Lost My Radio Gig

Sometimes radio will rip your heart out and eat it. You can get fired for being an idiot. You can get fire for being a saint. You can get fire with high ratings as well as low ratings. Hell, you can get fired for fart'n in the studio before the PD's airshift. I got fired when our small hip hop station started snatching share points from a big Clear Channel aka iHeart aka J. Corp station. They just bought the station and fired us. I was like, damn...that was gangster. Anyway, what did I do? Yes sir...I invited the entire staff over to my house and we partied like we just won the lottery.

Remember, radio is showbiz and it's all about the money. The advertising dollars for radio are drying up and stations are struggling to stay in the black. So before you blame it on corporate thug'n or greed, pop in and ask the traffic director, how's it going with the inventory. How many direct clients are on the log? What's the barter load, make-goods and how much did nationals pay per spot? Even over-sold situations don't always mean big money. Now, take a tour of the rack room, all that tech costs a lot of coin not to mention your salary and those around you. Radio is taking a beat down by other media outlets, I get it but since self- preservation is the first law of nature, you need to get paid.

What now? First, grieve, cry, cuss, spit or whatever. Just build a bridge and get over it. Next, make sure your money will hold you over for a while. If not, get a junk job to keep the lights on. Now, update your resume and aircheck if applicable. Since radio is a nomadic industry, decide if you're willing to move. If so, start sending packages. If you have to stay, start networking and knocking on doors. It takes around six to eight months to find a new gig if you're diligent but you will find one. Make sure you are sending a package every day, no excuses. Your new job is to find a new job. That's what you do and that's how you do it. The only solution for your situation is a new gig. You will find the search is therapeutic, motivating and, fun. I've always said, "Life is an 80 or 90 year boot camp for eternity so live, love and laugh." You'll be fine.