So I had an interesting experience I thought you guys would enjoy hearing about. I got to visit a Portland radio station this week!

The lobby was grey and bleek. An old beaten couch was pushed against a wall. Otherwise there was nothing but a couple of insignificant gold record awards on the wall. Some corporate radio logos were stuck up in the window, kind of like those you see at those cell phone company offices or a Blimpies.

As I walked in further I heard a hum of activity, it was the sales office. Sales people were busy talking on the phone and to each other. They ran here and there. It was a happening place!

Next, on to the programming/studio area, it was very quiet. No sound of a radio station playing anywhere. We took a look into the control room, dead silence. The computer automation was busy, it was afternoon drive. A production or sales person rushed by and asked the PD, "Can that guy do a voice track?" The PD said yes.

The PD, who seemed to be quite talented, reminded me of the Maytag Repairman. There was no one to direct! His office had nothing on the walls. In fact there were no personal items visible. Again, no sound of a radio playing. It seemed to be a temporary situation for him.

They used to say you could judge a station by the vibe in the halls. I think you still can.

I also visited a radio station -- just this afternoon. I entered a clean lobby with a few friendly folks going past. After checking my bearings, I was swept up a grand escalator like the old Montgomery Wards.

I arrived on a floor that was bare and vacant with an elevator sitting like an island in a sea of concrete. Two different signs sent you every which way, but not back toward the escalator where the studios were located. After a little loop around the place, I found it. The logo was classic and unmistakable, and stood out even more in the surroundings.

When I stepped inside the glass doors, it was a whole different world. The receptionist was genuinely warm and friendly, the foyer was tastefully decorated, locally flavored and filled with the sound of voices on the radio. Through the window behind her was an actual human in an actual booth doing actual work -- a nice touch.

During my brief stop, a few people smiled and went about their day. There was that familiar hum of business, but not any of the pallor of fear, or harried hurriedness I have felt and seen at so many other facilities. Actually, it seemed like there was a genuine lightness and warmth in the air.

I am really glad that some folks still work at a good job, with good people, good gear, and a good vibe.

"They used to say you could judge a station by the vibe in the halls. I think you still can."

I totally agree with you.

The same theory also applies to transmitter sites.

Today I was on the air at a radio station....from my home. The hum of my kids as they awoke around 10 or 11am. The friendly smile my wife gave me some as she handed me some of the prep work for the show.

Pictures and plants throughout the studio and of course three computers to get the important work done sat squarely in the middle of this radio/studio.

Good people, laid back atmosphere and the joy of knowing I didn't need to put wear and tear on my vehicle, use gas or emit CO2 emissions. Plus the guitar and keyboard always handy if inspiration should hit.

Ah yes...I love radio.

Chris:

Do prize winners pick up their gifts at your studio?

Do you offer studio tours?

Do you have a security system for knife wheeled-ing listeners?

Do you have handicap parking available?

Do you have a nice bike rack for two wheeled-ing listeners? :0)

"Do prize winners pick up their gifts at your studio?"

Yes- But it's a 4 hour drive both ways

"Do you offer studio tours? "

Sure do and it might include dinner if you're nice.

"Do you have a security system for knife wheeled-ing listeners? "

Yes-it's called Sparky.

Do you have handicap parking available?

When the driveway is empty.

"Do you have a nice bike rack for two wheeled-ing listeners?"

Yes-The two cherry blossom trees work nice.

The descriptions you guys have provided are depressing, mostly because they're a graphic reminder of the state of the business today.

Chris: LOL!

Well Deane what can I say. I'm still doing radio and I'm still loving it.

I have mentioned this before, I didn't go looking for this opportunity, it found me. It's a locally owned company as well and they have treated my wife and I fairly.

And just so you know, this is the longest tenure of any station I've ever worked for. 6 and half years doing a morning show in any market I think is saying something these days.

i like how your wife gives you some while she is handing you the show prep!

I want a gig like that!!

Hey Chris...you wanna re-phrase or clarify what you posted? I was gonna plonk NT for twisting words but you did that yourself.

No need to untwist the twisted. If you've ever cracked a mic in radio being twisted comes with territory.

Alrighty then!

me too