For William

This is actually for William, a 15 year old who wanted to know how to get into radio and what it was like working with Roger Ashby.

When Roger first moved over the FM side I was a little leery.  As he moved in the format was also being changed by the program director Ross Davies.  Chum FM had always had a bit of the rebel in it. Playing non hits and artists that weren't getting any play on AM stations.  It wasn't the undergound station it was when I first go there but it was edgy.  The kind of station your parents weren't going to listen too.  Then it all started to change.  The music became more poppy and main stream.  FM was becoming AM.

I've told Roger this, I resrented the format change because they were taking my radio station away from me.  But it didn't take long to figure out that if the station was gong to prosper, going main stream was the right way go and Roger's background in top 40 radio was the right move.

It was the right time, he was the right guy. Add Marilyn to the mix and it worked.  I don't think we had any idea that it would be as successful as it was but Ross new what he was doing.

Now, for William and others thinking about getting into radio, don't do it, it will break your heart.  Just kidding.  The route to go still seem to be through Ryerson or the community colleges like Fanshawe, Seneca, Humber and others that I'm sure I'm missing.  Something I wish I had done and something I tell students to do is get into the theater program in high school.  Working on stage, learning how to use your voice, getting comfortable infront of the camera can be a huge plus.  Take acting lessons.  Even though you don't need the big booming voice that radio once demanded taking voice lessons is a good idea too.  Anything to get an edge. 

The industry seems to be shrinking job wise. Companies seem to be doing more with less.  So learn how to multi task.  Your first job may not be on air but if you can get your foot in the door as a producer then take it.  It seems to be there are alot of former producers who worked at the Fan who have on air gigs on radio and tv. 

And don't be afraid to move and take a job in a small market.  It's amazing what you can learn.  Small budgets and small staffs mean you're going to be responsible for more than one job.  That can be crucial as you move into larger markets. Hope I've been of some help William.