Trust me, those get me in trouble on a daily basis -- both personally and professionally.
And it's amazing how much I've actually backed off into a place where it's bordering on ambivalence.
But I'm quickly getting off-topic here, so let me explain.
Earlier this week, iHeart Radio laid off a lot of talented broadcasters as they "restructure" or whatever they want to call it. The layoffs went from coast to coast and around many markets of varying sizes.
iHeart is continuing the trend of corporate radio losing its local flavor. It's sad how few places have a presence close to their city of license and further how few have any presence 24 hours a day. It feels like iHeart and others are trying to homogenize it.
Many of us in the business expressed our sadness over what happened this week and wished those out of work well. One site I frequent posted a request on Facebook for any advice to be given to those now looking for work.
"Get out while u can. lol," came one smart ass response.
I gripped the computer and tried to not launch it across the room. Instead, fellow understanding broadcasters (and "VOICES" of high school sports in Ohio) Nate Stidham and Mike Hirn caught my rage.
They weren't pleased, either.
I replied to the post with encouragement, as did Mike. Really. What more can we do right now? The very point is to not get out (lol) but to, more importantly, not let the bastards get you down (lol).
"Don't let this deter you or run you out of the business," I wrote.
Even if the poster was kidding (lol) it wasn't the right time for it. Don't kick a soul when they're down.
But I see this a lot. I see it in the play-by-play group. In the public address announcer group. In the AM Radio group and other places.
It's the person who insists on saying that radio is dead or to get out of the industry that you're in or whatever. It's that the sky is falling (and, sure, maybe it is).
Look, I'm all for blunt honesty and realism (back to that again) but, sometimes, it's best to just simply shut your microphone hole.
You know, "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all," as spoken by noted philosopher Thumper.
Yes, we get it. Radio is in flux at the moment. This iHeart news rattled the industry a bit. I'm dealing with questions all the time on the future of WGCH (which is, you know, a RADIO station...on AM RADIO).
Yes, I further understand that play-by-play is an often low-paying gig. I explain that to my students. Why do you think I beg for EVERY game that I can possibly get? Why do you think I go nuts over the games that I lose out on?
So don't tell me about low-pay and so on.
But, and yes, this is me saying this, sometimes the honesty can be taken too far, especially in an arena like social media. If your goal is to look like a cynic or, worse, a "tough guy," then well done ol' chap! A bottle of Aqua Velva for you!
Otherwise, maybe just say nothing.
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