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10 Questions with ... Jeb Fields
January 15, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I am young and new to the radio industry. I've been in the business since graduating from high school and asking a sales manager who spoke to my class about the industry for an internship. After getting my foot in the door and working day in and day out for free around the station, I finally got a fill in overnight/weekend position on Cincinnati's WUBE, which was the CMA Large Market Station of the Year. I then decided it was time to seek full-time employment, landing a small-market APD job in Frankfort, KY, competing with both the Louisville and Lexington markets. After six months of working afternoon drive, I was promoted to the morning, show hosting "A Cup of Jeb in the Morning" by myself.
1) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
This is my longest stretch on the beach currently, with a couple months of no work, and I am starting to feel the burn from laying out here every day.
2) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Knowing someone who is already working at the station. That is how I originally got in to the business especially when they understand your passion and know how hard you work.
3) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
My best resource has, of course, been All Access. I've had my best leads and interviews from this website.
4) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Ideally I would like to obtain a job in the Southeast markets, like Charleston, SC, or out west in Colorado. I really just want to find a market in a fun area. I'd also like my next job to help me further my career and give me further training, and the ability to be a PD on top of what I have already learned.
5) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
For the most part, the courtesy has not been great. You'll talk to a PD a few times, then never hear from them again.
6) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
I would say I spend more time listening to the radio now. I have more time on my hands and I try to listen to the stations I have applied to before talking with them. I love having access to Internet stations.
7) 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?
I now have time to practice disc golf and even play in some disc golf tournaments.
8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
My biggest accomplishment so far in my career was being promoted from the afternoon drive to hosting a morning show by myself, waking up with a fresh cup of Jeb in the Morning.
9) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
I miss having the gift every day of waking up and cracking the mic and having fun on the radio. I still do all my normal show prep on a daily basis to try and stay fresh and on top of everything.
10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
Well, still being fairly new to the biz, I feel like I am still trying to create a name for myself. At the same time, I have also been through a lot and learned a lot as well. The only advice I have to give is be true to who you are and make sure you follow your passion, not allowing yourself to get complacent.
Bonus Questions
Uh oh ... now you're on your own for getting new music. If applicable, name your three most recent purchases since leaving the biz.
I have found Spotify to be the best way to obtain new music. I spend hours and hours creating playlists of all different genres ... kinda like programming little stations for myself.
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