Surviving the Great Radio Purge of 2020

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Tracy Johnson

What a start to 2020. Nearly everyone in the radio industry has either lost a job or knows someone who has. The Great Radio Purge came suddenly and cut deep. And there may be more to come. Major broadcast companies sometimes tend to play follow the leader. But one thing is for sure: Hundreds of good people are wondering what happens next.

Some will get out of the business. Others will fight back. Some will use it as motivation to advance their career. But this is certain: This event requires action from every single person in radio. Here's what to do now.

For Everyone

Planning the future is always a good idea. Think about where you want to be and plot a course to get there.

• Identify Goals. Taking the next offer (or any offer) is tempting. But make sure it fits your career goals. Where do you want to end up? Focus on moves that move you closer to that goal. Being downsized is a setback, not a career killer. However, a series of hops from job to job might be. When on the beach, you may not be able to be as selective, but try not to make decisions out of desperation. For those working and worried, develop a plan. Now!
• Expand the Possibilities. Identifying goals often uncovers opportunities never considered. Some personalities and programmers think of themselves as a format specialist, but talented people can adapt. This may be just what you need for a major breakthrough. Similarly, smaller companies and markets could be a perfect fit. Or apply skills in new ways. Don't limit your search to just radio. What else could you do?
• Update Your Presentation. Getting a Gig is constantly marketing. How long has it been since the resume, cover letter and audio demo has been updated? It's time to make it great.
• Get Listed in the TJMG Talent Pool. The free service for personalities, programmers, producers and promotions managers is already connecting talent with radio stations. Everyone should be listed. Click HERE to join. Don't wait until it's urgent. Get in there now!
• Be grateful. Be grateful. Many are afraid, anxious and worried. That's natural. Find something to be grateful for each day and make it a priority to keep a strong, positive attitude even if everyone else is freaking out.

Editor's Note- You should also check the Radio Online job listings HERE. These listings are updated constantly.

Victims of The Great Radio Purge

The biggest problem with mass layoffs is a flood of talent competing for fewer available positions. Realize that finding the next gig may take a while. Here are some things to do immediately:

• Move Past the Pain. This is hard. It's human nature to be angry and bitter. I would be, too. But that won't help Get That Gig. Turn the page and don't look back. Fill your day with positive thoughts looking forward to a better tomorrow. Don't let negativity or disappointment affect how the industry and prospective employers view you. If it takes time to "get there", fake it til you make it!
• Network.Make contact with every colleague and contact as soon as possible. Reach out to everyone you know even if it's not a close relationship. Be proactive. Don't be shy or embarrassed. For tips on networking to Get That Gig, go here.
• Watch the Get That Gig Webinar. This is a step by step tutorial on how to go after a job in radio. It's free. Watch it href="https://tjohnsonmediagroup.com/webinars-on-demand/get-that-gig-seminar-on-demand/">HERE.
• Start New Projects. With time on your hands, increase skills. Launch a new podcast. Build a personal website for marketing your personal brand. Learn new skills.

For Everyone Who Knows a Victim

I was terminated from a PD job in 1988. An hour later, my phone rang. It was Scott Shannon. He told me he had been following my career "since you were a Baby DJ in Lincoln, Nebraska." Scott told me this would be a good thing and offered his help. Decades later, that moment remains a career highlight. Be that person for someone else.

Be compassionate. Reach out. Some folks are reluctant to reach out to you. It's awkward, even though it's not their fault. Put yourself in their place. An updated list of victims is available here and here. Know someone on the list? Offer support support to help them through a difficult time.

Conclusion

The frightening thing is that the circumstances that led to the Great Radio Purge are out of any victim's control. It's not because of poor performance or low ratings. The "dislocation" is downsizing, and radio isn't the only industry affected.

It has happened to Blockbuster Video. Tower Records. Newspapers. Magazines. It's happened to assembly lines, warehouses and hundreds of other job categories.

Radio is not immune from the reality of economics and efficiencies made possible through technology.

No, I do not think radio is the next Kodak. But anyone believing this is isolated and "now we've finally reached the bottom" is naive. This is a major step toward nationalization/regionalization of radio programming. Most of it is economic. Some is applying their strongest creative skills more effectively. I understand it. Don't count on those jobs coming back.

Here's my best advice: If you love what you do and are great at it, radio is a vibrant career. Just don't depend on a company to protect or provide for the future. To those hurting: I'm sorry. I feel for you. Please let me know how I can help.

This article is a special Radio Online contribution from Tracy Johnson, CEO, President of Tracy Johnson Media Group