ADVICE TO MID-CAREER FOLKS: WORK AT A PLACE WHERE THE VIBE IS SUSTAINABLE EXCELLENCE

You’ve heard the phrase “you are what you eat.” The same can be said about the environment in which you work. If you are working in a toxic shop, changes are you will smell toxic too.

Today’s message is for folks who are looking for their second or third job in public media. You know the basics but you want to move into a faster lane where you can learn from the best and hone your skills.  You might be looking for a place where you can stay awhile or one that is a ticket to anywhere in the biz.

When considering a new gig, here are some positive traits and a couple of not-so-positive factors to be aware of:

LOOK FOR THESE POSITIVE TRAITS

1.) Demonstrated financial success

CPB-funded stations are required to post their financial disclosure statements on their station website. Almost all CPB stations do this but some hide them a bit.  You want to see a good distribution of revenue sources.  Use caution if the organization receives over 15% of their income from CPB and/or an institution such as a university or state government. The key question is: Will this operation continue to be sustainable?

2.) Wise use of related digital platforms

A shop doesn’t need to be on every digital platform but it should be outstanding on any every platform they are on. Check all of the social media links.  Look for recent, substantial activity, not a “cob web” page.

3.) Some, but not a lot, of turnover, particularly in management

You want to work where new people enter the mix occasionally and some current employees move up the internal ladder.

4.) A place where freelancing is not only permitted, it is encouraged

It is important to be able to have your work appear on national programs, blogs and social media. This goes for volunteer and paying work. Look for a shop that takes pride in employees that are entrepreneurs of their creative talents.

5. ) Learn about the alumni

Ask for the names of people who have previously worked there and where they are now.  Then contact some of them for their thoughts on the place you are considering.

WATCH FOR THESE NEGATIVE TRAITS

1.) Be careful of public media shops that are part of academic departments. These places often have internal turf battles and sacred cows that have nothing to do will media.

2.) Be cautious about shops that have lots of employee turnover or virtually no turnover.

GREAT GIGS AT THREE INNOVATIVE PUBLIC MEDIA SHOPS

Here current openings at three places with proven track records of treating employees well and encouraging personal growth:

Vermont Public Radio

All Things Considered Host & Reporter

VPR’s John Van Hoesen is looking for a multi-skilled individual to be part of the statewide news network.   

VPR has two distinct program streams: NPR News and full-time Classical music.

VPR is one of the most forward-thinking smaller market shops.  They are known for excellent public service in a place that really appreciates and supports it. 

VPR just moved into a brand new facility with the latest toys. More information is at [link].

WXPN, Philadelphia

World Cafe Producer  

COOLEST LOGO I'VE SEEN RECENTLY!

World Café is now in its 25^th year as a daily national Triple A program. They are looking for a producer to assist hosts and contributors in developing creative ideas, research, post-production and editing. 

WXPN is particularly keen to find candidates who are deeply immersed in the world of music, particularly AAA. Check out the gig at [link].

COLORADO PUBLIC RADIO

Regional Reporter for Southern Colorado

MESA VERDE IS ON THE "BEAT"

We have reported about Colorado Public Radio’s (CPR) growing statewide news presence several times in the recent past.

Now CPR is looking to fill a new position: General Assignment Reporter & Backup host. The “beat” spans from Colorado Springs to the New Mexico border to the western slope of the Rocky Mountains.

The reporter chosen will cover education, environment, government, health, arts and business stories with in-depth feature reports for radio, digital and social media platforms. CPR is particularly interested in hearing from folks who have a passion for news and 3-5 years journalism experience. See more info here [link].

Happy hunting!