Coaches Corner by Sam Weaver
Hey, Shift Happens …
You can’t always control change, but you can control how you react to it. Radio is always evolving, and sometimes that means shifting things around. It’s usually not personal, just business. I had a Zoom call with an air talent who got moved off afternoons, and he’s not happy. Right now, he’s just trying to figure out where he stands.
The Conversation…
Air Talent: Our new PD used to program our direct competitor. From day one, he’s acted like he didn’t want me around. He took over a few months ago.
Coach: Can you give me some specifics on why you think he doesn’t like you?
Air Talent: It’s just a feeling. I’ve stopped getting as many paid remotes as I used to. It’s a vibe I’m getting. Everything around here is so different now.
Coach: Are you sure you’re not being a little paranoid?
Air Talent: No. I’ll give you an example. The company has unofficially stopped doing quarterly employee evaluations.
Coach: That sounds like a corporate decision, not a personal one. You’re putting everything on the PD, and that’s not fair.
Air Talent: I see him as part of the company’s plan to push air staff out.
Coach: You’re taking this personally. He’s carrying out the wishes of upper management.
Air Talent: Okay, but getting moved from afternoons to evenings feels personal. He replaced me with the same woman who did afternoons for him at the competition. She never beat me in the ratings when she was over there. I had been doing afternoons for five years, so why would he do this unless he had it out for me?
Coach: You said he’s new and came over from the competition. The move probably has more to do with a face he’s comfortable with. He knows her, trusts her, and might even see her as a major part of his strategy. New PDs sometimes make adjustments. Did he fire the evening person you replaced?
Air Talent: No, he was furloughed, and no one has said if he’s coming back. My new position feels permanent.
Coach: Sounds like the PD is trying to strengthen the lineup, and this is how it played out. It’s like a Major League Baseball team shifting a hitter in the batting order or a football coach moving a running back to wide receiver. You’re still valuable, but this PD has a different vision. Did your salary change? How’s your interaction with him?
Air Talent: No, I actually got a slight bump in pay. He does biweekly air check critiques with all of us. It’s required by the company.
Coach: That’s actually a vote of confidence. I know your feelings are hurt, but the only constant in radio is change. You’re a pro. Work on your air act, follow directions, and don’t get caught up in the “Why me?” thing. What happened to your previous PD?
Air Talent: No one really knows. He had been here for six years, and none of us have heard from him since he left. The new guy is programming our station and another one in a different market.
Coach: You didn’t mention the other station. No wonder he seems distant. You’re internalizing everything, but he’s overloaded and still adjusting to new systems. Your situation matters, but step back and see the big picture.
Air Talent: I never got an explanation for my shift change. My ratings were solid.
Coach: Then he gets an F in handling that. He should have communicated better, especially since he hired your former rival. But you’re still there because you’re good. We’ve all worked under people who could use better management skills. Stop stressing and focus on doing a great job on the air.
Air Talent: I’ll do it, but I’m not happy about it.
Coach: I get it but cut your PD some slack and stay on your game.
They Moved Your Shift, Not Your Career…
At the end of the day, it’s about perspective. Here’s the reality, it’s easy to understand this air talent’s frustration. Change is never easy. In radio, you have to be adaptable. If you find yourself in this situation, take a step back. Are you still getting paid? Are you still on the air? If the answer is yes to both, then stay professional and focused. Because in radio, it’s just as much about what you do when the mic is off.
And if you need some friendly advice, drop me an email; samweaver@samweavermedia.com or text me, (972) 672-4812.