We work in the radio industry where moving is often essential for career development and growth. Well, I am moving. I’ll tell you where later in the article.
In April of 2019, I was unemployed, reeling from the passing of my parents and going through a divorce. I personally needed a reset for almost everything in my life. I didn’t know what was next for me. Then, I found an ad looking for a PD. I replied and started the conversations that led me to Zimmer Marketing’s KZRG in Joplin.
Previously, I worked in New York City, San Francisco, Minneapolis, and San Antonio. Why go to a market like Joplin? Well, KZRG was doing big market-style radio. Large news staff, stable management, etc…It seemed like a great place to go. So, I accepted and started on May 1, 2019. It was the right place at the right time for me.
So, I am leaving. A career opportunity presented itself to me and it was a chance that I could not pass on. Mobility has always been the path for career advancement in our industry. There are very few radio personalities and managers who have stayed in one market and reached their peak potential. Some people love their hometown and are frightened to take a risk. You could likely be typecast in your hometown. People will think of you as that guy/gal who does this thing at the radio station. Even if you have strong potential to move up, you will be passed over. Why? You fill a role and it would be tough to find a great person to replace you.
Where are you in your career? Have you been downsized? Have you been out of the business for a few years and missed being in a radio station? You may be the exact individual for KZRG. Joplin is an easy place in which to live that is not far from larger cities with bigger amenities. I could zip to Springfield, Northwest Arkansas, and Tulsa for things that I wanted to see and do.
Are you a Producer who wants your Program Director stripes? I was a producer, sidekick, and talk show host in Minneapolis for over 8 years, and I needed to reach my potential. I was considered that capable producer who you could plug into almost any role in the building except for management, and I knew that I could be an excellent Program Director.
Perhaps, you were a talk show host who has been out of the business for a while. You miss sharing your opinions. Do you miss the sights, smells, and sounds of a radio station? Joplin is a great city with strong conservative values. This is Trump Country.
Ok, Zimmer Marketing’s KZRG could be that reboot for your career. Fun city, low taxes, and some very good restaurants could be your next step. Top shelf management with a creative atmosphere. The Zimmer Marketing Stations could hold their own in a much larger market. I have had some amazing times in this building, and I feel great affection for the team. You will feel the same way.
This is a major job in a small town. Innovation is key. Are you a thinker? How are your problem-solving skills? Are you willing to roll your sleeves up? You must be able to leave your ego at the door. Do you like to laugh? The staff is fun. This is a work-hard and play-hard environment. Are you the type of individual who can build relationships in the community? Can you be an ambassador?
If you have the chops, send a cover letter and resume to jobs@zrimarketing.com
Ok, if it is this good: Why leave? It is for the challenge. I have never been a person to rest on my laurels. I was approached about programming two of the greatest brands in the USA. Just to be thought of as a candidate was a great honor. These brands needed a new shepherd, and I could not ignore the call. The team is amazing, and the opportunity was something that I could not pass up.
I am proud to state that I will be the new Director of Spoken Word for iHeart Radio in Des Moines. I will be walking into the same station that Ronald Reagan worked at many years ago, Newsradio 1040 WHO. WHO is a jewel of a station that has awesome local programming and strong news, traffic, and weather. KXNO is an incredible sports talk station. It features a terrific staff that entertains the Des Moines metro. I am pumped to be joining this team.
I will still be writing my weekly articles because I like sharing my experiences and knowledge. I enjoy the challenge of writing a new article each week and trying to provide you with some sage advice or something to chew on. If you can learn something from these columns, that is great. I hope that these articles will jar memories of some fundamentals that you may have forgotten to deploy in your work.
Radio in 2024 will be about adaptation. We need to reinvent some aspects of our medium. We also need to focus like never before on solidifying our place in the markets we serve. I hope that your new year will be the best that it can be. We know so much more about radio listening habits.
Even though PPM has flaws, it has taught us about our audience. Every moment on your station is equally important. In 2024, don’t forget to super-serve your target demographic. Hone into everything about your audience.
Peter Thiele is a weekly news/talk radio columnist for Barrett Media, and an experienced news/talk radio programmer. He recently served as program director for WHO/KXNO in Des Moines, IA. Prior to that role he held programming positions in New York City, San Francisco, Little Rock, Greenville, Hunstville, and Joplin. Peter has also worked as a host, account executive and producer in Minneapolis, and San Antonio. He can be found on Twitter at @PeterThiele.
