PERMANENT VACATION
Hello Fellow Radio Pros,
After 44 years of being a mad scientist in the radio industry, I decided to call it a career at the end of 2023. During my time in the lab, I was fortunate enough to work with over 100 stations in all market sizes and with multiple formats as a programmer, morning personality and consultant. Needless to say, I worked with a lot of outstanding people that allowed me to have a long career and to them I say thank you. I now realize it was you that allowed me to have such a long and rewarding career and you know who you are.
It's been over two years since I exited stage right, and the best way I can explain leaving the business is it was extremely difficult to go from working at a 150 mph pace down to about 10 mph. The people I had relationships began to fade due to them still having busy careers and personal lives. In short, life gets extremely quiet and after talking to others in my situation from al walks of life, this is normal. I've actually become very fond of the quiet and wonder how I put up with all the chaos a career in radio brings with it. Time has now become my most valuable commodity and I've chosen to spend it wisely with a small circle of family and friends.
To those of you who remain involved in the radio industry, you have your work cut out for you. I hear the stories from the people I stay in touch with and they tell me it's a real challenge. The best advice I can give you is radio has always been a challenge. The challenges are just different. As radio evolves, the changes will be many but if you choose to remain, then it's up to you to change the culture for yourself and others. It has to come from the bottom up and not top down. Your attitude will determine how far you go and I urge you to be outrageous so it contagious enough to inspire others. Always be proactive and not reactive. Spend time in thought daily and learn to think strategically by continuing to educate yourself on the business. Never forget radio is part of the entertainment industry, not the digital industry, use digital to become the best entertainers you can be because that's where the industry is right now. Finally, surround yourself with people you trust and admire. Do this and I promise you'll improve the industry and have tremendous success along the way.
To those of you who remain involved in the radio industry, you have your work cut out for you. I hear the stories from the people I stay in touch with and they tell me it's a real challenge. The best advice I can give you is radio has always been a challenge. The challenges are just different. As radio evolves, the changes will be many but if you choose to remain, then it's up to you to change the culture for yourself and others. It has to come from the bottom up and not top down. Your attitude will determine how far you go and I urge you to be outrageous so it contagious enough to inspire others. Always be proactive and not reactive. Spend time in thought daily and learn to think strategically by continuing to educate yourself on the business. Never forget radio is part of the entertainment industry, not the digital industry, use digital to become the best entertainers you can be because that's where the industry is right now. Finally, surround yourself with people you trust and admire. Do this and I promise you'll improve the industry and have tremendous success along the way.
A little advice when it comes to contacting me- One of the perks of being retired is I am no longer glued to my phone. I only turn it on and check messages when I leave my home. If you call, know you're going to get my voice mail 100% of the time, so please leave a message or you will not get a returned call. Also properly identify yourself. Please don't assume I still have your phone number. I probably do not. The same goes if you text me. The best way to get ahold of me is through email. You'll get a quicker response that way.
I wish you all the best of luck. - ME
E: mem@markelliottmedia.com
P: (818) 259-0091
Copyright 2026
P: (818) 259-0091
Copyright 2026
