A Life Lesson Thanks To Radio

Today's piece is unlike most where we specifically look at social media and why it matters.

When I read a short story on "life lessons" this week written by Terry Jaymes, from the legendary, Lex and Terry show, it took me back 9 years, in 2008, when I was downsized as a Program Director for what was at the time Clear Channel.

It was the hardest day of my career; it was also the most important.

I chose to leave day to day programming and study this emerging social media space. (That's really where my passion was.)

And due to smart (and hard) work, everything worked out well.

I'm not alone in life lessons and often "forced" change.

Terry gives Fred Jacobs, President of Jacobs Media, a tip of the hat for evolving. I would add Fred's brother, Paul, to the list of early adopters for helping to develop and launch jacAPPS, their app development firm.

Look at Joel Denver, our President/Publisher here at All Access. He left the now defunct radio trade print publication, Radio & Records, because he had the foresight to know digital publications would eventually be what folks would consume.

And there are so many others in our industry; rather than fight change, they discovered new strengths and new careers along the way.

Fisher, who is now Technical Product Manager for Cox Media Group Digital & Strategy Team, once ran radio stations for Cox Media.

And Tim Clarke, who was also a fine Program Director at Cox Media, is now their Senior Director of Digital.

But evolving does not always mean changing career paths.

Look at the array of talent that have extended their hours and expanded bandwidth in order to ensure they are still making an impact today.

The legendary Tom Barnard, KQRS/Minneapolis, began a podcast long before it became a buzzword.

Every day he leaves his highly rated "mothership" (FM stick) radio show and creates a completely different show surrounded by mostly his family. It's a huge revenue generator.

And WCBS-FM/New York, Broadway Bill Lee - his use of video creates hundreds of thousands of views and shares each week, earning him incredible top of mind.

Twitter found him so appealing they created what's called a "Twitter Moment" around his on-air video 'takes' and asked, "Is this the most enthusiastic radio DJ in the world?"

They've never done this for any radio talent.

There's a great list of evolvers, adaptors, folks upping the game and changing the landscape in which we operate.

If you're finding yourself at a crossroads in your current position or looking for a new one - my hope is you'll take the time to read Terry Jaymes's piece.

And remember these wise words:

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