Broadcasting School Reviews - Connecticut School of Broadcasting

Many people exploring their Broadcasting Career options available will inevitably be faced with the choice of whether Radio Broadcasting Schools are a viable option.

OK, I'll admit: I'm NOT a big fan of Radio Broadcasting Schools at all.

Nothing personal, I've just had too many people come to me AFTER they've completed their 'training' and were extremely sour on them. Their biggest gripe always centered around job placement and their inability to get their foot in the door and make connections of any kind upon completion of their 'schooling'.

Face it, regardless of what new field you may be looking to enter, it all boils down to a common sense, age old truism:

It's not just WHAT you know....But WHO you know.

Don't park your common sense at the front door on me now, but think about it...

Broadcasting Schools will have at least 20 people in each class, who serve essentially as your competition when it comes to landing your first radio job.

Then, they'll stick you in a radio station to do an internship, where...

That radio station also has 10-15 college students doing internships, who ALSO serve as your competition for whatever job opens up.

Why would/should they pick you out of all of these candidates?

You may be good, but it's a numbers game and a certain element of timing/luck will factor in. For instance....say a job opens up right after you begin. 3 other college students have been there for 6 months now, and have been able to leave a positive impression with the PD, merely because of their longer time at the station.

You may be better than they are, but the boss just doesn't know you as well. Then, If nothing becomes available during the rest of your internship....

You're stuck...and on your own.

The Broadcasting School has cashed your check and is now making the same lofty promises to their next enrollee as they did with you!

Nonetheless, let's partially review broadcasting schools:

So Much Money . . . There are several regional and national broadcasting schools such as the Connecticut School of Broadcasting and Columbia School of Broadcasting.

While all broadcasting schools offer broadcasting courses much like a college, their price tags are typically a bit lower. Tuition typically will range between $9,000 and $15,000,while the pricier ones can be upwards of $30,000.

So Few Results... Because broadcasting schools are just brick-and-mortar facilities that are not connected with actual working radio stations, little or no insider radio contacts are available to the student.

 This should be of concern, because most jobs come from having contacts in the business. Without having a chance to make these contacts, you'll quickly find yourself competing with your classmatesfor the same limited openings.

Your real chances of becoming hired upon graduation from a Broadcasting School are, sadly, very slim.

How do radio industry decision-makers view them? (After all, this is whose opinions REALLY matter).

Bob Thornton, General Manager of KXOJ Radio in Tulsa, once told me how most general managers and program directors feel about broadcasting schools:

“We've found in the past that students of broadcast schools are often taught outdated or irrelevant techniques that get in the way of training. In fact, I speak at radio seminars all over the country, and work extensively with some of the top consultants in the industry, and I have never met, in all my years, a single graduate of broadcast schools working in radio.”

Certainly, some have had success through broadcasting schools, and are gainfully employed today. Bob just hasn’t met any.

SUMMARY: The people who do well in this type of environment tend to be “classroom type” learners who have a sizable amount of discretionary income or are willing to go heavy in debt through their financing programs.

It's fair to call Broadcasting Schools 'the $10,000 gamble', I'd say.

Next, we'll cover another aspect of Broadcasting Schools that is rarely spoken about.

Until that time,

Many Blessings

Michael Madden
mm@BroadcastingSchool.com
http://BroadcastingSchool.com

Broadcasting School Reviews | American

It may appear that I'm nitpicking or harping on Radio Broadcasting Schools in this review of American broadcasting schools, but think about it:

If YOU we're getting ready to take the Broadcasting Career plunge and were strongly considering forking over $10,000.00 to $12,000.00 (Ouch! It hurts to even say that)...wouldn't you want to gather all the facts before making a decision to take on a loan that size?

Or, would you prefer just relying on a sales pitch from the Radio Broadcasting School admissions director?

Again, nothing personal as I really don't personally know anyone who owns, operates or works at a Broadcasting School.

Having said that, let's move onward.

A few other major areas to consider that aren't often talked about by the school or thought about by inquiring students:

Broadcasting Schools Are Often Times Forced To Use Outdated Equipment

The equipment at most of these schools is widely criticized within the industry as outdated. Radio constantly evolves, with more sophisticated technology.

For example, many current stations, big and small - from New York City to Kalamazoo –now use a digital recording and playback format. The cost to keep up with these kinds of technological advances for many broadcasting schools is, admittedly, prohibitive, which often sadly leaves broadcasting schools to use equipment that is woefully outdated.

The Broadcasting School may tell students (if asked) they use digital equipment, but what Broadcasting Student is going to know if it's the same system Clear Channel, Infinity, Entercom or others currently use?

If you're anything like me...the minute someone starts throwin’ a few techno-talk words out there...you're lost, and convinced they must know what they're talking about.

Broadcasting School Class Schedules Are Set In Stone

Since there are many other students in the same classes with you, a rigid schedule must be set for class times. Therefore, your personal schedule must fit those class times – there is no flexibility.

You will get some time behind the microphone, but other students clamoring for similar chances will surround you.

Therefore, a common complaint voiced about broadcasting schools is the difficulty students have making the transition to a real radio station.

Here is the strength of Broadcasting Schools: You will learn broadcasting oriented skills, which is essential to your foundation. This IS a new form of communication that takes time and attention to pick up.

The primary weakness with Broadcasting Schools (that is no small matter) is their inability to seamlessly transition you into real radio.

Think of the old saying:

It's not WHAT you know, but WHO you know.

Personally, I revise that for broadcasting, since what you know matters. You better have the skills required to become a broadcaster, or it wont matter one bit who you know.

So, it's fair to say that in order for you to break into broadcasting:

It's BOTH what you know and who you know that is essential for you to be on-air.

So I will tip my hat to Broadcasting Schools for providing you with half of what you need to break into the industry. For $10,000.00, though...you shouldn't expect half of anything. In my book, 10 Grand entitles you to ALL of whatever it is you're paying for.

In my next writing, you'll see, is the other side of the equation when we take a look at Radio Internships and discover their strengths and weaknesses.

Until then

Many Blessings

Michael Madden
mm@BroadcastingSchool.com
http://www.BroadcastingSchool.com/