12 (+10) Things to Stop Saying to People Who Work in Radio

This post from Gillianradio on “12 Thing To Stop Saying to People Who Work in Radio” imade the rounds of the industry earlier this year. I’d like to add the following:

1. “Must be nice working just four/five/six hours a day.”

Anyone who works in the business knows that this is utter bullshit. Sure, we may be on the air for a reasonably short period of time, but there’s also hours of showprep, production, administrative work and other off-air work (station appearances, charity work, etc.)  that needs to be done. Some of us also work hideous hours (just ask morning show people or those who work swing shifts) plus have pulled more overnight and holiday shifts (and plenty of overnight shifts on holidays) than we care to remember.

I’ve never worked a 40-hour week in my life; in fact, I know of no one in the business–at least no one who has made a career of this–who works that little. Radio permeates everything we do, 24/7. It’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle. True radio people don’t complain about this, either. We love what we do that much.

2.”People tell me I have a good voice and that I should get into radio.”

There is way more to being successful at radio than a good voice. If you don’t have the mindset, the work ethic and radio in your blood, you don’t belong.

3,”No one listens to radio anymore.”

Thanks for invalidating my career choice, asshole. Besides, you’re wrong. In North America, somewhere between 90 and 93% of the population tunes into radio every single week. Yes, new technologies and consumer habits pose some formidable challenges, but we in the business are slowly figuring it out.

4.”Can you play my band’s song on your show?”

No. Go through my station’s music director and/or program director.

5.”Why do you play the same songs over and over?”

Because that’s my job. I don’t choose what I play; I’m just following the music log. If you really want me to explain why radio stations repeat songs so much, give me a couple of hours and I’ll explain the science of music programming to you.

6.”You’re just reading other people’s words.”

What? We have a staff of writers? What reality are you living in??

7.”Can I come in and watch you do your show?”

No. I’m busy. And besides, you’ll be bored to tears–unless you have radio in your blood. Then you’ll find the process fascinating.

8.”Do you know [insert name of artist here]?”

We might have interviewed or encountered that person, but actually know them? Doubtful.

9.”Your stations SUCKS!”

Then don’t listen. I won’t mind.

10.”I’ll bet you get laid a lot!”

Hahahahahahahahahahahaha–*hack*hack*cough*cough*cough*…

Radio folk: anything else that pisses you off and needs correction?