promotions and marketing. While she hasn't had the PD title yet, she has made many a PD look good, being the support that allowed the success of others.
She was ready 10 years ago, and is an obvious choice. Presently working for Entercom New Orleans in Marketing and Promotions.
Joe Breezy -- It took only one discussion with Joe Breezy, upon his arrival in Nashville, to realize the immense training Joe has received along the way, being influenced by many great programmers, i.e. Mike Preston, Steve Salhany, Michael Martin, J. Love and others, gleaning the goods without them even knowing all that they've transferred to him when they didn't know he was paying attention.
He is presently APD and PM Drive for Midwest Communications in Music City.
Will Calder -- Having immense mix show background with years of syndication experience is only the beginning for Calder. He has a knack for creating a balanced and fun atmosphere. One of the best ears in radio, picking Sia when most scoffed, and being righted by the song's longevity, and continued success. He is a production guru, which sets that standard for him of how his stations should sound.
He is presently APD and Midday talent for CBS Radio in Miami.
Nick Diakun -- Growing up around the hallways of radio got into his skin at a young age, but the fruit of his successes came when Nick chose to succeed, no matter what, growing from street team personnel to on-air talent to night jock to MD to PD and now group PD. Nick is versatile in format, not being hindered by the desires to be all one and not the other, programming and being on air and naturally adjusting his skills to meet the expectations of the lifestyles within each format. Nick has a great ability to maximize audience by being at the right places within the community.
His lighthearted nature is obvious, both on air and in his programming role. He is presently lending his skills to Golden Isle Broadcasting in Brunswick GA
Ron Roberts -- What comes out of the speakers has always been a strength for this young man, who has taken small market stations in Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama and the Carolinas and applied attention to detail, plus community flavor to build a useful product for the end user. His ability to command a shift, whether mornings or other dayparts, while not missing a detail in the day to day, is proof of his abilities to not only get the call to the majors, but to thrive when he gets there.
Most PDs complain when they are hindered by the confines of iHeart Media's programming in a box, formerly Premium Choice, now iHeartMedia Custom; but what Ron Roberts has done is still pay attention to the areas he can affect, instead of getting caught up in what he can't.
A+ for skills, A++ for attitude. Presently in Myrtle Beach, proudly repping iHeart.
The Other Patty Steele -- Once the midday on air fixture at B97 in New Orleans, veteran PD Patty Steele successfully chose to be mom, first, without giving up the opportunity to create quality radio, which she has been doing successfully for many years just over the bridge in Mississippi. Her sound has always resonated major market, but the shine she's able to apply upon her stations never gives up the local lifestyle feel for flash, but instead interweaves both, while highlighting the one that will reap the most ears at that moment.
Patience is a great virtue. She has that, music skills, the ability to teach, be tough, and reap the rewards that come with that combo. Presently helping Alpha Broadcasting make great radio in Biloxi.
It's Brain Surgery If We Let It Be
I am confident the experience highlighted in this article will make hiring decisions so much easier for many great needs now and in 2017. The work of searching for your next programmer has been done for you. Not starting here would mean there could be something wrong in your noggin.
The good news for you is there is no shortage of potential brain surgeons now and in the future...and PDs either.
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