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He's Been Reassigned ...
May 28, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. Whenever a new radio company takes over or a new GM, OM or PD takes the reins, the programming department goes on alert. The unexpected incites paranoia and a lot of "It's everyone for him or herself." The bottom line is the bottom line, everyone wants to keep a job and continue paying their bills
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Whenever a new radio company takes over or a new GM, OM or PD takes the reins, the programming department goes on alert. The unexpected incites paranoia and a lot of "It's everyone for him or herself." The bottom line is the bottom line, everyone wants to keep a job and continue paying their bills.
I am sure some of you can relate to this gentleman's situation.
Air Talent: My company swapped our cluster for some stations from another company. I have a new company to work for and a new OM. I am, or I was, the APD/MD/afternoons. He's been here for less than a month and he wants me out and I have no idea why.
Coach: He hasn't given you any reasons?
Air Talent: He told me that he thought I did not have enough experience to be a PD. I have been APD here for five years and I'm the MD. I am not a rookie at this and I know the market. I'm not sure what is going on.
Coach: There could be a few things happening; maybe the new company wanted him to make this move, he wants to bring in his own people, or it's the GM's idea.
Air Talent: The GM is the cluster market manager and I know it's not him.
Coach: Why are you so sure?
Air Talent: Because the GM told me he wants me to start working in Traffic.
Coach: That's not the norm; you must really be a good employee. Most times an employee never moves from one department to another when the immediate supervisor no longer wants them. I also think there may be another reason the GM is keeping you around; maybe he is not sure about this OM. By the way, what happened to your old boss?
Air Talent: Right after the new company took over, they let him go. I think it was about money, because our ratings were great. We have consistently been the leader in our cluster and our market. This new company has a history of not paying its programming people very much. My old boss was getting paid a lot and this new guy was working for this company in another market.
Coach: Sorry to hear about all of that, but it's good you still have a job.
Air Talent: Yeah, I do, I mean I was really sweating. But traffic, it feels strange. I forgot to mention I applied for the PD gig when they let my boss go. I am putting out feelers and looking for a programming job.
Coach: And that also might be the reason the new OM did not want you as his APD; he might have thought you would sabotage who he brings in and go after the PD job again. But I want to address the feelers you're putting out to go elsewhere. Being in Traffic could be a blessing in disguise, learn all you can because this will make you an even better PD when the time comes. I always tell PDs and air personalities to learn as much as possible about every department in a station. You should not think of this a punishment. By the way, did your money stay the same?
Air Talent: Yes
Coach: Good. You need to look at this job in Traffic as an opportunity to learn more about sales and the process of getting commercials to the air. You need to realize the majority of those who hire OMs/PDs were formerly salespeople elevated to management positions. At the end of the day, it's a blend of sales directives mixed with programming strategies. You need to take advantage and look at this as an opportunity to get closer to your programming goals.
Air Talent: So, what kinds of things will I learn?
Coach: The thought pattern of another department and a Traffic software system. It won't be any harder than learning a music scheduling system.
Air Talent: I see what you are saying.
Coach: Most important, you'll get to see the sales manager and salespeople at work from a different perspective. You will witness the process of selling air time, salespeople writing copy, collections, dealing with clients, cold calling, sales making budget, sales presentations, log reconciliation, negotiated rates, understand sales objectives, client approval on commercials, the importance of spec spots, deadlines, how sales agencies operate, sales projections, commercial make good issues, and the misconceptions some in sales have about the program department.
Air Talent: Doing Traffic will teach me all of that?
Coach: That and more. Sales needs Traffic -- and bonding with sales will go a long way in helping you as an OM or PD someday.
Air Talent: You think so?
Coach: Well, for starters, you'll get to see that salespeople don't necessarily arbitrarily sidestep program department directives such as turn-around time for fully produced commercials or getting prior approval for a talent appearance. Many times, the reasons involve time crunch, closing other deals, cutting corners, or an overbearing established client. Working in Traffic will give you a whole new look at how a radio station operates.
Air Talent: So how will I know when I have learned enough?
Coach: You're the only person who can answer that. I suggest you give yourself enough time to absorb as much as possible. Then if you want to still program, get on out here and go for it. But don't be surprised if you wind up wanting to go into sales.
Air Talent: You think so?
Coach: Yes, and if nothing else, the more you learn from every aspect, the better the possibilities of moving up in the workplace or for getting job opportunities elsewhere; even outside of radio.
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