Broadcasting Schools

Brice Lewis · Posted: Sat May 24, 2008, 16:08 (GMT) Post subject:

As a broadcaster in the process of trying to make the jump to full-time voice over work, let me throw thirty years of experience your way. Right now is NOT a good time to get into broadcasting. Radio stations are running leaner, with staffers voicetracking multiple stations in the chain; what few part time positions are available are mostly board ops (no talking) and all are minimum wage.

You would be better served spending the money a broadcast school would cost on voice training, the proper home studio, and someone to direct you in a decent demo. From then out, it's all you. Of course, there's continuing education in seminars and sessions with many of the folk you can find in these forums.

Lee Gordon · **Voice Talent** Joined: 22 Oct 2004 Posts: 1549

To continue with Brice's thought -- and not to put too fine a point on it -- if you are looking for a way to generate income, you can make just as much money these days (if not more) working at McDonalds. And you don't have to pay $10,000+ in tuition to learn how to flip burgers.

JC Haze · **Voice Talent** Joined: 10 Aug 2007 Posts: 86

Clinton and everyone else,

Sad but ALL very true. I hate to tell someone NOT to reach for their dreams...but....
After 28 years of fulltime radio, I have decided to keep doing P/T radio in Boston, and build my VO business.

Radio fact: 10% of radio talents make 80% of the money. The rest of us gobble up the remaining scraps (and that's being generous).

I was just sick & tired of making someone ELSE rich, while I try and figure out how to pay my oil bill, or update my 1997 Caravan. Laughing

Now...I'm doin' it all for ME (and the family, of course).
So my advice for you....Do what's best for YOU!

Scott Pollak · Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2008, 19:54 (GMT) Post subject:

Sorry to revive this thread, and I don't know how many folks will even re-visit it, but I just now got another re-affirmation of the pathetic pay of this type of profession (broadcasting, not v/o).

Was on CNN.com where I was reading an article titled "Amazing Gigs from A-Z" where they list a bunch of careers that they term 'amazing' and why. Along with that they list average salaries. For reasons I don't really agree with, they listed news reporter or broadcaster as an 'amazing' career. However, the average listed salary, which seems pretty accurate, at $33,470, is well down towards the bottom end of the salaries of all the jobs mentioned. If you're interested, here's the link:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/worklife/06/11/cb.amazing.jobs/index.html

John Weeks · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 186

Lee Gordon · **Voice Talent** Joined: 22 Oct 2004 Posts: 1549

Yeah, $33,470 seems a bit high to me. Must be those major markets pulling the average up. I'll bet the mean salary is closer to $27K.

John Weeks · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 186

JC Haze · **Voice Talent** Joined: 10 Aug 2007 Posts: 86

...and THAT's why there's such FINE talent in radio today. Because of General Managers, Programming heads, and owners who don't understand the old saying "GARBAGE IN....GARBAGE OUT." MOst of 'em are just a bunch of F#@ zensur

Lisa Foster · **Voice Talent** Joined: 13 Sep 2006 Posts: 24

Oh good grief, ya all got my dander up again about the radio biz! Wow - $15 and hour for a remote? Unbelievable - I can remember the days I pulled in $100 an HOUR for a remote - in a number 14 radio market! Yeah, just can't command those dollars these days - been in a steep decline in the last 3-5 years - I bailed in 2005 and haven't looked back! Very Happy

Clinton Nobles · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Mar 2008 Posts: 197

It is really sad how that is happening. Radio is such a part of Americana and I hate to see it suffering a slow painful death.

On a side note and touching on the first part of this thread. Next week I go to Nashville and tour the CBS also they are letting me get in on a Workshop they are having! I am really excited about this. That makes two workshops one Sat Morning and One Sunday.

Stoked!!!

Scott Pollak · Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2008, 16:55 (GMT) Post subject:

Clinton... anytime you're in the Atlanta area on a weekend, feel free to call me and if I'm on the air at 104.7 The Fish you're welcome to drop by the studio for a visit. My phone number is on my website.

This offer is good for any of you fine folks either here in Atlanta or visiting.

Clinton Nobles · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Mar 2008 Posts: 197

Allison Scussel · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 928

After reading the average salary quotes, I'm one lucky lady! I'm in a medium market, make more than the national average, and get $75 per hour for a remote with a two hour minimum.

So when the Gen Sales Manager pisses me off, ignorance is the best policy. heiss

BTW: I'm not lounging in a 25K sq foot house with a hot tub. Budgeting is still a prerequisite in this career..... and looking for a SWM in the medical profession. LOL Dancing