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10 Questions with ... Michael Kay
April 22, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started my career at the age of 17 for Hot104.9 in Tallahassee, FL. Then I worked for KLUC in Las Vegas, NV, then nights in Knoxville, TN. Then I went back to Las Vegas full time for Cat Thomas at KLUC. From 2008-2011 I worked as traffic/producer for KDWN Fox News Radio. I'm now back at Hot104.9 in Tallahassee part time while attending school.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
Working PT in radio is not always a bad thing. I'm doing as many remotes and air shifts as I can and staying in front of the public while adding to my contact list.
2) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Radio is like an ex-wife; you'll NEVER get rid of it.
3) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
About a year-and-a-half ... I missed it every day.
4) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
WORK FOR FREE! When I was 17, I worked for free for six months. Interning, remote setup, board-opping ... anything I could do to get a job at the station. I didn't care what it was.
5) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
All Access and PDs around the country. Send out your demo for feedback and ask people where "you wanna be" for jobs or internships. When I started my career, I called and e-mailed Cat Thomas every single day for a month ... EVERY DAY.
6) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
Not doing just one job. Being able to three, four, five tasks at one time.
7) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
When you've been in this business for 10+ years, you listen to everything all the time.
8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
KLUC, and hitting the first overnight numbers for the station.
9) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
I miss having the freedom of being able to say/get away with what ever I wanted. The least ... having a boss red line me after saying something I shouldn't have.
10) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
Not to let my EGO get the best of me. Not limiting myself to being one jock, one format.
Bonus Questions
What great movies have you seen recently?
Survive and Advance, ESPN 30 for 30 short film. Jim Valvano never gave up ... neither will I.
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