More of this Feature • Part 1: An Historical Perspective • Part 2: The Pros and Cons

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One of the big questions I have is:

Why is nobody looking at voice-tracking as telecommuting?

Because that's exactly what it is. The DJ is doing a job, from a distance.

Those who build the case against voice-tracking point out that jobs have been lost. This is true. Technological advances always change employment needs. Voice-tracking may have eliminated a DJ at a station but the development of the Internet has probably put an IT person in that same building. Ten years ago you would have been hard-pressed to find a webmaster at a Radio station. That's not the case today. So, it's not exactly fair to say jobs have only been lost. Some have, others have been replaced.

The proponents of voice-tracking say the method allows for highly-talented people to be used in smaller markets where a typical Radio station could not afford to hire such a qualified person. This is true. Those opposed might say this just limits opportunities for someone who wants to work in a smaller market to gain experience. This is probably true, too.

There has never been a guarantee that anyone who wanted to work in Radio could get a job. No industry can offer such benefits. Luckily, Program Directors and General Managers still need - and always will need - real, live bodies to get things done. The people who are the hungriest are the ones who get the opportunities in Radio. This is no cakewalk and it never has been.

When I began in Radio I traveled throughout the Midwest and South taking jobs to get experience. Some of them sucked. That's life. But, it was my choice and I wanted it enough to do what was necessary. There are still people like that today. There will always be. I have seen those people pushing their way into Radio stations for as long as I've been in the business. This hasn't changed and these are the people who find the jobs.

Certainly, voice-tracking is financially appealing to companies because it saves money and well-liked DJs who raise ratings can help a station earn more money. Don't slight a station for trying to make a profit: it is the American way. But, voice-tracking is also limited.

For instance, nobody has figured out a way to voice-track a talk-show that is telephone-dependant. Talk Radio needs an army of personalities ready and willing to open their mouths and face live listeners. For the foreseeable future, this format will be off-limits to voice-tracking. When a Radio station does a remote broadcast, it needs a live personality on location. When a station hosts a concert, it needs a live emcee on stage.

Voice-tracking has its place. It is a technology Radio is entitled to use. But, it will never replace the creative and talented people who have the guts and stamina to put it all out there. If you want to be in Radio - or you want to stay in Radio - then, there's a place in it for you, too. But, you're going to have to work for it.

Comments? Radio.Guide@about.com

- Corey Deitz

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