-
10 Questions with ... Scott R. Miller
November 13, 2012
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started at 12 years old working personally with the LEGENDARY Dick Biondi. I produced and co-hosted nights on Chicago's CBS FM Talker 105.9 WCKG. I hosted Rock mornings for Clear Channel of Southern Illinois on Rock 105 TAO. I was one of the original seven to launch Oprah Winfrey's XM satellite radio station, and I produced Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Dr. Maya Angelou, Nate Berkus, Marianne Williamson and Peter Walsh. I produced The Gayle King television show on OWN. And I was one of the original news anchors and reporters for Randy Michaels' FM News Chicago/New York.
1) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied?
Not very responsive ...only a handful of stations have sent an actual reply.
2) 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?
YES! I have had a blast since February 20th 2012. Lots of Jim Beam, staying up late and waking up even later. I did a fun freelance gig for Jazz FM in the U.K.; I am producing a documentary film, I was in a film that Roger Ebert gave three stars, too ... and I am trying not to break a bone or clog an artery ... since I don't have any health insurance.
3) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
I can't pick just one. Steve Dahl telling me I remind him of a younger version of himself. Launching Oprah Radio and Ms. Winfrey giving me complete creative freedom with all of the shows I worked on. Becoming close personal friends with my idol and mentor Dick Biondi.
4) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
Most: The connection with the audience, finding that topic that just lights up the phones and takes on a life of its own.
Least: The station bathroom. I don't know who was in there last ... but it reminded me of monkey cages at the zoo.
5) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
If you don't LOVE radio with ALL of your heart ... don't do it.
6) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
I went 10 months after being "relieved of my duties to go in a different direction" at Rock 105 TAO, BUT then I got THE call from John Gehron to join him in launching Oprah Winfrey's brand new radio station in state-of-the-art studios on Harpo's campus in my home town of Chicago.
7) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Persistence. Apply for the job, call, e-mail, tweet ... you already don't have a job, what have you got to lose?
8) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?
"Who cuts your hair?"
9) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
I work in radio, getting let go is part of the game ... I need to have fun ... I only have 1 life ... the only thing stopping me is me!
10) Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
On the air, making people laugh, think, call, tweet and e-mail. Hopefully loving the business even more than I did the first time I was on the air at 12 years old with Dick Biondi.
Bonus Questions
BONUS: My favorite new diversion is ...
-
-