Richard Stroobant

Thanks for the reply Rob. As I mentioned... 1. The amount of Radio jobs in Canada (where my students are getting jobs) over the last 10 years is pretty flat (about a 1% decline). And that's ALL jobs in radio, not just announcing. 2. The amount of radio stations have increased in the last 10 years. (Less staff per station, but more radio stations in Canada) 3. The jobs ARE changing. Each position now has more responsibilities than it did 10 years ago. So when I wrote, "There are the same (or more) amount of jobs, but the jobs are different", the line that you attacked...I was right. So, I'll leave it at that. As you said...I honestly don't even know why I am bothering to comment. But, judging by your antagonist approach, I'm sure you'll want to have the last word. At least if you wanna go call bingo games, you know you have the skills to do it. (Oh, my apologies...was the un-Canadian of me too?) I'm sorry! My advice Rob, go back and read the headline for the article. Have a nice day!

Hi Rob, it's too bad you didn't do any research (as I've done) before you commented. In my class, that's a re-do. In Canada, in the 90's there were approximately 10,000 radio jobs. AND today? There are just over 10,000 jobs in radio. (I'm not good at math, but I think that's the same number?) The first link below shows there was about a 1% decrease in jobs in radio in the last 10 years. ONE PER CENT! Again, not good at math, but that's pretty close! AND, yes the jobs are the same (or actually slightly increasing) in the States as well. Below in the link from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that says, there is a 1% percent increase in jobs expected in the next 10 years in this vocation. And the number of radio stations in Canada are much more than in the 90's. Both in Canada...AND in the US. SO...when the author (ME) says "there are the same amount of jobs (or more) in radio"...I guess I was right after all Rob! Thanks for coming out though, what do we have for him Jim! https://www.statista.com/statistics/481241/canada-radio-industry-weekly-average-employees/ https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/16309/ca;jsessionid=3606621454FA1F7EB467D46DFAFB93E7.jobsearch75 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/announcers.htm

Thank you Don, Andy and Michael for not just reading the article, but also posting your comments. I really appreciate your take. Honestly, I wondered about even sending this "article/post/rant in to Jerry, or even having him publish it. (You can ask him). But like the first few lines said "I'm gonna ruffle a few feathers with this..." Andy, yeah I do know the guy, and I sure didn't mean to come across like a bully. It was more of a "here we go again". I'm tired of hearing from people who refused to adapt to what radio/audio is now. OR did not see this end coming one day and prepare for it. You do bring up some GREAT points. Some I totally agree with, and some I don't. Yes, in Canada it might be very different, and yes, the jobs at each radio station are dwindling...but there are more radio stations than back in the "glory days". There are the same (or more) amount of jobs, but the jobs are different. You don't just do a morning show from 6-9am and go home. So, radio grads need to be able to write, produce, voice track, do voicer-overs, schedule music, etc...and this past year, do ALL OF IT from home. They are learning new skills like problem solving, technology challenges and equipment solutions, that the grad class from last year never had to learn. Plus, they have to participate in social media on top of everything else. And not just Facebook and Instagram, but Tik Tok, Snapchat, Clubhouse, Twitter Spaces, or Caffeine. And they are leaving schools with the talent to push aside the fossils who won't adapt/learn. Have a listen to some of the content I've posted from students in our program on "The Soundstage". My last two submission are from 1st year students, and they sound like medium market already. (Please go listen to them!) The "veterans" in larger markets who can't/won't learn these skills are being pushed aside by more qualified employees (who graduated 5 years ago and worked on those skills), and rightfully so. SOME of the vets can't do the job anymore, or won't for the same amount of money. My radio students are getting hired, year after year...well, at least the ones who are willing to go to Scrubwash, Saskatchewan for their first job. I apologize if any of the article made anyone feel ashamed for getting laid off. That was not the intent, at all. BUT, did they honestly not see it coming? Years ago? Did they not see people before them (older than them) get let go and think..."Maybe one day that'll be me?" This industry is not a lifelong profession for most people, even if it is a lifelong passion. Maybe it used to be where someone works until they are 65, but just cause someone has a great voice, doesn't mean they deserve a job. Andy, you made a FANTASTIC point..."he's a teacher, should he not offer suggestions?" Yup, you're right. I should. And I will...next month. A follow up article is forthcoming, "What do we do now?" Don, Michael...great points as well. It is an art form that we put "out there" to be consumed/enjoyed by our audience. Michael is right, it is personal, and maybe that's why it hurts so much. Our canvas, our stage has been taken away. BUT there are other avenues to display that creativity. Yup, podcasts are one avenue. But like Don says, how do you make money at it? There are billions of podcasts out there, and only a small percentage make enough to pay for the equipment they use to create that audio. Don, next month, I will offer some "suggestions" on what the next phase looks like for people who aren't in radio anymore. Stay tuned! (How's that for teasing the audience over the quater-hour for more ratings...LOL)

Joel, you were one of my biggest influences in becoming a producer. I heard your stuff (with the frog "ribbit") and I was HOOKED, seriously. It led to a 20 year career as a producer at a rock station Canada and now a 15 year career teaching audio production at a post secondary college. I owe you a beer...or several. LOVED your stuff man. Thank you!