I’ve never understood why radio stations insist on holding disenchanted employees to their contracts. Entercom‘s WRKO/Boston has reportedly suspended talker Howie Carr for his relentless on-air criticism of the station.  Carr’s behavior can’t possibly be a shock to WRKO management.  After all, Carr sued the station during his 2007 attempt to move to cross-town talker WTKK-FM.

The best radio managers understand the crucial importance of creating an atmosphere where the talent feels safe, supported and appreciated.  If things have deteriorated to the point where a host is willing to go to court to escape the station, that atmosphere is gone for good. A ruling in management’s favor is a Pyrrhic victory.

Hardly a new lesson: Pharaoh learned it 3,000 years ago.  You can’t keep talented people against their will.  If you try, you risk all sorts of plagues.