You asked for it. The blog that says it all.
Well, maybe you didn't ask for it. Maybe I'm just feeling the need to set the record straight. Maybe I feel it's the time to vent. I worked a wedding two weeks ago and a half dozen people asked why I'm not on ZOK anymore. I guess it's not just Shooter's bar patrons that want to know the story. Some people know it, other people guess, some have no idea, others say I was fired. The "others" can pucker up and kiss where the sun doesn't shine. Being as I'm not employed by any radio station I feel I risk nothing in being candid about my thoughts and opinions about what happened and where radio may be headed in the not-so-distant future, and since I already wrote one blog on my start/end date scenario, I'll get right into the deep end. Will I regret sharing these thoughts? Doubt it.
You see, on March 31st I was told the next day would be my last day on 97ZOK. Why? To make room for Rick Dees' "Daily Dees". But why is someone still on the air in (what used to be) my time-slot? Well here is how 'small market' radio works, the Program Director is almost always on the air and in order to make room for the Rick Dees program it was decided that Sweet Lenny had to be moved to afternoon drive. This decision was completely out of his hands.He (SL)always said I was his "right hand man", and I never doubted that, still don't. When i was told of this decision I was also presented an offer that was "too good to pass up" because I was "invaluable" to Cumulus Broadcasting. Roll up your pant legs, the b.s. is starting to rise. The offer to "super produce" a morning show out of Atlanta that also simulcast in Indianapolis and Nashville. In my head I immediately thought that it a position for a glorified board-op, of course I was assured it would be much more than that. I was also promised on-air shifts whether it be afternoon fill-in or weekends. All this was promised IF I decided to move to Indianapolis. Let's not forget about the pay cut. Oh wait, If I moved and continued doing ZOK's imaging and website I would be financially compensated for my efforts. We also talked about me coming back and being part time if it didn't work out, as long as a gave a proper notice and trained someone. Now, in my head I'm already starting to panic about either being unemployed or moving to a place where I don't know anyone, be away from my son, family & friends, and pretty much start over. Yikes, could I handle it? Ultimately the answer would be no. I had four days to decided if I wanted to make a decision and after accepting I was told I would be start in seven days non-negotiable. In the end it was indeed too good... to be true.
I took the job and went to Indy with two laundry baskets, toiletries, and an I-pass. After my brother, his wife, my nephew, my son, and his mother left, depression set in immediately. After 2 days of being "trained" by someone that repeatedly asked me questions, I realized this would end up being a joke of a job. Albeit a joke for someone new to the business, but not someone that was nearly a decade deep with 5 years of full time on air experience. I'm not going to rip on the morning show, but it definitely did better in their home market verses Indy & Nashville. The job was boring, and slow, and the morale in the building was negative, for the most part. I met some cool people, but between the crappy job, driving back and forth from Indy to Rockford to stay sane, and the 2 star hotel I was living in, wasn't helping me enjoy Indianapolis. The remotes I was promised didn't exist, and the air shifts were in the same boat. I was ready to go back to Rockford, and get back as soon as I could. I had received word of a possible job in Rockford and gave my notice with Cumulus in Indiana. Well, at least I could come back to 97ZOK on a part time basis. That thought lingered in my head and motivated me to train someone for those two weeks, ironically it was the same person that trained me. Four days after giving my notice I got a phone call from Cumulus-Rockford and based on the tone of the voice on the other end I knew it wasn't going to be good. "Sorry JB, but corporate won't let you come back part time. If you leave that market you'll no longer be a part of the company." I don't think it was my old GM's decision, at least I hope it wasn't. I know it had a lot to do with the legendary Jan Jeffries. I now know that job offers need to be confirmed and in writing before leaving a previous job.
Jan Jeffries... I'm sure he's already shared my story with others as some sort or twisted motivation. "I'm fired his ass, that's what I do. If I give you opportunity then damn-it you better take it." Most likely those words has come from his mouth. Maybe my ego is just hoping he's referred to me in some story in the last 8 weeks or so. His philosophy on Cumulus being run like a 'mom and pop' business is a bunch of crap. If that were the case employees would be people and not a number. Even if you bust your ass, when it comes to money, Cumulus (corporate) doesn't care. A week after moving me to Indy, they fired a promotions director that put her heart and soul into her job. My first day in Indy they fired a 32 year employee because he 'didn't fit' the direction they wanted to take the station. Is it coincidence that these things are happening while they acquire Citadel? I think not. The business side of me wants to understand that would can hire a Rick Dees or a Billy Bush or Cody Allen, or a Bert Weiss and have them syndicate or voice track for multiple stations and save money instead of employing a handful of air talent. After reading that last sentence it dawned on me how each of them probably have producers and staff, which means Cumulus is probably almost at the same level of pay had they kept the jocks that do it all themselves and probably do a great job as well. "Why hire 100 when we could hire 10? Who cares about being local?" Blah, blah, blah. I hope that some companies keep it local. Not only because I have some great friends in the radio business, but because that is how radio should be; local.
Do I think Cumulus would ever hire me again? I can't answer that. Would I work for them again? Maybe, if it was under my terms. It should be completely obvious that I miss the business. It's part of who I am. I'm done saying 'it's part of who I was', because my heart tells me I'll do it again. Odds are it won't be soon, seeing as no one in Rockford is looking for full time staff. I don't care the format or time slot, I will return to the air waves. When that day comes, prepare to be locked in, prepare to hear a refreshed version of me. No matter where it is, I'll pour my heart and soul over the microphone. For now you can come see me at Shooter's because they've hired me get them back on the map. They're awesome for that, and you're awesome for for reading this. As always, comments encouraged. Come back soon.
You see, on March 31st I was told the next day would be my last day on 97ZOK. Why? To make room for Rick Dees' "Daily Dees". But why is someone still on the air in (what used to be) my time-slot? Well here is how 'small market' radio works, the Program Director is almost always on the air and in order to make room for the Rick Dees program it was decided that Sweet Lenny had to be moved to afternoon drive. This decision was completely out of his hands.He (SL)always said I was his "right hand man", and I never doubted that, still don't. When i was told of this decision I was also presented an offer that was "too good to pass up" because I was "invaluable" to Cumulus Broadcasting. Roll up your pant legs, the b.s. is starting to rise. The offer to "super produce" a morning show out of Atlanta that also simulcast in Indianapolis and Nashville. In my head I immediately thought that it a position for a glorified board-op, of course I was assured it would be much more than that. I was also promised on-air shifts whether it be afternoon fill-in or weekends. All this was promised IF I decided to move to Indianapolis. Let's not forget about the pay cut. Oh wait, If I moved and continued doing ZOK's imaging and website I would be financially compensated for my efforts. We also talked about me coming back and being part time if it didn't work out, as long as a gave a proper notice and trained someone. Now, in my head I'm already starting to panic about either being unemployed or moving to a place where I don't know anyone, be away from my son, family & friends, and pretty much start over. Yikes, could I handle it? Ultimately the answer would be no. I had four days to decided if I wanted to make a decision and after accepting I was told I would be start in seven days non-negotiable. In the end it was indeed too good... to be true.
I took the job and went to Indy with two laundry baskets, toiletries, and an I-pass. After my brother, his wife, my nephew, my son, and his mother left, depression set in immediately. After 2 days of being "trained" by someone that repeatedly asked me questions, I realized this would end up being a joke of a job. Albeit a joke for someone new to the business, but not someone that was nearly a decade deep with 5 years of full time on air experience. I'm not going to rip on the morning show, but it definitely did better in their home market verses Indy & Nashville. The job was boring, and slow, and the morale in the building was negative, for the most part. I met some cool people, but between the crappy job, driving back and forth from Indy to Rockford to stay sane, and the 2 star hotel I was living in, wasn't helping me enjoy Indianapolis. The remotes I was promised didn't exist, and the air shifts were in the same boat. I was ready to go back to Rockford, and get back as soon as I could. I had received word of a possible job in Rockford and gave my notice with Cumulus in Indiana. Well, at least I could come back to 97ZOK on a part time basis. That thought lingered in my head and motivated me to train someone for those two weeks, ironically it was the same person that trained me. Four days after giving my notice I got a phone call from Cumulus-Rockford and based on the tone of the voice on the other end I knew it wasn't going to be good. "Sorry JB, but corporate won't let you come back part time. If you leave that market you'll no longer be a part of the company." I don't think it was my old GM's decision, at least I hope it wasn't. I know it had a lot to do with the legendary Jan Jeffries. I now know that job offers need to be confirmed and in writing before leaving a previous job.
Jan Jeffries... I'm sure he's already shared my story with others as some sort or twisted motivation. "I'm fired his ass, that's what I do. If I give you opportunity then damn-it you better take it." Most likely those words has come from his mouth. Maybe my ego is just hoping he's referred to me in some story in the last 8 weeks or so. His philosophy on Cumulus being run like a 'mom and pop' business is a bunch of crap. If that were the case employees would be people and not a number. Even if you bust your ass, when it comes to money, Cumulus (corporate) doesn't care. A week after moving me to Indy, they fired a promotions director that put her heart and soul into her job. My first day in Indy they fired a 32 year employee because he 'didn't fit' the direction they wanted to take the station. Is it coincidence that these things are happening while they acquire Citadel? I think not. The business side of me wants to understand that would can hire a Rick Dees or a Billy Bush or Cody Allen, or a Bert Weiss and have them syndicate or voice track for multiple stations and save money instead of employing a handful of air talent. After reading that last sentence it dawned on me how each of them probably have producers and staff, which means Cumulus is probably almost at the same level of pay had they kept the jocks that do it all themselves and probably do a great job as well. "Why hire 100 when we could hire 10? Who cares about being local?" Blah, blah, blah. I hope that some companies keep it local. Not only because I have some great friends in the radio business, but because that is how radio should be; local.
Do I think Cumulus would ever hire me again? I can't answer that. Would I work for them again? Maybe, if it was under my terms. It should be completely obvious that I miss the business. It's part of who I am. I'm done saying 'it's part of who I was', because my heart tells me I'll do it again. Odds are it won't be soon, seeing as no one in Rockford is looking for full time staff. I don't care the format or time slot, I will return to the air waves. When that day comes, prepare to be locked in, prepare to hear a refreshed version of me. No matter where it is, I'll pour my heart and soul over the microphone. For now you can come see me at Shooter's because they've hired me get them back on the map. They're awesome for that, and you're awesome for for reading this. As always, comments encouraged. Come back soon.
Rick dees is horrible
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I Quit listening to the radio- no local- not interested!! cds will give me more of what i want than somebody who isnt from our community and has no idea who we are!
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I know how you feel. I walked away from the business about 20 years ago, and every day I wish I was still on the air (without the useless bs that can come with it). Unfortunately, radio isn't the same as it was 20 years ago.
Just a couple notes:
1: Today was the first time I knew ZOK was running Rick Dees. My heart sank. ZOK is a heritage station, and the listeners deserve better than Rick Dee's trying to pronounce "Beyonce" through his loose dentures.
2: It's been awhile since i've heard it, but from what I can remember, The Bert Show is ok. They had their great moments (hanging up on Mariah Carey was entertaining at the time). Shame on Cumulus for watering down (for Atlanta listeners) a good show, and making it less local there.
3: I was hired to do weekends on Q100 while I was in Atlanta. I was to receive a call from the APD with the security code to the building. He was apparently fired the morning I was supposed to talk to him... so no weekend airtime for Tom (sounds like a fishy story, but true). The business can be silly.
Keep with it, enjoy the good experiences and learn from the bad.
You're very talented. The right gig will come along.
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