The Downside of Live Radio

I think that almost all of us can agree that there are many benefits to live radio, i.e. when there is an actual human body in the studio:

• Someone to answer phone calls
• Requests handled quickly
• Up-to-the-moment information on local happenings

I'm a big fan of live radio. In fact, one of the things that bugs me about Maverick Media here in Eau Claire is that of the six stations they own, five of them are almost entirely automated using voice-tracking*. However, until now I failed to realize the one major downfall of live radio--there needs to be someone in the studio.

In case you're not following me or got lost, let me give you some context. Normally on Monday nights I work from 7PM - 12AM, then the next jock comes in and works from 12AM - 5AM. Radio shifts are short because it's actually a very draining job. You might only hear us for a fraction of every hour, but we're putting a lot of energy and effort into that time, as well as stuff behind the scenes. Anywho, my replacement hasn't shown up... SOOOO, I'm basically working 7PM - 5AM. Ten hours. Without caffeine.

Check that. He just called. I'm outta here ASAP ;)

*Voice-tracking: This is the professional term for pre-recording a talk break. Using specialized software, this allows the voice track to fit seamlessly into radio programming and give the illusion that there is actually somebody in the studio. Commonly used by large radio corporations to save money.