-
10 Questions with ... Manic Marc
November 27, 2012
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Where it all began was with me being a listener, not the radio personality. My local morning show, Rocky & Sue, on my favorite station, WKRZ, would have what they called their "Friday Morning Co-Host," where they would let a listener come in and co-host the show with them. After endless, persistent -emails (persistence is one of my best qualities) they chose me to come in ... DURING A BLIZZARD nonetheless. It took me twice as long to get there in the SNOW, but I was going to get there no matter what, and this is where I was bit by the radio bug!
A year later, I was offered a board op position, and shortly after that, one morning ... (insert suspenseful sounder here) DUN DUN DUN ... someone didn't show up for their shift. My PD and APD were both out of town, so I called the next in command and he said to take over and get on-air. When they got back from being out of town, let's just say I was then given a position on-air.
I'm still with WKRZ and have been for over 10 years ... time flies when you're having fun. I've done a lot of amazing things on-air with exclusive content, exclusive gossip you heard first and interviews that you didn't hear anywhere else, one of which went global and was listened to in over 12 countries.
I've also done some work for WNNJ on their morning show, on-air/producing/etc. when I first started out. And I recently did some on-air at B97 in New Orleans ... gawd, I could go for some beignets right about now!
1) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Yes, I knew from the beginning, but recently fully realized RADIO is my passion. I love connecting with the listener and getting into the vibe of a station and its music. Also, the connection with the community and the ability to deliver top-notch content like no other is another reason that I plan on sticking with radio.
2) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Make as many contacts as you can. Also, getting yourself noticed and setting yourself apart from everyone else in your own unique way is key. Or you could always wait till the door opens, and stick your foot in quick! ;)
3) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
Well, I haven't really done anything too crazy yet, BUT I've actually started compiling a list of ways to get myself noticed or get the certain job I want. I just hope this list doesn't get me on the news!
4) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Well, there are a few: Part of a morning show, Part of an afternoon show, or a night show ... preferably in a market similar to what I am in now or bigger ... and SOUTH or WEST wouldn't be bad ... lol.
5) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
I've got to say that I am and have been pretty impressed with the courtesy level at places I've applied. There are some where you never hear a word, but then there are some that go out of their way to contact you, discuss things and point you in the right direction, even if they can't help you directly.
6) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?
"What grade are you in?" LOL! I look very young and get carded everywhere...but I guess when I'm 60 and look 40, then we'll see who's laughing!
7) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
I listen to the radio frequently, whether its locally, online or if I'm away in another place ... I love listening to other personalities and stations. I think everyone can learn a little something from each other, some may not want to admit that, but I don't have a problem with learning something from someone else. It helps you grow as a personality.
8) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?
If it was somewhere I liked and would like to relocate to, there were perks and the circumstances were right.
9) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
The advice isn't very bright, but if it's something you really want to do, you can make it happen. The economy hasn't helped much and has only made things more difficult in our industry. But, like I said, if it's something you really feel strongly about, go for it ... just make sure you have a back-up plan!
10) Where do you see yourself in five years? 10 years?
Hopefully working in a bigger market, full-time, doing one of the jobs I mentioned earlier (mornings, afternoons or nights) and doing what I love to do, which is RADIO, and connecting with the listener. If not, maybe I can just get Ryan Seacrest to adopt me.
Bonus Questions
Care to contribute a low-cost recipe to our "ON THE BEACH" cookbook?
Actually, that's another one of my amazing talents. Cooking and baking ... so if there are any hungry Program Directors (a.k.a. FOODIES) out there ... I'll have something yummy for you on your desk every day! And YES, that was a bribe! As far as the recipe goes, I never divulge my culinary secrets. But I will provide a pic at least of my Cannoli Cake ;) to make your mouth water!
-
-