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Need help with radio deejay story. Please help!?

I'm writing a book on a deejay (fictiocous, not real)...He works in college radio, then he gets a real job at a real radio station. His career span was from 1968-82. Does this make more sense for this story..... 1. He got real job at real jazz fusion station and worked there for 6 years (1971-77) 2. He once got a job offer at a rock station..he was interested...but the boss told him before he could even hire him that station, that they were only looking for a token black guy. He had to turn it down. 3. He got a job offer; moved to Oakland in '77; people didnt like him there...they thought he was too old fashioned. Music was changing so he had to change and update his style. I'm trying to work on the story. How's that so far? Does it need more work? Is it crap? Just be honest and help me out.

Public Comments

  1. #2 works against itself because it appears that the station made an offer that is technically illegal. They would have to tell him they were seeking a token black employee before making an offer. #1 is plausible enough. Not quite sure how you plan to build a full-length book/story from it..but it's possible. #3 sounds like the lives of lots of radio people. Radio changes constantly, so in my opinion, this is the most realistic storyline. Here's a true DJ story: I have a friend who is totally blind that was in a similar situation as the guy in the "got a start in college radio, then.." scenario. Blind Services kept finding him cafeteria jobs in office buildings. "I hated that cafeteria so much I decided I'd do anything in radio," he said. He started at Florida A&M University's college station, then was hired by WTAL-AM to play a mixed light a/c format. After several years, a local FM hired him. He became afternoon DJ, and eventually Cumulus bought the station..and sacked him. He's been unable to find radio work since. My own story's equally full of roller coaster ups and downs. There are stories everywhere, I can assure you! Good luck to you!
  2. Most I know who worked during that era got their real jobs at either local stations playing a easy listening or even a top 40 format on some mom and pop in the sticks.. most I know worked thru two or three stations working their way up the rung to the bigger stations.
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