PASSING THE TORCH TO WHOM?

For those of us who were fortunate enough to be a part of Radio's "Second Golden Era", many of us
wondered whether our work was going to be "little noted, nor long remembered"-to paraphrase Abe
Lincoln. In most lines of work, a "Torch" is passed on to those who follow. In Radio, the "Torch" seems to be smoldering, if not almost extinguished. If we are to "pass the torch", who would receive
it?  A Voice tracker? Syndicated program hosts? I Heart Radio? Maybe you know someone.
It's a rather sad commentary when you listen around the dial(AM or FM) and find little in the way
of "Star" quality personalities, interesting communicators, or creative programming. On the other
hand, where can a radio novice go to learn the radio business? Most will say a small market is the
place to start. But this is where most stations run syndicated programming,very little local involvement, and no budget to pay a decent wage. Broadcast schools are few, college radio is a
possibility, but campus operations have few commercials to educate the new generation in the world
of REAL Radio. Talking about radio in a classroom is of some value, but "hands on" experience is
still the best way to learn. The new radio wannabe can always go online and download various
radio air check sites and listen to the way it was done in "The Golden Era"(1935-1955) and/or "The
Second Golden era"(1955-1975). Listening is NOT doing! One has to find his or her niche and
personality without copying those of the past. It's hard to be an "Original" in most any field, but radio
is quite difficult to be original and achieve desired rating success. I'd love to pass along my half a
century of radio experience...but really, just where are you? Come out and be heard please.
That's my RadiOpinion....what's yours?