Wanting play-by-play reps after being laid off from his radio job in Farmington, MO, Joey Palermo got creative. “I went back to how I started calling games: throwing up a Madden game, or an MLB The Show game, and broadcasting that action. Something to give me more reps while also restoring that belief I could do this full-time.”
It worked. An STAA member, Palermo is joining the sports staff at StoneComm Radio in Cookeville, TN. His duties will include interviews, daily sportscasts, and of course, play-by-play. Palermo is grateful for the opportunity to continue to grow. “StoneComm prides themselves on training broadcasters to become professionals.”
Congratulations @JoeyPalermo95 on your new position at StoneComm Radio! Share on XRebounding from layoff
Palermo is a 2023 graduate of Liberty University. He joined KJFF Radio in Farmington, MO, only to be part of company-wide layoffs just months later. In May, he moved to Park Hills, MO for part-time radio work while looking for his next full-time opportunity. It came in the form on an STAA Job Leads+ email, just six days after joining STAA. Palermo applied. The invitation to interview came via phone call while he was broadcasting a game. He set out before sunrise on the six hour drive to Tennessee. “I was traveling to Cookeville at 3:30 in the morning to tour the station and give a face-to-face interview. Within 72 hours the offer was sent to me.”
Palermo’s eagerness was not lost on his soon-to-be employers. “They stated how impressed they were that I was able to essentially drop everything I was doing and drive over to see them on such short notice. It left a lasting impression.”
Following his layoff, Palermo reminded himself about why he chose the career he did. “Remembering who I was and what I had poured my heart and soul into: becoming a broadcaster of sports. I considered all avenues, and family was key among them. Moving closer to home is something my mom stressed after the layoff. It was tough at first because I believe you should be open to all possibilities.”
Advice from friends
Palermo joined STAA on the advice of a pair of fellow members and Liberty University grads.
“Zach Wheeler referred me to STAA and I’ve enjoyed it ever since,” Palermo states. “A special shoutout to Joshua Lipowski for telling me about STAA back when we were at Liberty, as well as all other Liberty alumni and graduates who are with STAA right now. Those guys are awesome!”
Less awesome is that working full-time again means Palermo will have less time for Madden Football and MLB The Show. He’s glad to make the trade.
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