In response to The cold and shifting shores of freelance life

rob my penance was radio but your story reads the same as mine. Same can be said for newspapers etc. all (well most) the managers came from sales (with all the moral training that encourages), sales reps came from people able to put their suit on the right way in the morning. The good reps were the ones who knew they had to get out while they still had their soul and intellect intact.
I left radio four years ago, I had a lot of fun but the house and family I can afford is even better. I could go on but the point has been made. It's such a shame how creative work is valued.