You Won't Believe How Much Afternoon Drive In L.A. Pays

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Posted by RadioActive
September 16, 2024 10:57 am
#1

It was a big story in Los Angeles - a drivetime duo on one time giant KLOS-FM were suddenly fired, leaving a huge opening on air for their replacements. And then the owner, a company called Meruelo Media Group, posted an ad to find someone to take their place. 

But it's the pay scale that's raising eyebrows. 


"For all that – entertaining all of Southern California with music, representing the station at personal appearances, creating videos for the station’s social media connections, voicing commercials, and so much more, the station is prepared to pay extremely handsomely: $70,000 to $90,000 per year.

(record scratch)

Is that a typo? No, it is not. That is the salary range listed in the ad. For comparison (though keeping in mind that KHJ was the top-rated station in the country at the time), afternoon drive in 1972 on that station paid just about that same amount … but in 1972 dollars, which would be close to $360,000 today. I am told that a decade or so ago afternoon drive pay was typically about $100K at a more typical station."


The second largest radio market on the planet paying what amounts to a pittance? If that doesn't tell you why radio is in trouble and can't attract big talent, nothing will.  

KLOS is seeking Kevin & Sluggo’s replacement. You won’t believe the pay.

 
Posted by dmcjeff
September 16, 2024 11:05 am
#2

I'm surprised they'd even offer that much considering the 'end of usefulness' path that FM radio is on currently


[img]https://1drv.ms/i/s!AuF8Sd9OzvCbg5oAXaSlHwJVUvLp-w?e=arHBuk[/img]
 
Posted by newsguy1
September 16, 2024 12:04 pm
#3

That's quite stunning.  That pay scale is what a senior newspaper correspondant might make at the Toronto Star of Globe and Mail.
Or a middle manager at The Canadian Press.
Better to go down south and become a 777 pilot that pays around 300 grand a year.




 

Last edited by newsguy1 (September 16, 2024 12:06 pm)

 
Posted by Binson Echorec
September 16, 2024 12:08 pm
#4

And as we lose or have lost the Ashbys, Derringers, and Davises of radio, their replacements are likely earning far less.

Total speculation on my part but I'd wager that the current Q107 morning show collectively earns about 1/3-1/2 of what JD was making at his height.

 
Posted by paterson1
September 16, 2024 7:58 pm
#5

There must be some other perks.  Hard to live in LA on that amount of money.  This is the #9 station overall in Los Angeles.  Wonder what KLOS bills per year?

 
Posted by RadioAaron
September 16, 2024 8:36 pm
#6

paterson1 wrote:

There must be some other perks.  Hard to live in LA on that amount of money.  This is the #9 station overall in Los Angeles.  Wonder what KLOS bills per year?

Above the Median for LA.

https://gusto.com/resources/research/salary/ca/los-angeles

And these comparisons are true far beyond radio/media. Salaries have lagged somewhat beyond inflation and FAR beyond housing costs in most sectors.

 


 
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