Blowing People Out

I often wonder if large owners realize the expense of firing people.

Hiring people is expensive - thus, FIRING people is expensive. Airfare, hotels, meals, wining and dining, time and energy... not to mention severance for the fired.

I understand when the situation is such that one is fired for doing something so bad that he is no longer welcome anywhere within the company. But come on. Those situations are rare.

More often than not, it's just a change of direction.

When I was fired by Infinity, I found myself thinking "how could it be that a company this large doesn't have a position I'd be great for?" My station was changing management, and the new guy wanted me out so he could start over. I got it. But why fire me? Why not offer me a transfer instead? In fact, not only was I not recruited from within... I actually found myself in a position where Infinity stations wouldn't consider me because I was still employed by Infinity (even if only briefly), and they didn't want to eat their own!

Ridiculous.

I'm amazed that greater strides haven't been made towards creating an internal talent pool within Infinity, Clear Channel, or any other large broadcast company.

It'll save money.

It'll keep the most talented people within the company.

It'll keep the most talented people away from competitors.

It'll build good karma.