"Season's Change"
We all experience major changes in our lives. Some of them good. Some bad. No matter what, they are changes that must happen.
After 35 years of being blessed enough to be in a business that I've loved since the beginning, the time for change has come.
As of this week, Mainline Broadcasting and I have ended our wonderful relationship and with that, I close this chapter of my life.
I want everyone to know that I am fine with the decision and have no ill feelings or anger toward "MLB". It is a truly wonderful company and one of the best I've ever worked for.
I give many thanks to the staff and management there because they've given me the chance to do things in my career that I thought I never would do. I've worked with and groomed some of the best and brightest talent in this industry and I take great pride in their success.
I've been "adopted" by a family in the truest sense of the word. They've shared in my triumphs and my tragedies. They've applauded my strengths and helped with my weaknesses and most importantly, they believed in my talent and shared in my drive for success and because of all of that and so much more, I leave with no regrets.
Over the last year or so, I've had to really evaluate where I was in my life and I knew in my mind that I wouldn't be doing radio much longer. I think the decision had been made somewhat when I made it known that I wouldn't be applying for the Program Director's position now held by Phillip David March. I'm tremendously thrilled that he's back in the game because the knowledge he brings to a young staff is beyond measure. He's already made a major impact and he's not done yet.
I saw the staff getting younger with a new energy that was sorely needed. I'm blessed to have been a part of that energy, but something was missing. I can admit that part of it was ego - driven. When I was moved to Magic 101.3, I embraced the challenge of trying to take the station to the next level. Although we made strides in the ratings, it wasn't enough for me. I was used to winning as I'd done on B-96.5 and I tended to beat myself up when I didn't see the kinds of results I wanted. I also missed being in a position with a higher profile. I internalized these things more and more and I knew for sure that it would be time for me to leave at some point.
I feel that I must come to the defense of "MLB", because the few people I've told beforehand had very strong reactions to the news. To them and to you I say "there are no bad guys, so don't it twisted". Continue to support my family at Mainline as you always have. They are a very solid company and they get results for anyone they do business with.
Over the last few days, people have been running with a consistent theme. "This is but a season and seasons change". My baby sister, Tonya, put it in a Facebook post. My mother, Barbara, made sure I knew it as well.
I'm very excited about the things that are already happening and the shape of things to come. I'm concentrating more on my family and building my own business, Mark Gunn Media. I'm looking forward to growing a list of clients that have trusted my work in the past, and new ones that will soon discover just how special this company will be.
There are pending opportunities that will, as my wife Tracey says, "will put you exactly where you need to be" and in her opinion, put me in a position to do what I was born to do. More on that as the situation develops.
By no means is this a "goodbye" to Louisville. You'll have to put up with me for a while longer. For me, it's business as usual. I'll still fight the good fight with "Connected Voices". I'll still use my voice to do the most good where I can. Don't be surprised if you see me pop up with an occasional television appearance either.
So, as this season changes for me, there have been so many people in so many places that have helped me along my 35 year journey. General Managers, Program Directors, Air Talent, Sales and Promotions people and most of all, anyone and everyone that I've been privileged enough to come through your radio speakers, THANK YOU !
...And to my first love, we've been through a whole lot together and you'll always be in my heart.
Thank you... RADIO.
Mark Gunn
Owner - Mark Gunn Media.
