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10 Questions with ... Bill Crawford
January 10, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I've been in radio close to 35 years, having started my professional career in 1977 while attending what is now Southern Oregon University in Ashland. I achieved a high level of success when I was at KBOY/Medford, KCMX-FM/Medford, KSND/Eugene, KOSO/Modesto, KWIN/Stockton, KPAY/Chico and in San Francisco (KITS), Sacramento (KXOA) and Portland (KXL-FM and KKSN). In recent years, I did mornings at KDCQ/Coos Bay, OR for six years and was at McKenzie River Broadcasting in Eugene (KKNU/KMGE) for 10 years doing weekends and vacation fill-in. I was also PD at KINY Juneau, AK and KGXX Susanville, CA. Success and great ratings have followed me wherever I have been in my career.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
My faith in God keeps me going, knowing that I'll be led to wherever my next position will be.
2) Some people get discouraged or enlightened with the business when they actually step out of it for a while. Tell us your observations from the outside.
I get very discouraged when it turns out that even though I have a ton of experience, I get overlooked and someone younger who would do the same job for less money gets hired. You get exactly what you pay for.
3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Absolutely! One thing I don't do is give up. Quitting would be an easy way out.
4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
It was almost two years between full-time jobs and my current situation of not being on the air at all since January 21st.
5) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
I'd have to say allaccess.com, radioonline.com and the Oregon Association of Broadcasters website.
6) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I would like a morning-drive, midday or afternoon-drive position at a top-rated radio station and/or an opportunity to program a station where I would be appreciated and recognized for my achievements. My format preferences would be Country, Oldies/Classic Hits, Mainstream AC, Hot AC, Full-Service AC and News/Talk.
7) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
I have received a few e-mails and rejection letters but very few, if any, interviews. That bothers me, because I have so much to offer someone. Recently I had to find out through allaccess.com that a position I applied for was filled. There was no e-mail, rejection letter or even a phone call from this person to let me know what was going on.
8) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?
Since my family is spread throughout the Pacific Northwest and California, weekends are the best time to visit with them. Sometimes I get time with them during the week. My oldest daughter and my grandson live in Washington state, so I visit with them when I can. My youngest daughter is in her second year in college in California, and I visit her whenever possible. My mother and grandmother both live on the north Oregon coast and are still doing well. My mother will be celebrating her 85th birthday soon and my grandmother just turned 105 on Christmas Day.
9) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Actually, there are five, in no particular order. I was the emcee for a Kenny G concert in Sacramento in 1988. Another was getting my first PD position in 1995 when I programmed KINY/Juneau, AK. My major-market stops in San Francisco, Sacramento and Portland were very special times for me as well. I had the opportunity to work for Brian Casey (now mornings at KOLA) three times in my career (KQEU/Olympia, KOSO/Modesto and KXOA/Sacramento). He'd probably get mad at me if I left that out. Last, but not least, I was the most popular radio personality in my hometown of Medford, OR at one time.
10) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?
Not being able to spend enough time with my family. There's never enough time spent with the people you love and care about.
Bonus Questions
My favorite new diversion is ...
My new Android phone. So many apps (including TuneIn Radio) ... so little time.
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