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10 Questions with ... Drew Weber
May 7, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
June-Dec.2012: Broadcast training/experience through the Broadcasters Mentoring Group.
2011-Present: Write, voice and produce station imaging for www.longbox.fm.
When I started imaging Longbox, I received direction from Chris Dowdy, Longbox's PD in regards to the style of imaging he was looking for. That direction helped steer the attitude and character I put forth in the imaging I voice and produce for Longbox.fm.
Jan.-May 2011: Edit/produced religious messages to air on KPVR/Troy MO. I condensed and produced Journey Church's weekly service messages from roughly 50 minutes to 30 minutes, fitting the Sunday morning-allotted time slot on KPVR. I cut out repetitive statements and silence allowing for the message to still sound natural, but be to the point. I voiced and produced bumper intros and outros fitting each week's message and gave the contact info for Journey Church. I did this for approximately five months.
2010-present: Internet radio show "Rebel Fusion" at www.mushroomfm.com (3 hours per week).
Each week I broadcast a three-hour long show on Mushroomfm.com. The show consists of two hours of variety, (Pop/Top 40 and Country), and one hour of Rock (Alternative, Hard Rock and Metal). Each week I look at the Billboard charts, making sure my music library is up to date, adding new tracks to each rotation and having tracks for requests. I voice and produce show imaging on a regular basis, adding professionalism and comedy to the show. I have scheduled voice breaks every 15 minutes, where I talk about current happenings and talk up the next song. Promos are played for other shows on the station at least twice an hour.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I'm always keeping up my broadcast/production skills with Rebel Fusion, my Internet radio show I host on MushroomFM. I also produce podcasts and station imaging for various Internet radio stations.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I've been spending time with family and friends, keeping up on current events and writing music.
3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
I sure do. Going through a six-month training course with the Broadcasters Mentoring Group really helped me to see that radio is where I want to be. From on-air, to production, to meeting people and interviews, it's all a big passion of mine.
4) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
I find that staying in touch with folks who I currently know in broadcasting, and networking with new friends is a huge help. Also checking the job openings on allaccess.com each day keeps me motivated to continue searching.
5) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I love production; I'm always listening to everything around me, weather it be how a commercial was voiced/produced on radio or TV, to what others are saying and how they are saying it. I'm always finding the next new creative way to make things sound fresh. In saying that, I would love to be in a production director/on-air position, creating station imaging and spots for the company.
6) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
That's one of the more frustrating things throughout this process of finding my next position. I rarely hear anything. I do understand that employers have hundreds/thousands of resumes and packages rolling in, but the simple "Thanks we received your information" e-mail back does go a long way.
7) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I am always learning new things to be able to wear multiple hats and perform multiple tasks on the job. I am a person who not only does things in a timely manner, but does these things with professionalism in mind. I feel that these qualities will assist me to grow and stand out.
8) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
With all the ways to get your new music fix, listening to terrestrial radio could be easily left out. I try to listen to several local stations quite frequently, keeping up on what's fresh with music, and what's in between the songs.
9) 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?
As I'm trying to get my foot in the door, yes, definitely.
10) Where do you see yourself in five years ... 10 years?
I always find myself trying to grow, and with growth comes the opportunity to help those around me learn what I've been able to learn from others. I see myself continuing to grow in my knowledge of radio, and as well helping whatever company I have the opportunity to work for prosper.
Bonus Questions
My favorite new diversion is ...
Playing with the pup.
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