Yes, There Is Life After Radio
• Given the large numbers of radio pros who have been downsized of late, it’s sometimes easy to miss that light that may indeed shine at the end of that initially dark tunnel.
Such is the case for Scott Sands, who was most recently SVP of Programming for iHeartMedia’s Ohio & West Virginia Area and PD of News-Talk WPSD/Toledo until last November’s mega-RIF.
“I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve accepted the role of Northwest Regional Liaison for the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office, serving under Auditor Keith Faber,” Sands said. “It’s an honor to represent one of Ohio’s most respected leaders across our 15 northwestern counties. In this role, I’ll support the Auditor’s mission to ensure government efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency — values I’ve long championed on my radio show.”
RAMP reached out to Sands, who explained that leaving radio — voluntarily or not — does not mean you hit a career brick wall. “People in radio need to understand that we have a tremendously diverse set of skills that translates into many other industries. I happen to have a passion for politics, and explored several comms jobs for elected officials before this opportunity came along. It’s essentially a promotions, public affairs, communications, community affairs, and client relations job for the State — all skills we air talent and programmers have!”
That’s not to say that Sands is leaving radio completely behind — “I’d love to thank everyone at Telesouth Communications for allowing me the opportunity to fill-in for Richard Cross and Gerard Gibert on the SuperTalk Mississippi network over the past few months. I look forward to continuing that relationship, as well, time permitting.” He added, “I also plan for Sands Media to maintain a limited roster of marketing, communications and radio clients on the side — in compliance with guidelines for state employees, of course.”
In closing, Sands said, “I miss radio… but there is a life after radio. You just have to figure it out.” Sands can be contacted at scott@scottsands.com, and find him on LinkedIn.
