A Radio Love Affair

By Jon Holiday

Original Article

After many years in this business—on-air, programming, managing, consulting—I can still say without hesitation: I love radio.

From my early days working in markets like Hartford and Providence, to exciting chapters in Miami, Tampa, and Denver, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing this industry from multiple angles. And through all the format flips, airchecks, promos, and meetings, the passion has never left. If anything, it deepened.

I still love writing copy that connects. I love helping stations find their voice. I love speaking at industry events and working with teams who want to win. And yes, I love the people I work with (okay… most of them!).

To those just starting out in radio: it’s different now. The business has changed. The revenue streams have evolved. You’ll probably be asked to do more than one job. And you likely won’t get rich. But if you love it—if that red “ON AIR” light still gives you a thrill—then there’s no better place to build a career.

Over the years, I’ve seen countless people enter the industry with stars in their eyes, not knowing exactly where they’d land. Some start in promotions and end up in programming. Others move from sales into leadership. A few discover they’re happiest in a niche role they never expected. That’s one of radio’s gifts—it makes room for reinvention.

Has it always been easy? No. Have I questioned it? Sure. But I’ve never walked away. I’ve never stopped believing in the power of this medium or the people behind it.

If you’re in radio now and wondering where the love went, take a moment. Think about your audience—the people tuning in every day because they trust you, or because you make them laugh, or because you play the soundtrack to their lives. That connection? That’s everything.

And if you’re new to the business, give it a chance to grow on you. Like any great love, it takes time, effort, and commitment. But if you stick with it, one day you might find yourself saying what I still say today: I'm still in love with radio!

Jon Holiday is owner/consultant of Radio Consulting Services, helping radio stations with their programming in numerous formats. Visit the RCS website.