As we dive headfirst into the holiday season of 2025, it’s a time of reflection, celebration, and inevitable work commitments for many. In particular, those within the radio industry can find themselves working the graveyard shifts during the festive period. In this post, we dive into the realities of these holiday shifts, the ironies of radio broadcasting, and the potential solutions to preserve holiday cheer for those behind the mic. Drawn from personal experiences and a dash of humor, we’ll explore the unique challenges this industry faces during what should be the most wonderful time of the year.
Thanksgiving and Holidays in the Radio Industry
Thanksgiving is a great time of the year. What other holiday can you gorge like a bull and nobody will criticize you cause they are too? For me, the holiday’s always remind me of how glad I I left Radio when I did in 2000 but in reality, I should have left even before that.
The Reality of Holiday Shifts
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve were all days that I could count on -on-bet” target=”_blank”> scheduled to work at an LA Radio Station at the worst times. For Thanksgiving, I would be scheduled to work 12 to 6pm and got the same hours for Christmas then for New Years Eve I was always scheduled to work from 6 to midnight.
The Personal Take on a Radio DJ
In situations like these it’s pretty evident that the PD doesn’t think much of you. I wasted a lot of time on the air because I always did radio because I COULD do it, I never had the desire, love or the addiction for it that other Radio DJs have I was just good at it.
Proposed Solutions
If I was the Head of All Urban Radio I would rule that all Radio Stations automate for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years UNLESS employees volunteer at which point they should be offered TRIPLE pay.
The Irony and Psychology of Radio
People fail to realize the irony and psychology behind radio, it is not what it seems. You are talking to hundreds of thousands of people while you are contained in a small airtight box, usually alone.
Conclusion: Advocacy for a Better Work-life Balance
If you have to work during Thanksgiving and Christmas, allow me to make your New Year’s Resolution for you…find another damn job.
A Final Word
At any rate, as the holidays draw near I hope that you and your family have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
#RadioLife #HolidayShifts #WorkLifeBalance #IndustryChallenges #HolidayCheer
