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10 Questions with ... Troy Adams
October 15, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started out in1987 with "An RKO Radio Station," 105.9 WAXY in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale. Working at RKO General was the best training ground anyone could ask for. I learned from the best and use what I learned to this day. The person I am today is because of that experience.
I've mainly been in the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Market and after WAXY, I took my first on-air position doing Overnights at WINK-FM in Ft. Myers, FL. From there I worked on-air at great Miami stations, Y100, Coast 97.3 and 99.9 Kiss Country. I've also worked with CBS Radio, K-Earth 101 in Los Angeles and Sunny 105.9 in Orlando.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
It's definitely hard to keep a positive attitude in this day and age, but I always like to tell myself tomorrow is a new day and anything can happen. Keeping that in your mind helps keep you positive.
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.
It's become harder and harder for anyone to get anywhere and move up through the ranks. It used to be you'd send out packages and get two or three job offers quickly. Radio was constantly moving and you were moving with it. Now, you're lucky if you can move at all.
3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Yes, I plan on sticking with it. I've invested too much time to give up now. I love radio and have such admiration for it from my days at RKO General. As you always hear, it's in your blood and it's hard to remove the passion for the business, no matter how bad it gets.
4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
My longest stretch on the beach has been five long years ... twice. 2001 to 2006 and now 2008 to 2013. That's 10 hard, long years. I noticed when 2000 hit, radio changed in a big way.
5) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Persistence and contacting people you don't know. Let them know you're out there. I've done that all through my radio career. It's better to be known than not.
6) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
All Access of course! Before it was R&R and now I believe All Access is the way to go with our changing radio environment.
7) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
An on-air position with a great broadcast company. They are out there and that's why I'm always on the hunt.
8) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied?
I remember a time when I first started in the business that I would get callbacks and letters in the mail. These days ... nothing. No courtesy level at all. Not even an e-mail or call.
9) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
Much lower than when I first started. It would be nice if these multi-billion dollar broadcast companies would step up and pay a livable salary with benefits.
10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
Stick with it and hopefully everything will come full circle, like in the old days when career opportunities would get you somewhere. Keep knocking on doors and making calls letting them know you're out there, hungry. Don't let the passion die. Keep it burning inside of you because one day you'll get your call to perform.
Bonus Questions
My favorite new diversion is ...
Watching Dexter on Showtime ... ha ha ha ha. Don't worry or be scared. It doesn't mean anything.
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