On a serious note, for those of you who might find yourselves negatively affected by the economy; either out of work or wanting to make a change, please give me a call at the Dept. of Labor. My office number is 642-9361 ext 3283. We can go over your options, including education dollars or a change in career path, or both.

When I was in the throws of divorce many years ago, I was trying unsuccessfully to hide the pain of losing someone I loved despite the dysfunctionality of our relationship. While backstage at a George Jones concert, George’s wife Nancy (who has stayed with him all these years) asked me why I was down. When I told her she said, “There’s life after Divorce… Just ask George.” It was hard to see at the time but she was right. I say the same is true for radio. There is life after radio … you write your own ticket.

Amen to that. I just hope there’s something left standing when the storm passes.

This “recession” doesn’t seem to have an end coming soon – so there will probably be even more cuts, but if we’re lucky our friends and colleagues will find their way through the storm.

Good thing Ian knows I only pick on him because I like him (and, he’s fun to pcik on… ).

You might wonder, am I completly bitter at Peak? No. The economy is what it is, it sucks. Obviously I am dissapointed that I was let go, but with no show to run, what else could they do?

Kinda funny, but about a month after we started the Jon & Chris Show (of whom I adore, they are the brother and sister I never had.. worked fwith them back in the Owyhee Plaza days as well) my wife and I sat over dinner and she said, “I think you have found your career”. I thought so, too. I had worked in radio from 92 to 99, part of which was during the evil Clear Channel days… Hated them back then. Peak was different. I was treated better than I had been treated as an employee in a long time.

Look, I am no major talent guy. I can interact and put sentences together that make sense… I run a good board, I research well, I can even voice track when needed to, and do a good job on technical issues. If the need arises, someone get a hold of me, I am sure Don Day can pint you in my direction… But don’t make this a “It’s all Peak’s fault” bash… None of us are bitter. Do I think they could have done things a bit differently here and there, sure! I have thought that about every employer I have worked for, and we all think that.

I hope to make radio my career again, soon. Of course I would, I am unemployed now, right? Happy New Year to all of you!

“Maybe a poor analogy, but maybe it made sense.”

No, it’s really not a poor analogy. I would add to it the fact that, if you don’t have any jobs for people to fill, if and when the day comes that you decide that you DO want to employ humans, there won’t be a “minor league” for you to draw from.

Ultimately, the economy is like a circular river. If anyone takes all the water (money) out of the river at any point, there isn’t any left to come around again.

In an ideal situation, everybody gets a chance to take some money out. NOTE: I didn’t say an “equal amount” and I said “chance,” not “guarantee.” I’m not talking Commie here, just rational (as opposed to completely unregulated) capitalism.

One correction to your analogy: Cows make milk. Steers make steaks. But really you’re not too far off base… without the cow, you wouldn’t get the steer.

1. Non-profits are technically non-profit. They are not allowed to make any money AFTER PAYING EXPENSES. They pay staff and buy what they need but make no money on top of that. I work for a company that manages 10 non-profits and everything in their bank accounts has to go to company needs.

2. Not all radio companies in this town are public…I didn’t know most of that about the shares and all that, but if they aren’t public that doesn’t matter.

3. Everything I meant to say was restated in your uppercase paragraph…everything there I completely agree with. Seriously….it’s all about employee morale. So uh, triple bingo?

And RDS,

I was trying to say what you said but not so eloquently. Where is tomorrow’s talent, engineers, etc. coming from? If no one gives anyone a chance anymore then no one new learns. The only hope is that someone sees an intern and teaches them everyone they know OR that our college radio stations will be run as professionally as possible and by people who know what they’re doing. And dare I say by people who understand commercial radio, so these people can leave and fit right in with a commercial radio station.

People say radio is dying, but if it is it’s not because no one is listening it’s because there will be no one to run it in 20 years.