Farewell
Don Day | January 10, 2010
I’ve been working on this entry for a while. I probably let this site be a little bit more about me then it should have been – and you all were gracious to read it and comment and be so kind over the years.
In the nearly seven years I’ve been watching the radio industry, it has changed quite a bit. Lots of talented people now find work in other industries. Voicetracking has become the lion’s share of programming. Nearly every station is different than it was on IRN day one… if not in format, then in structure and staffing.
I’ve never drawn a paycheck from the radio industry – but have long been fascinated by it. If things had gone a bit differently here and there, I would have likely tried to make a career of it just as so many of you have. It’s an addicting form of media, and the creativity allowed is attractive to so many.
I should thank a few people: my parents for being such great guiding posts. My sister for listening to me read about a billion IRN posts followed by the question “does that make sense?” My business partner Aletia for putting up with me – and great friends like Kate and Kelsey and Melanie and Bri and dozens of others.
To the folks – anonymous or not – who have sent along tips, provided insight, corrected mistakes or been so kind with your words, thank you. I’ve derived a deep enjoyment from producing this site – due entirely to the great IRN community.
I’d love to throw down two cents of wisdom – but I’ll leave that to you. For my 18th birthday, my dad put together a really cool display of some of the things my then-recently-deceased grandfather had said in his life — and usually when I’m trying to draw wisdom or at least make myself sound smart… I look to that.
The one that might fit the best is “Quitting smoking’s easy, I’ve done it lots of times” — though this really will be the last hurrah here, I promise. The one that might apply best to radio (or radio contest-winners) is “The free seats always boo first” but this one I like the best:
The harder you work, the luckier you get.
See you around…
Earlier: Idaho Radio News to close
We’ve been here a few times before…
Editors’ note: Yes, once – but these are different circumstances.
We will miss you…Good luck in the future.
Thanks Don!
To quote your grandfather. “Done good.”
Once again- Thanks, Don, for providing this resource for all these years. This site has been informative, entertaining, and quite addictive. The withdrawals will be tough to endure. (*Twitch*)
May your future endeavors be prosperous!
Hey Don… again a big thank you for the countless hours you devoted to this sight for the enjoyment of all of us. It will be missed, but congrats to you on whatever it is you’re moving up to next. By the way, KTVB is kicking KGW’s butt with their web presence and even the number of fans they have on Facebook. I rarely get a news alert from KGW. Keep up the great work at Channel 7!
Don, I have been so impressed by what you have done over the past 7 years. Your use of this site to create open discussion of the radio industry has been accomplished in a spectacular manner! Your technical skills, writing ability, and insight just blows me away and has put many “professional” sites to shame!
Your site and been a great service to the radio industry. After all, it is the LISTENERS and consumers of products that are advertised that pay the bills at any radio station.
Consumers have never had more media choices…and radio always needs to remember it is the LISTENER that really matters..because without them, you are not “broad” casting…you are narrow” casting – to yourself! So thanks for all you have done for US, the readers over the past 7 years. It is much appreciated, and you will always have a place in “broadcasting history” as far as I am concerned. Keep up the great work at KTVB.COM.
Art
“Consumers have never had more media choices…and radio always needs to remember it is the LISTENER that really matters..because without them, you are not “broad” casting…you are narrow” casting – to yourself!”
You’d think that would be self-evident to the people who run what’s left of the broadcasting industry, but you’d be wrong. I remember a few years ago when I visited Clear Channel’s website. It said that the company was dedicated to serving the “end user.” Putting aside the corp-speak, it sounds like a noble goal…until I read on and realized that “end user” referred to ADVERTISERS. Talk about ass-backward thinking. No wonder C.C. (and the rest of the industry) is falling apart.
Anyway, let me hop off my soapbox for now. Thanks for the laughs, Don. I know I was occasionally a source of irritation for some of the other visitors to the site (not that it’s necessarily a bad thing to challenge people’s assumptions). Good luck with your future ventures.
Hey Don, Thanks for the memories (la,la,la,la….sing along). It’s been a real joy being able to keep up on the area from the edge here in Ontario. Just remember you will never get rid of the “Radio Bug”. The all the KTVB family hello for me.
God Bless and see you again soon,
Dale
that would be tell all the KTVB family hello for me. (I never could type)
Thank you , Don! Here’s a good-bye video for you all to enjoy.
Keep in touch!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uR5qszyWX2c
Thanks for sharing that with us Ray. I never worked for Sundance but knew lots of you over the years. That segment brings back memories of better days…. Funny I watched it several times just to relive the good old days when radio was a wee bit more fun and closer to the message of local people working for local people…..Take Care!
Don Day,
I know I’m late…. this is the death of something in the Boise market that no other market has. You have given me the ability to live vicariously through the lives of other people who somehow did not drink their way out of radio. I remember you when you were just that little kid annoying the crap out of me calling to find out where Deb went. Whatever your are doing just know that being a guy who drank him self out of radio this site will be missed. And if this is an april fools joke that I am just late on I will be pissed…hey do you have a copy of the “real Magic 93.1″ parody I did? Your good people and I wish you the best.
Kirk Frederick
AKA Scooter B.
Don,
Sorry, I’m late to the party, but living across the country news from Idaho doesn’t travel quite as fast. Thanks for the service you’ve provided through the years. As the former PD at KTSY, you always were fair and gave nice coverage to all of the valley’s radio, even little-ole’ non-comms. You’ve done and I’m sure will continue to do a great job at KTVB. It’s not just a premier site in the TV, but around the country.
Best,
Jerry