Behind the Mic: The Realities of Radio Life in North Dakota

Ah, the glamorous life of a radio personality! It seems like one of those jobs that everyone believes they can do, regardless of their skill set. I’ve had countless people tell me, “I could totally do your job because my teacher once told me I had a great voice.” Or the classic, “I could do your job and still manage my regular 9-to-5 because you only work 3-4 hours a day!” If only it were that simple!

Then there’s the enthusiastic listener who thinks they’re part of our station family. They keep us updated 24/7 (yes, even at 3 a.m.) about every little thing, from the song order to a glitch in the broadcast.

I’ve categorized these passionate folks into three groups:

1. The Slighted Listener: “You changed the morning show, and I’m never listening again!” We all get it—change is tough. We genuinely appreciate your feedback.
2. The Engineer: These listeners spot every technical hiccup and let us know when something isn’t working perfectly. Do know we are probably aware of the issue and are working to correct it.
3. The Music Programmer: They firmly believe that their obscure playlist is what our mainstream station should adopt immediately. Believe me, I have seen some weird playlists!

Of these, we pay the most attention to the slighted listener. Change is hard, and we’re here to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Let’s bust some myths about being on the air:

• Training: Mike Reuter, Mad Max, Cousin Earl, and I have all spent years and thousands of dollars honing our craft. We didn’t just stumble into this role; we trained to engage, inform, and entertain you.
• Music Selection: Contrary to popular belief, we don’t choose the music. We follow a set playlist, and while we might have our preferences, the final decision isn’t ours.All four of us have dedicated our entire adult lives to broadcasting. I’ve been in the industry for 27 years, and Earl has over 50 years under his belt. Walking in off the street and landing a career in radio is a rarity.
• DIY Shows: Unlike big markets with producers, we handle everything ourselves. From working the board to hosting the show, we’re a one-person army.
• Long Hours: We don’t just work 3-4 hours. A typical day can be 10 hours or more, especially during events like fair weeks, live remotes, or an ownership change. Throw in all the sports we do, and the days can get longer.

So, while it might look easy, being on-air is a demanding job that requires dedication, training, and a lot of passion. It's one of the best jobs to do, and I am thankful for the opportunity!