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Dislocation ... Downsized ...10 Things To Know
January 21, 2020
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The radio business is a small community and there are good and bad times. These are some of the roughest waters we've experienced in a long time. If you're on the sidelines because of iHeartMedia's recent "Hub" announcement (NET NEWS 1/14), it's important find ways to keep yourself in a positive frame of mind.
Some Good News ...
The good news is that numerous VPs/Programming have been looking at the list of recently displaced iHeartMedia veterans in hopes of plugging holes at their companies. Unfortunately, applying for a job and getting hired takes a lot longer than it used to.
Think Before You Leap ...
My personal experience with unemployment taught me to look at jobs outside of radio while waiting. Don't rush to judgment, take the time to research and come up with a strategic plan before making moves. Make a list of the decision makers in various business sectors you've met and see where it leads you.
When Updating Your Resume ...
The first hurdle is to apply online; only a select few stations or related audio media want you to use snail mail any more. Your resume should provide information pertaining to radio and not every job you have ever had. The point is to increase the possibility for a potential employer to focus on your qualifications for the specific job.
Air Personalities ... Programmers
Besides having an aircheck demo, make sure to list the digital automation systems you are familiar with; Prophet/NexGen, WideOrbit, Media Touch, Audio-Vault, etc. In addition, include your production audio editing software expertise; Cool Edit, Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, etc.
For those with Programming or Music Curating in their future, list the music scheduling systems you have worked on; RCS, MusicMaster, Powergold, Natural Music, etc. Be ready with a strategic programming plan and include your knowledge of Nielsen diary and PPM methodology.
Other Useful Skills:
- Digital media skills
- Social media abilities
- Content Management expertise
- Writing
- Video Editing
- Website development/Upkeep
- Power Point
- Excel or other spreadsheet programs
- Microsoft Word & Office
Keep Busy ...
The waiting is the hardest part of unemployment. Regardless, don't let your talents go to waste while you're searching for the next opportunity. Try to pick up some freelance or part-time work. If you're a morning guy, don't sit idly by, submit some material to prep services. If you're an air personality look for voice tracking jobs. If you're a PD, keep in touch with your programming buddies. And if nothing is available in radio, take a regular job to pay the bills.
Speaking From Experience ...
I speak from experience when it comes to waiting it out between gigs. The three non-radio jobs I remember the most; car sales, selling newspaper advertising, and going business to business selling vibrating massage pillows. All three taught me something. I learned how to negotiate and read people from selling cars. Ad sales gave me insight on the difficulties of convincing someone that spending money could make them money. Peddling massage pillows was a cash in hand business, and I learned people will listen to anything if you can pique their curiosity. Take this time away from radio to observe people in their daily lives, it might help plot a course for your future in or outside of audio media.
Support System ...
To those of you still employed, try and communicate with unemployed colleagues, don't let them drift. It is important to not abandon those on the beach. Give them leads on gigs in the industry or any jobs you hear about. The simple act of being there will have greater significance then you could ever imagine. Whenever possible a phone call is more personal than an e-mail or text.
Radio Skills Can Open Other Doors ...
A job in radio or related audio media platforms can be a gateway to another profession requiring a great communicator. There are other ways to make a living communicating to the masses -- podcasting, YouTube, steaming services, stand-alone streaming, apps. And that's just a sampling of the brave new world of audio media ... same skill set, just different delivery systems.
You Have A Leg Up ...
Many radio people are like snake charmers. There is something magical about radio that makes the regular world treat air personalities or programmers like relative's worthy of nepotism. You know your circumstances and should never feel as though you must live up to anyone's expectations other than your own.
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