To Be Announced...

Quite a few emails today from former listeners. I appreciate the interest and info.

That is all.

Now, back to the fun.

Labels: wmt

My ex-employer announced today a lot more ex-employees. I was particularly struck by the phrasing of the SEC filing today...

"...we are announcing the intention to sell Clear Channel Television and 448 of our radio stations in 90 markets, all of which are outside of the top 100 markets. The attached list details all markets we intend to sell..."

ALL Clear Channel stations in Iowa (save Des Moines) are outside the top 100.

Here's the part I found interesting,

"...the markets we are selling are valuable, well run properties and the efforts of the staff and management at those stations are greatly appreciated. They do not fit into the strategic plan for Clear Channel Radio and we believe are much better served operating under different ownership..."

Read it a different way,

"...YOU the markets we are selling are valuable, well QUALIFIED run properties and YOUR the efforts of the staff and management at those stations are greatly appreciated. YOU They do not fit into the strategic plan for Clear Channel Radio and we believe are much better served operating under different EMPLOYMENT ownership..."

Fear not, former radio listeners...they're only selling four markets in Iowa:

Sioux City, IA — Market 395
Mason City, IA — Market 372 (KGLO-1300 AM News/Talk)
Burlington, IA — Market 197 (KCPS-1150 AM News/Talk)
Fort Dodge, IA — Market 200

Cedar Rapids IS NOT for sale...neither is Iowa City.

Places there will be a lot of job openings soon...

KBKB-FM
Format: Country

KBKB-AM
Format: Talk

KBUR-AM
Format: Full Service

KGRS-FM
Format: AC (MIX)

KKEZ-FM
Format: AC (MIX)

KWMT-AM
Format: Country

KCHA-FM
Format: AC

KCHA-AM
Format: Nostalgia

KGLO-AM
Format: Full Service

KIAI-FM
Format: Country

KLKK-FM
Format: Classic Rock (FOX)

KSMA-FM
Format: CHR (KISS)

KGLI-FM
Format: CHR

KMNS-AM
Format: Talk

KSEZ-FM
Format: Rock

KSFT-FM
Format: Soft AC

KWSL-AM
Format: Sports

Labels: wmt

THE LINE IS BUSY, PRESS 9 TO HAVE THE OPERATOR KEEP DIALING AGAIN AUTOMATICALLY FOR A SMALL CHARGE

Little birdies are chirping all over the email today. Man, I used to be in radio and I didn't keep tabs on the industry as much as some of you people do. Is there nothing on TV? No good movies?

The answer is - NO.

("I know nothing, I see nothing..."- Sgt. Shultz)

It IS funny, though.

Labels: wmt

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

I didn't think my previous post would elicit the response it did. For some reason, my blog server isn't posting all of the comments many of you have been making.

Let me just say, thank you for the kind words and reprint some of them here with responses.

That dude who is on in your old time slot in the morning is a real loser. Just wondered what happened and where did you go.

John

He's not really a loser. He's a really neat guy that I had a few short weeks to get to know. He's in a tough position given the demands of the station and some of the other reasons I already outlined earlier.

Hi Greg,

Glad to know more details. After we returned from our winter vacation and found you off the air I gave WMT a chance. After two painful weeks I could no longer do it. I switched to high in the dial and let WMT remain low in my esteem.

Take care,

Ricky

I still listen, but only on some of my errands. It's really strange listening to a radio station after having been in the business so long. I hear many things that could be done better with proper attention, but it's probably lack of resources or a caring attitude.

I think you would be a fine author and should you ever write a book about the questionable tactics of employers such as you were exposed to I believe it would be a success. (Or any other subject for that matter.) I would sure buy a copy.

I've always thought it would be fun to write a book. I enjoy writing...and I've even done some small fiction stories that I just felt like putting to paper (meaning I haven't allowed anyone to read them). I would like to do some non-fiction, but the research demands of something like that are too much if I want to have money coming in too.

You are quite correct about the WMT site. I told them so about a month ago. JJ Cook responded, asking for more details. When I did, he let me know that I need to change; the site would stay as is.

Sort of like running a commercial for a July 4th sale in August and September.

Ginny had a very long post, but I picked out the good parts...

I always listened to Greg in the mornings and even called in a few times...I hadn't been able to listen for a few days and then when I tuned back in, Greg wasn't on. I called WMT to find out why he wasn't on and a girl at WMT said, yes, Greg is still on in the mornings but that he was currently on vacation or something. She went on to tell me they had received lots of complaints about him both from listeners and from other WMT employees and that they were going to be letting Greg go. I remember she said, "Nobody here likes him." I asked her if Greg knew this and she said they had not told him. I thought how odd for the telephone receptionist to know about the morning show host's employment status.

Oh, I had an idea. Like I said in the previous post. It all became clear after a meeting I had to discuss my increased salary request because of the ratings success. See my earlier post for an in-depth explanation.

As for no one liking me, well I can't really speak to that. That's something new to me. I was always willing to help write ad copy, do commercial production, help sales efforts with promotions ideas, and do the extra things I spoke about earlier such as promos and website updating.

I had very few personal demands...1...don't come in the studio when the "on-air" light was on, 2...keep your commercials 30 and 60 seconds, and some programming suggestions via "nudges" that I gave them. Things like, trying to limit the Farm News to just 2-minutes in length (instead of 3 or 4); shorten the sports casts to 2-and-a-half minutes instead of 4; and let me know in advance if you happen to schedule a guest for the show. I didn't think those things were all that outrageous and would inspire an apparent dislike that you mention. But, maybe it was just that some people couldn't accept change. Wrestle with the bull and you'll get the horns, I guess.
She continues...

I even thought about calling Greg and telling him what that girl had told me because from what Greg would say in the mornings and with his various references to the future, etc., I knew he had no idea he was going to be fired. I knew he had a wife and two kids and that they were either shopping for a house or had just bought one. I can't be the only listener who was told about this...I felt awful because I continued to listen to Greg in the mornings all the while knowing his days were numbered. Now I wish I had called him and am upset with myself that I didn't. I remember the morning he announced he was moving to afternoons and I thought, good grief, that isn't the half of it. Anyway, I am no longer a regular listener to WMT. I never listen in the mornings anymore because the new host, while very nice, isn't my cup of tea.

Believe me, I knew. The demands of radio are weird though...and I've had to do a lot of things in the past to hide my personal frustrations. While honest, it's best not to highlight or have personal issues cloud your professionalism. In a strange way, radio was also a release for me...sort of like escaping your troubles by hiding out in a movie theatre for two hours. Radio was my release. I'll give you a few examples from earlier in my career:

1. While working at KOSG in Osage, Iowa...I had to broadcast the news of a Mason City High School student who was holding some people hostage in Omaha. After following the events with as much live reporting as I could, the stand-off ended with the gunman shot by a police sniper. In fact, the gunman was my best friend in high school years earlier. His name was Mike Fane (Greg research note: cached news report - wayyy down the page). In between news reports and songs we were playing, I was furiously trying to contact the police in Omaha to tell them that the guns he was displaying were the same ones we used to plink cans with in his backyard...they were pellet guns. I don't fault the police for what they did because they have public safety to consider, but listeners to my show had no idea the pain I was going through. After my shift, I went home and crashed.

2. While at KWBG in Boone, Iowa...I was going through chemotherapy treatments for my Hodgkin's Disease. Every two weeks for a period of 9-months, I had to take a day or two off (depending on how much throwing up I was doing). Not married at the time, my mother sometimes came to care for me those late nights I was up all night. Listeners knew very little, but I scheduled my treatments for Wednesday's each week so I could be there to broadcast the Friday night football games. I even lied to my doctor so I could get a treatment moved up a week so I could go on RAGBRAI and report for the station. Dedication or stupidity...you be the judge.

3. While working for KILR in Estherville, Iowa...Again, with the chemotherapy treatments. Only this time, they were in preparation for a Bone Marrow Transplant I was scheduled for in January at the University of Minnesota. The treatments weren't as bad because of the advances in the nausea medicines they had, but driving to Sioux City once every two weeks got to be a strain. I finally let listeners know what was going on about 2 weeks before I was to leave the station...I said temporarily. It turned out to be permanent because I got a job offer after my operation was done (successfully I add obviously). But getting hired by another station while you have no hair and are wearing a face mask to protect you from bacteria is quite a feat if I do say so myself.

4. While at KCNZ in Cedar Falls, Iowa...I was doing a talk show similar to the one that I've always done. Only this time, someone apparently got a hold of my personal financial information and used it as a means to attack my credibility on financial responsibility issues. I had to declare bankruptcy because of the medical bills from my cancer treatments...in excess of $75,000. While angered at the cheap attack, I held my tongue until I could form a reasonable response. You see, I carried other loans like a car loan and credit cards, but I did what was called, "re-affirming" those loans...meaning, they were not part of the filing for bankruptcy. But in having to explain that, it meant I had to explain where the bills came from and what they were for...and I didn't think telling my sad sack story was the best idea in the world. I didn't want people listening to me simply because I had had a rough time in the hospital...I wanted it to be on the merits of my performance and I've always felt that seeking public praise or using that kind of stuff just to generate ratings or interest in a personality was wrong.

5. September 11th, 2001 at KCNZ...that one is obvious, but I gotta tell you, I was on the air in the morning and much of the realization of the carnage and evil of the situation didn't hit until after I left the studio at 3pm. Weirdly, we were in such a zone while trying to coordinate all the coverage that we didn't have time to cry.

6. September 11th, 2002 at WSC in Charleston...I was live at Ground Zero in New York City in the middle of the parade of victims' families. I was doing live commentary for 8 radio stations in South Carolina and a television station in Charleston. While I kept much of my composure, tears were streaming down my face and I finally had to cut the microphone because it got to be too much. I felt I let the stations down...honestly, that was the thought going through my head afterwards. But upon further reflection, I was like everyone else. Short political comment: Gee...I wonder what happened to that feeling?

Just a few examples. I know...I know...you're saying, "but you're sharing that info with us now...you hypocrite"

Maybe...but maybe it's time now that I'm out. Maybe it's time for that book...

Then Shane...

It's SOOOOO good to hear that the Waterloo paper (not a member of the CR Media Mafia) wrote about you. Sorry they got your name and your reason for moving to afternoons wrong. (Not like it's journalism or anything, it's just their blog, right?)

Also glad to hear you passionately and FACTUALLY making your case. But after listening to you, I know that seems to come naturally to you...Glad you told use you did ALL the work on those commercials too.

You could definitely freelance yourself out nationally for that type of writing/production talent you demonstrated. Telecommuting or moonlighting.

Glad you've found a new direction. I hope you found it as pleasant and enjoyable as I found your show. And I found it VERY pleasant and enjoyable.

Best regards on the next phase of your career.

Shane

Well, I'm thankful you appreciated the work. I have done some freelance commercials in the past for some television commercials and some radio spots - just my voice, but as for radio stations promos...most stations today find someone in-house and/or in the company to provide that stuff. It's much better to have someone who's there in the building and is more intimate with what the market and goals are. I just don't think someone in Iowa doing those things could relate that well to - say, a California audience. Besides, I know a guy who thought it was "La-JOLL-a"...instead of "La-HOY-a"...

If anyone DOES want some voice work done for them...or to produce a commercial, go ahead and contact me. I DO still have a home studio that I can mix in. I just haven't built a full sound-proof recording studio in my new home yet. My rates are pretty cheap too...I was getting $60 to do the voice on a 30-second commercial...$90 for a 60-second one. If I do the mixing and all the production, that would only be an extra $20-$40 bucks depending on the time I spent on it. I've done some narration for the blind and on-hold messaging for a couple of companies, but that's been a while.

The ratings just came out. 6.7, that's gotta be the lowest wmt am has scored! In fact, it is tied with wmt fm at that level, if that gives you any idea of how pathetic the station has become.

Bob is good, too good for the station. That "Collins and Company" in the morning is the biggest joke. Tom makes Randy Lee look like a big time talent. He has a good voice, but no personality no wonder he plays endless time fillers from Kim Komando, Larry King, Travel Guy,and constantly repeats the weather...

I will give them credit for Andy Peterson, he seems like a nice kid and really seems to be the one personality that really cares about the station and its' tradition (probably because he grew up with it when it was still the untouchable powerhouse station.

Yeah...but those are 12+ numbers...meaning, all listeners 12-years old and older. It's not really a rating to pay too much attention to...but I understand what you're saying. Since I don't have access to the raw data, it's sort of like box office numbers the first weekend of a movie. They mean nothing, but they indicate success or danger.

And again, Tom is in a tough spot. He's probably being told to do exactly as he is. He's coming from a position as an FM music host, so getting used to talk radio in a pressure cooker like he is, is very difficult. It took me a good 3-4 years to develop good talk radio habits...which of course may not have been all that good since I'm not doing it anymore. Ha ha. Take my advice...please. LOL.

And, finally (whew, sorry for the looonnng post)...

Miss having you alot on the radio, I have lost all track of current events sence your departure. I list to public radio now and listen to books on tape. At least when you were there I was more informed and it was very interesting. Sure am glad things are going your way now and for a better future at that. Marilyn

I lost track of current events too. I haven't renewed my subscription to National Review since I got work again. Is there a war still on?

As for the future...I have yet to disclose to you what it is that I am doing. I'll save that for a little later. There's something I'm working on that I believe you'll all benefit from. It has nothing to do with broadcasting or radio or anything. Just a little meeting of the minds with a good friend (and now business partner) and I have been tossing around. I have completed some basic website design for our venture...but we have yet to file for our trademark, tax ID and status, and find a suitable time to disclose it.

You'll never guess...

Labels: wmt

SEARCHING FOR GREG ALAN...

The emails are still pouring in from those of you wondering what happened. I was kind of curious to know why it was I was getting such strange emails from people. Asking why I left...asking me how I could do such a thing...telling me that I should have stayed on in the mornings...all sorts of stuff.

It’s amazing what you find out about yourself after doing a random search. Google is a wonderful thing. First there was this nifty little thing from a local paper…the Waterloo Courier. Since no one has actually asked, I thought I’d clear up some things:

Q. What happened to radio personality Greg Allen that was on WMT radio?

A. Officials from WMT Radio said they have no idea about Alan's employment status.

Of course they have no idea. None at all. Finding a clue would be tough too. And still, people ask me why I spelled my name on the radio all the time.

Then there’s this on a local off-shoot of the station, I guess. From something called the Open Line Forum. I’ll make my comments and corrections after each segment:

"...did you hear the JJ Cook has pulled another JJ cook? Remember an on-air talent by the name of Greg Allen? he used to do mornings (which i felt he was fairly good at) at WMT. now granted, this guy was in a TOUGH spot, having to follow a local celeb like Tim Boyle...that was like Mike Davis trying to follow Bob Knight. Time has shown that THAT didn't work, so greg was in a tough spot to start with..."

First of all...anyone still want to ask me why I spelled my name on the radio a lot? Good.

Tough spot indeed. Tim is an excellent host. I never really got a chance to listen to him in his glory, but he left of his own accord and it opened a possibility for me. With all due respect, the station gained audience and ratings improved after I took over. I’m NOT saying I’m better than him – and one or two ratings periods don’t prove anything – but there clearly was an audience for what I was doing. The post continues:

"...but back on topic - he was OK in the mornings. then he made a mistake. when bob bruce left for st louis and his "dream job" of being with the Cardnials, Greg naturally assumed he could fill bob's shoes in the afternoon. Sorry greg, you weren't that good in the afternoons. some people told me you sucked, but i haven't been in the local area to listen that much, but from what i heard, you were a better fit in the mornings..."

I never chose to do the afternoons. I was TOLD to do the afternoons or walk. You might say I was in a tough spot. I had mouths to feed and I needed time to figure out my next option. And with only one day notice, I don’t really think I ever got into my groove. I even said my goodbyes to a lot of people when I found out I was being moved to the afternoons. I knew it was a move to force me out. I was in the business too long to know better. Let me explain it better:

If you were the head waiter at a great restaurant every Friday and Saturday night - the tips were fantastic - and they told you to stop doing that and work Monday’s at 10am until 12noon…what would you think? You see, it’s very expensive to fire someone these days. So the idea is to make them as miserable as possible so they leave on their own. I couldn’t. So I stayed put and did what they told me to do.

"...bob found out he didn't like what he was going to be doing in St Louis (too bad, he would have been very good at it - and to work for the cards, you can't be a cubs fan like me) so he came back to Cedar Rapids. Now a program director should have shrugged his shoulders and said "I'm sorry Bob, your slot is now occupied by someone else and we have no full-time openings". But we ARE talking about JJ Cook here and he has shown in the past (i.e. Karen Shulte) that YEARS of loyalty to working for low wages and becoming local favorites means NOTHING to him, so he found another sacraficial lamb (greg) and got rid of him to make room for bob..."

That part is true. I wasn’t working for too low of a wage, but I did ask for more money after the first successful ratings numbers came out. I asked – no, begged – for a meeting to determine my future. I was put off and put off and put off until finally I demanded a sit-down to formerly submit my qualifications for increased income. I had the proof – documented proof of ratings results…itemized and outlined key things I did for the station, and a goal for the next year.

For instance…you know all those creative promos for weather, traffic, my show, and other things? I did every one of them. Wrote them…produced them…and put them on the air. I figured no one else cared enough to advance other programming on the station, I felt someone had to do things right. I was extremely proud of virtually every one of those. They were creative, flashy, and they worked.

(I still have some of them. Listen to them HERE. Or right-click and download them yourself)

We saw ratings improve all across the different time slots of the station. Hearing anything like that these days? I didn’t think so.

I fixed the website too. It has since fallen in disrepair (still on a 20-city tour Tom? Still giving away $10,000 every morning?) and they’re missing a golden opportunity to make a good reflection of the station. Now - the website sucks. Barely taken care of…just like everything else. It’s a billboard on the internet for thousands of prospective listeners and they're leaving it mostly blank. Go there and see for yourself. It’s okay…but it’s just…well…it’s just there. Heck, I even signed up to be a "member" of the station listening club. That was 4 months ago and I haven't had one email to ask me to listen. What's the point of having it?

It was shortly after their decision on a raise - which was a big fat NO - that I was told ratings were down, and everything I was doing was wrong. The exact opposite of what they told me when the ratings came out in August of last year. In fact, just weeks after my meeting...we had a station party to celebrate the success. I was there. People bought me beers.

"...now bob IS GOOD. VERY good. and i am not saying he is a suck-a$$...but JJ has a reputation for taking care of those who bow down before him...and since greg wasn't doing that well in the afternoons and since his morning slot was now full - well i am sure he saw the writing on the wall..."

Correct again…but I saw the writing on the wall a looooong time ago. And besides…there’s no real way to quantify how good or bad I was doing in the afternoons. The next ratings on the Spring 2006 period come out later this month. Since I left before those ratings were surveyed, I won't be included. But it'll still give a general direction of the station after the changes.

(by the way...the ratings are percentages of total audience (10.2=10%, etc.) and they're read from right to left. SP05; FA05 means Spring 2005 and Fall 2005 and so on.)

It should be interesting to see.

I thought I was doing okay while looking over my shoulder the whole time. Maybe I didn’t do everything I could have…who knows. Finally, there’s this…

"...now all of this is from an inside source - but you decide for yourself..."

I wonder who that inside source was…hmmm.

Now all this sounds like sour grapes, I know. It’s not. I’m happy. I’m content. I’m solid in my decision to leave radio. I just hate seeing people get the wrong impression about me, and about what happened.

You might say I'm trying to erase my name and number from above the bathroom stall.

Labels: wmt

OFF THE AIR

I am done with radio.

I have decided to put my communications and management skills to better use. I hope to find time in the next couple of weeks or a month to explain my decision and everything surrounding it, but for now I have accepted a position outside my general field of experience...meaning, no radio.

I can't say much more beyond that for now, but through the miracle of networking and being the generally smart guy that I am, a person whom I am in very good standing with offered me a job today - catching me by complete surprise. After considering it for 48-hours, and researching my backup plans, I have accepted.

When it rains - it pours. I had two other solid offers for employment this week. Not the greatest employment, but something I know I could excel at and make a decent living as well. So it's been a rather hectic week of interviewing, second interviewing, negotiation, conferring, researching, balancing, etc.

Suffice to say, I am going to be in business with a person whom I respect, admire, and generally want to learn from in order to achieve my personal goals.

And the best part is, I'll make more money than I ever did in radio. It took me 12-years to make the kind of money that I will as a starting wage with this guy. I'm not trying to brag, but simply explain and reinforce the old adage...

Good things happen to good people...and good people do good things.

More soon, but for now I'll borrow a phrase from a great broadcaster:

"Good day..." - Paul Harvey.

Labels: wmt

SAME OLE SAME OLE

(Sorry for the delayed posting, but the server on which this blog is hosted had a corrupted file and I couldn't post until the techies figured out which one it was for me)

Not much happening. I've decided to leave radio if I must in order to stay in Cedar Rapids and not force my family to move again.

Lots of anxiety with that, but I've settled it in my mind. We're better off here. Nice neighborhood, great friends, family nearby, etc. Now I just have to figure out how to put my 18-years of radio to good use. Most prospective employers are put off by the fact that I've done it that long and are under the impression that my eyes would wander back to radio the first chance I get. Nope...the money ain't that great and I'm tired of the way radio is being done these days. My first goal is to take care of my family...so if that means stacking boxes or selling brushes, then so be it.

I came to this conclusion after seeing more and more of what has happened with radio. Selling anything for the sake of selling it is getting old. I always thought that I could put together quality AND sales and make things work, but the people running the show these days are more interested in whatever sells....regardless of quality. It has been made perfectly clear to me the last couple of months of soul searching.

Take for instance my previous station...the same promos playing the same times, same voice over music commercials, same advertisers with the same copy, overall generally poor quality radio. Occasionally a sparkle or two (like weather coverage sometimes), but they're rare. But, with a legendary signal and call letters...who cares as long as you're meeting budget or making a profit? Listeners aren't going to change their habits much.

I'm not saying I'm some golden-boy expert to the rescue...and frankly I failed in a lot of areas to make improvements not only in myself, but in my own work...but I tried to push a little too hard and in the wrong way to try to change things. I'm just an innocent bystander now and I've probably got a lot on my chest that is starting to come out. I do imagine there are a lot of people who are still there that see the same things...but they're getting a paycheck. In the quiet of a bar, they'll admit it...but like I said, they don't care because they're getting a paycheck...it's the same attitude that got radio in trouble in the first place:

Very simply...the problem with some radio today is "If it sells, air it"...and "If it causes revenue to go down, don't air it"

I don't necessarily disagree with the last statement, but in the context of trying something new or different, then it makes no sense. Rush Limbaugh (don't worry, not a hero worship here) is a good example of that. Anyone remember how many stations he started with? 6 or so. Rush broke through the mold of stale radio at the time...sameness...safe. All of that was cast away when he came on the scene. Radio today has forgotten that lesson. They all want to just play it safe and print the checks. I can forgive them for not wanting to mess with success if they're having it, but you still need to stay fresh or you bore people to death and they eventually go away to their I-Pods, XM, MP3 or whatever.

I tried to do it the old fashioned way..."If the people like it, be patient, then sell it"

So...I'm apparently done with radio. Now, I'll try and take my overall view about radio to another career track.

Provide quality service...go above and beyond to please the people you depend on for your income...and never, ever take them for granted.

Anyone need an employee like that? Email me for my resume.

Labels: wmt

THANK YOU ALL

I cannot thank you enough for the encouragement and words of thanks many of you have been kind to send. I am happy to report that I am currently pursuing a couple of leads on my broadcast employment. Sad to report that none are in the Eastern Iowa area.

Many of you have left comments particular to individuals that are still employed at the station. While that is free speech, some of them have been a bit unfair to people I know and respect. Change is often difficult and comes at the surprise of a lot of people. Tom Collins in particular is a fine broadcaster and in the short time I got to know him, seems very capable of earning the trust that many of you made me earn when I took over.

I've learned also that the dust will eventually settle and many will look back and wonder what all the fuss was about. I had hoped to make Iowa my home again, and there may still be the possibility that I will, but I am also looking to make myself more than just a warm body in a studio pushing buttons (figuratively and literally). Over my last 17-some-odd years, I've gained an enormous amount of experience in each move I've made...so I see the next stage as another learning experience.

If one of the possibilities I am working on pans out, I will have made Friday, March 31st my last official host broadcast. In that event, I'm sure I will have much more to say about the experience and it may even inspire a more lengthy tome of my travels in radio. It will also mean the end of this blog as it currently is set up.

I will do my best to keep you informed. I wish all of you well...my time on the air has been directed toward strangers, but always meant in friendship.

greg@gregalan.net

Labels: wmt

UPDATED 4/4: GOODBYE WMT

Friday was in all likelihood my last broadcast on-air...maybe. I was dismissed on Friday, so it's no April Fools as some of you have asked. Thanks for lending me your ears, Eastern Iowa.

I have been overwhelmed with emails and I cannot thank you folks enough. It has stopped me from climbing into a bottle...just kidding.

At the moment, I am considering my future in radio. There are some opportunities, one of which popped up on Monday. I will do my best to keep those that care informed, but in all reality - I will not be returning to radio in Cedar Rapids. I thank you for spending time with me, and recently, letting me know how much I have affected some of you.

I am attending to my number one job...being a husband and father. The provider part will be taken care of eventually. I have continued faith in what I am doing and how well I can do it. Your many comments have been proof of that.

This blog was never meant for much more than an additional outlet for my thoughts and as a billboard for my career. That may change at some point as I consider the cost and time involved in keeping it relevant.

I cannot truly speak of what transpired...many of you have asked. Radio is a very small community of people and I don't want to damage what future I have in it. Outside of that, I have been on the other end of terminations as well...and it's no fun. Companies today are truly frightened of wrongful termination lawsuits. Not that I would sue, but enough people have to force companies to give very generic reasons. In fact, when considering references for resumes, companies will only provide start date, end date, and attendance.

Thank you again for all of the emails. The comment area below is for those who want to post anonymously or otherwise, and I appreciate those as well.

greg@gregalan.net

Labels: wmt