Six months ago, I told my boss she should fire me.
No, seriously. I started doing the morning show at EZRock in Ottawa in May of 2010. At the time, we were playing 6 to 8 songs an hour, doing a two-hour nightly talk show, and all the stuff brand new radio stations do. At the time, Astral Media and I agreed that they needed my “expertise” for this situation.
Six months ago, the direction of the station changed. The responsibilities for the talk show went away so that my partner Viv and I could focus on doing a kick-ass morning show (which we did – the show just jumped 50% in the ratings). We started playing ten songs an hour instead of eight. We shortened up and tightened up every piece of talk on the station.
When that happened, I went to Sarah Cummings, the Brand Manager, and said “You know you don’t really need me anymore, right?” In my eyes, that was the truth. If you’re building a brand new station, I’m your guy, because I’ve done it over and over again. If you need the guy who will go and live in a tent on top of a billboard in December for 30 days and build eternal bridges with the community, I’m your guy. If you need to take your station from an also-ran to #1 in the market, I’ve done it six times in a row. But I’m not the guy you need if you’re playing ten songs an hour on your morning show.
Sarah, who may very well be my favorite boss ever, disagreed vehemently.
…until today.
So as of now, Astral and I have parted ways… for the time being. We still love each other, but both of us know overkill when we see it.
As for me? Consulting. Speaking. Writing. And yes, there’s already stuff in the hopper. If you read this blog regularly you might have detected a sudden shift in direction the last couple of weeks.
If you want to reach out to me, the email is neilhedley@neilhedley.com – I look forward to it.
If you’re in radio, this is a great job that just came open. Astral’s the best company I ever worked for, Sarah is a terrific person to work for, and the team is really solid. I think she’s still looking for packages – reach out to her at (613) 225-1069.
Neil,
Thats really sad…I was enjoying the show because of you!
The others stations are a so full of it…urgh!!
All the best to you!
Marlie
Thank you, Marlie. It’s much appreciated.
Neil
You’re really talented. And you’ve created a strong presence and following.
Wherever you go or show, I’ll be paying attention.
Thanks, Pam – that really does mean a lot.
Your incredible talent will be very missed. Wishing you only success in whatever is around your next corner!
Thank you, my friend.
Hope I still get to come fill in on YOUR show from time to time.
Classy dude, very classy. Far too many people would be throwing a tantrum and quick to blame but you are a stand-up guy (who used to do stand-up and may again, perhaps, who gave the drummer the night off?).
I look forward to reading your next BOOK, not chapter.
km
Consider the book pressure returned in kind, my friend. And thanks for the kind words.
Really sad to hear you’re leaving. I wish you the best in whatever you do next. Or wherever that may be. Hope to continue to be in touch in the early morning hours- or later in the day since that’s more civilised.
Cheers…
Thank you, Cindy. Gonna be a while before I teach my body how to sleep past 4am.
Neil,
I’m sorry about the news, but it sounds like it’s a positive step for you! I wish nothing but the best for you! Keep in touch.
Karen~
Thanks Karen – huge stuff on the way, including a move back home to Toronto. I’ll keep you in the loop for sure.
Hey Neil,
I was sad to hear the news yesterday. I think you are delightful and will miss your sage and smiling self the infrequent times I frequent the Merivale building. Wishing you nothing but the best and would be delighted to hear about your continuing adventures.
Warmly,
Sue
Count on it, Sue – although my mailing address is changing (to one in Toronto), it’s not like I won’t be back. Perhaps even more frequently than people expect.
We’re going to miss you here in Ottawa Neil. It was a real pleasure getting to know you. Please stay in touch with us at Daytime Ottawa!
You kidding? I think I’m still filling in for you one day soon!
Neil, Ottawa, my absolute favo(u)rite city has lost a great talent. You know, your old spot in Hartford has opened up again…hint-hint-hint!
Very kind, Chip. But if they still have the same ownership, that’s a non-starter. The nice thing about the position I’m in right now is that where I go next is up to me. Whole different ball game than 14 years ago.
Neil, sorry to hear the news that you are leaving Ottawa. Now I’ll have a 7 hour drive to watch you sit on a rooftop to raise awareness for whatever good cause you have chosen to support. Good luck in Toronto.
Barry, you’re very kind, as always.
I will absolutely keep you posted on future developments as soon as I can talk about them more.
I appreciate you always being there; know that I’m fully aware how rare that is.