Presenter (one of MANY no doubt!) available.

[sub-site]

Not looking to be thrown in the deep-end. Hopefully there's a possibility of a station that can allow me do something I would be comfortable with, the likes of a once off weekend show or night time show.

There's the demands:lol:

The benefits to a station could be the likes of a small change of air at a station. Having someone new in might freshen up the atmosphere about the place a little.:king:

Also, have my set ideas on how I like to present but always love to hear criticisms to a point. Therefore, it's usually a mutually rewarding experience, at first.:confused:

[Talking Horse]

(one of MANY no doubt!) QUOTE

Are there that many around all looking for a job/work? I wonder-in era of practically full employment?

[Mikaeleous]

Just for your information the words...
"Also, have my set ideas on how I like to present but always love to hear criticisms to a point".
are the kiss of death to a potential jock.
Take my advice, re-work your sell, PD'S do not I repeat, do not want to hear them!

[Hugo]

I have to agree with Mikaeleous on this one. I'm assuming you want a long and fruitful career in radio (good for you, it's a great business) so the first thing you have to understand is that Programme Directors are paid to make all the decisions regarding the on air sound of a station, presenters are paid to do what the PD tells them to do. That's not to say PD's won't listen to your ideas but you have to remember that you're a rookie and there's no substitute for experience. If you get a job my advice is shut up and listen, the top PDs in Irish radio are there because they know what they're doing.

You say you love to hear criticism "to a point" - What is that point? The one at which you don't like what you hear? The point at which you disagree with the PD? When a PD (or any line manager) criticises you it's not to put you down, it's done to help you improve. Granted, not all managers are great at delivering such critiques but the intention is always good.

The day you stop learning is the day you should get out of radio, I've been doing this for over 20 years and I'm still learning new things all the time, that's what makes it such an exciting industry to work in - it is forever evolving. Good luck with your career!

[sub-site]

Hugo and Mikaleous,

If I ever work in radio, my one concern will always be my JNLRs. I mentioned 'criticism to a point' -to the point where suggestions given can be reasonably seen to lead to an increase (or lessened decrease) in JNLR figures. (I might like to add revenue here but I'm only a simple presenter -to me- increase in JNLRs = good, decrease = bad)

It is a prooven fact that anyone (be it a presenter or a magician) who is involved in a risk taking activity is more willing to take risks when they themselves are in control of that risk than when someone else (i.e. a PD) is.

We complain on this board about how bland radio had become. Isn't being bland not a good reason for low JNLR figures? Or is it okay because all stations are fairly bland because of following similar formats? (can I say bravo to whoever made up radio formats -you'd be hard pushed to find a better way of hiding a cartel! :D)

If the latter is the case, I will accept anything a PD throws at me.

I do have to come back to the bland issue. If I were to follow everything a PD hands to me, I will be doing radio that is more bland. I've never been on the front line but I do have to wonder if a possible bland me will produce poor JNLRs. I see then PDs are quick to get rid of people. I trust a PD wouldn't be quick to get rid of me because I do have a presentation style -I do make things my own within the confines of what I'm given. (by the verbal skills god gave me)

To what extent is a PD willing to go though. I have nightmares of being told 'Stop doing that thing you do'... what thing? Being myself??! (because, obviously, no can do -not no won't do but no can do -its important you get that distinction)

I know a PD is not responsible if he/ she directs a presenter 100% and that presenter does poorly in the JNLRs. Its that issue that you have to wonder about. That means the presenter has to add something. So the sterilization process can't be 100% so there is an input from the presenter in style of presentation. (though not format of presentation)

So, again I say, the PD's format is fine by me. 'To a point' -I'm not saying that point will ever be reached but certaintly that is the point. The point at which he/ she may intrude upon my presentation *style*.

In my mind I am liable for my presentation style. The PD is liable for the station's format. If I get fired, and its the format to blame, I will be discontent and feel injustice has been done. I don't want that to happen. Therefore it is important that a PD doesn't intrude on my style too much. Its the format that's there not to alienate people. We're all only human. Are we in an age where listeners cannot relate to another human?! Then, if I fail, I can take comfort in the fact that I am only human. The human aspect, which will naturally come across as my presentation style, would be to blame for poor JNLRs but I can always say 'I did my best, I am only human' and be content. That's why the 'to a point' bit is important. Don't you agree?

[Liamo]

Great post, sub-site!

There's always an element in any job of whether someone will "fit in" with the current setup and policies, but in the case of radio it's an interesting battle between personalities and formats.

Unfortunately, in today's environment, the only way to "stand out" is with your personality and on-air presence, as most stations are going to play the same stuff as everyone else; overdo the personality and you're gone, underdo it and you're gone.....tough balance to strike.

I think what folks are saying though is that because of the above it's extremely difficult to get past the demos and on-air, and that maybe you should be more like Bertie Aherne's election campaign: in the run-up, play your cards close to your chest and tell 'em what they want to hear, and then dump the promises once you're in :D

I know where you're coming from, though.....I'd be much the same (and even once had a PD say that he'd be interested in taking me on board if I'd agree to join, but that he reckoned that I'd be bored shitless with the formatted output and the cliched links). Had he just taken a new course in diplomacy and how to tell someone PFO without making it seem like it ? Possibly, but I don't think so - I think he was 100% genuine (he still is) and making sure that neither he nor I was making a mistake in the context of "the format".

[Dave O'Connor]

I would like to offer some advice by the way it is a good post.

First of all when i read these types of posts i cant imagine any PD replying.

Dont be afraid of your own ability and try to be confident. The fact is everyone could be a good presenter. Just be yourself and dont be afraid to be yourself. If you are honest to the listeners you have a better chance of them liking you and accepting you. You must be honest with them from using your proper name to what your talking about example: If your 20 and you play the Eagles dont say oh its hard to believe its fifteen years since they were last in Ireland unless you actually remember when they were here. People will pick up quickly on this if your not honest.

My advice to you is talk to a production company about getting a demo made like Green Audio Productions or Digital Audio Productions some one like that. You have the talent you just need someone to show you how to use and develop it best of luck.

Doc.

[Hugo]

A couple of things.... At the end of the day being a radio presenter is a job - and, like any other job, you are expected to follow the instructions given to you by your manager.

Someone (I think it might have been Chris Cary) once said "A good jock can work a format but a great jock shines through a format". In other words if you're talented you'll still be able to get your personality across while doing what your boss wants. Someone else (Pat Courtenay,as far as I remember) said to me that when you can do an entire show without talking about the music you're a "personality" rather than just a jock.

Personality isn't about doing what you want to do it's about doing what you'r told but doing it so well the listener thinks you're doing your own thing.

[Dave O'Connor]

Hey Hugo what you have said is excellent and very very true. well done.

Nice to see good advice being given

Doc

[Legend]

Personality isn't about doing what you want to do it's about doing what you'r told but doing it so well the listener thinks you're doing your own thing.



Yeah..in a nutshell,Hugo!! ;)

[sub-site]

So it would look like I'm not destined for a career in radio. (anytime soon at any rate)

I have handed in a demo somewhere but have no response as of yet... sent some other more informal stuff about the place... no real response either.

So get out the small violins? he he :)

[Jamie Sheehan]

Ah hang in there thats what I'm doing (even if I do sound like a 15 year old whenever I'm on the phone to anyone with importance)

Anywho not trying to discourage you or anything but I have seen demo's being blanked or used as cup holders...

Hang in there...

[Liamo]

Hang in there....with all the new "expressions of interest", there might be hope yet!

[Dave O'Connor]

Dont hang in there Bud!!!! Hanging In wont get you anywhere. Keep sending demo's and if you have a station in mind ring the programme controller every week same day even if he or she doesnt take your call every week keep ringing and hounding them and something will come up a foot in the door at least and once your in its up to you were you go from there.

I know its hard when you send stuff off to no avail but email people again and again show your enthusiasm and they will call you. If you need any email addresses pm me.

[On the shore]

ring the programme controller every week same day even if he or she doesnt take your call every week keep ringing and hounding them

Yeh that's the way to do it!!!!!!!!!! :D

[sub-site]

Yeh that's the way to do it!!!!!!!!!! :D

Well its certainly the way to improve your presentation. It should help in any professional setting. No pain no gain, after all. :)

I think I'm in evil mood.. muhahaha! But don't think I miss the little faults and inabilities of you lot that HAVE achieved gainful employment! :p

[djkrisp]

So, again I say, the PD's format is fine by me. 'To a point' -I'm not saying that point will ever be reached but certaintly that is the point. The point at which he/ she may intrude upon my presentation *style*.

In my mind I am liable for my presentation style. The PD is liable for the station's format. If I get fired, and its the format to blame, I will be discontent and feel injustice has been done.


Agree with that comment Sub-site..Weak formats=Bad JNLR'S..But who gets changed??Yup,the presenter.Such is life.