105.7 The Fan Studio (Photo By Tim Barbalace/TU Student)
Radio is definitely alive and well. Believe it or not “Radio” is the second-most-common activity on smartphones, behind social media usage, according to comScore. Radio is also looking at ways on how to reinvent itself.
The radio industry is experimenting with the idea of activation of FM chips in smartphones. This idea would be very intriguing. There are already several apps such as Tune In, Radio One, Pandora, and Iheart Radio that all have radio capabilities. This would bring into question if it is necessary to include an FM chip in a smart phone when there are apps already capable of accessing radio stations. I think there will always be a place for radio in media. As long as there are cars there will always be radios inside of them for people to listen to. Radio has been a staple in media for a long time and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.
The other avenue of radio that has made a resurgence is podcasting. PodcastOne is currently delivering 400 million ad impressions per month, according to Norm Pattiz. I think podcasting is a great way for the average person to gain public exposure and, if done well enough, develop a potential radio career. Podcasting is also a very cheap way to channel something a person is passionate about. Anyone can do a podcast on any topic.
The topics of radio and podcasting mean a lot to me because they are career avenues I plan to pursue after college. My goal is to be an on-air host of a sports talk show. Currently, I am employed at CBS Radio as a producer for 105.7 The Fan and I am also a promotions assistant. I love my job and being able to produce shows on 105.7 has been a tremendous experience for me. Being able to have the opportunity to talk on air on occasion has been something I really enjoy. I also host a show on Mondays and Fridays on Towson University’s student radio station XTSR. I plan on starting my own podcast at the beginning of 2016. I see this podcast as a way to gain more experience and exposure that I could use on my resume for future potential employment.
tim barbalace 