Here it is, New Year’s Eve, and a little more significant today than usual to me. It’s the last day of my contract with Clear Channel, and although there may be something down the road with them again, nothing immediately is happening. So my plans are to look elsewhere in the Los Angeles market for a new employer.
Radio is a very funny business. Someone once told me, “you’re hired to be fired”. Another industry friend said “You’re not really in radio until you’ve been fired at least 3 times”. It’s a business that depends on ratings and revenue, and there’s more pressure than ever when it comes to revenue. Wall street, bankers, accountants and the bottom line now rule what once was a very creative industry, that was run by the creative people.
When I came to L.A. in 1967, the axiom was “It takes money to make money”. Radio stations spent money on marketing and promotions first, and knew whatever their investment was, it would reap rewards that far exceeded the expenditure. My first few years in L.A., I was called into the manager’s office at least 5 times to be told they were giving me a raise. They appreciated my hard work and realized that I was a big asset to their station.
I know for a fact that budgets in radio are now cut to the bare bone, yet there are rumors of even more cuts coming and more radio people being fired in 2008. None of my radio friends that are still working got raises to renew contracts, and in many cases, escape clauses in their deals permit the owners a much lower payout if you’re fired. It’s a very tough time to be in broadcasting.
All that being said though, I love what I do! I’m looking forward to being on the air somewhere on the dial in the coming month of January, if circumstances all would work out with whatever new station I make a deal with. It’s been too long just writing my thoughts on my website. I realized that the other day when listener Marie sent me this eBay link.
Thank you for all the emails that continue to come in, especially from all of you who have followed me since my earliest L.A. days at 93/KHJ. For those of you who liked the KHJ Rose Parade float picture from 1970, here’s another one from a year earlier in 1969 when I was named the San Pedro Fisherman’s Fiesta Honorary Commodore. I wonder what has happened to the Fiesta Skipperettes who are in the picture with me? If you or anyone knows, tell them hi and email me some time. I love connecting with all of you who’ve known me since my start in L.A. and want to find out just how you’re doing now.
The Skipperettes from left to right are Donna Taylor, Jill Mosely, and Maria Marinovich, and we’re all 38 years older now, Wow!
And here’s a couple of KHJ music survey covers from my brief 1977 return to KHJ!
KHJ’s address was 5515 Melrose Avenue and Henry Winkler worked right next door at Paramount Studios, so he stopped by one morning before going to the set as the “Fonz” on “Happy Days”, and Donna Summer’s gold record for “I Feel Love” was her first top ten hit since her 1975 debut with “Love To Love You Baby”. It was just the beginning of a string of Disco smashes for Donna!
In today’s “BUZZ” link, Britney’s got a lot coming up in 2008, “Treasure” still the #1 movie, but there was a big surprise of a limited release film, Jimmy Fallon gets hitched, Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lynn Spears and J.K. Rowling rumors examined, a Miley Cyrus contest scandal, and wait till you see the Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale video at an L.A. drive-thru yesterday. “CLIPS” has part 2 of my visit with Rose Parade TV host Bob Eubanks, “GALLERY” with pictures from the Disco Fever concert in 2006 and Sly’s wife, Jennifer Flavin Stallone. “TALKBACK” has a very funny email and picture from a fellow radio personality in Fortaleza, Brazil.
Have a very Happy New Year! Remember, no drinking and driving. Stay safe!
Charlie
