I am confident we can all agree that a work environment that breeds fear of job loss is not healthy. One that has you looking over your shoulder, hoping you don’t make that one mistake or say the wrong thing that will “get me on the corporate radar.”
I remember feeling that the sword of Damocles was hanging over my head every year from November through the end of each year. Now, it’s not just the fourth quarter; as they say in the sports world, it’s “any given day.”
I was RIF’ed twice by a major company. Twice only because I was dumb enough to go back for more after the first.
Recently, in producing content for Barrett Media, I have seen some of this job fear up close and personal.
I talked with a Program Director for a major company about being a regular contributor to Barrett Music Radio. He said he was concerned that corporate might notice if his byline started popping up on our website. He feared this could lead to the thought that he didn’t have enough to do, which might make his position expendable.
Another recent case was just this week.
I set out to write a piece with a person whose producing and content work I have long admired. It turned into an entirely different piece. While speaking candidly, he did so under the cloak of anonymity because his employer “might not like it.”
It’s all about “flying under the corporate radar, ” living in fear of your job, and looking over your shoulder for that syndicated show that is always about to be piped in.
Then I came across this. When talking to industry leaders, I like to close the conversation by asking, “Is there anything else you would like to talk about?”
A large market programmer who also asked not to be named told me, “There is but I’m not sure I want my name attached to it.”
“I wonder if the time hasn’t come for radio to unionize?”
No wonder he didn’t want his name attached. That is a big grenade. Of course, there are major market stations and talent that are part of a union, but those drop off dramatically outside the top ten markets.
He indicated his intent to approach some of his colleagues to see how they felt about the idea—adding that it’s time for everyone to stop fearing for the job daily.
He put this on my radar, and I want to explore it with you in the coming weeks.
What do you think? Is it time for radio to unionize? I would love to hear your thoughts and guarantee you will share them anonymously.
Email me here, and we will take the industry’s temperature in the coming weeks. I’m eager to hear what you think.
Community Connections:
95.5 KLOS Los Angeles broke its own record by raising $1.25 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The two-day event over 26 hours broke the previous record of $1 million.
Brooke & Jeffrey are hosting a “Merch for a Cause” fundraiser to benefit California Wildfire relief. The proceeds will go to Convoy of Hope, a non-profit that helps rebuild and support impacted communities. Visit convoyofhope.org.
Industry Happenings:
Congratulations to 95.7 WHIO-FM and 1290 WHIO-AM, who recently celebrated 90 years of broadcasting in Dayton, OH. The stations are owned by The Cox Media Group.
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. will continue its mentorship program with Country Radio Broadcasters. Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Country Radio is designed to enhance female leadership in Country radio.
One mentee will experience a year-long program with personal coaching from radio and music industry leaders. Find out more here.
Add Ons:
The Texas Radio Hall of Fame is conducting its annual membership drive offering a reduced fee through March. More information is available here.
San Francisco NPR and PBS affiliate KQED has implemented MaxxCasting to improve its signal in the East Bay. The four-node system is designed to help with coverage in areas with a high population density or challenging topography.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
Jeff Lynn serves as Editor of Barrett Media’s Music Radio coverage. Prior to joining Barrett Media, Jeff spent time programming in Milwaukee, Omaha, Cleveland, Des Moines, and Madison for multiple radio groups, including iHeartMedia, Townsquare Media, NRG Media, and Entercom (now Audacy). He also worked as a Country Format Editor for All Access until the outlet shut down in August 2023.
To get in touch with Jeff by email, reach him at Jeff@BarrettMedia.com.
