May 4 2008
Loneliness – I'm not sure loneliness can kill you outright but I'm sure enough of it can contribute to bad health and possibly even to one doing harm to themself. The Radio business is one which often requires moving either because you’ve been fired or because you wish to get ahead. Either way, there are only so many stations in one area and sometimes you just have to leave for your next opportunity. I can tell you first hand how difficult it is to put down any roots and develop a network of support friends when you’re packing a U-Haul every couple of years.
Stress – They say stress can kill you and in this business, there’s plenty to go around. You’re always under-the-gun to do well in the ratings and there are monthly ratings and quarterly ratings. Stations live and die by the ratings and your job generally depends on them. On-air personalities have to perform everyday, whether they feel well or not. There are no headaches, colds, menstrual cycles, or broken ankles. As a matter of fact, "Break a leg" and get out there and perform. Then there’s the stress of keeping a relationship or marriage going – especially if you’re moving often and changing jobs and locales.
Psychological Issues – Without trying to sound cruel, let me suggest that some of the people in this business just “aren’t right”. But, I’m not completely sure why. It’s like a chicken or the egg situation: does radio attract the weirdos and wack jobs or does Radio take normal people and spit them out a little nuttier? If I had to break it down to percentages, I would comfortably say that 70% of the on-air people I have met have “issues”. Ironically, it’s probably because they have “issues” they are so interesting to listen to. Unfortunately, people with “issues” easily fall prey to other weaknesses which could be damaging in the long run.
So, there’s my non-professional, non-empirical, anecdotal evaluation of what forces seem to contribute most to the early demise of Radio people. If you’re in Radio or plan to be, the best advice I can offer to you is know the pitfalls – and make sure your company has a decent health care plan.
