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10 Questions with ... Paul B. Walker, Jr.
February 17, 2015
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I dreamed of being in radio as a little kid, and started out at a 250-watt AM daytimer that's no longer around. I programmed oldies there. I've worked at several stations from North Dakota to Florida and Mississippi to Pennsylvania. I've most enjoyed my time as Operations Assistant at Monster Radio AM 1150, WGGH/Marion, IL and afternoon drive at 97.5 The Hound, WDDH/Saint Marys, PA.
1) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I spend a good amount of time with man's best friend, my dog, George D. Beagle, who turns 15 years old in March.
2) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Absolutely. There's no question in my mind everyone is on this earth for a reason. It's clear I was meant to do radio. I love being on the air, love entertaining and I love having an impact on local communities.
3) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
Networking, networking and networking. When I was last out of work for a huge stretch of time, I didn't have Facebook and wasn't that much into social media. Facebook/social media has been a HUGE help in networking!
4) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
Honestly, not as good as I'd like, but better than I expected. My courtesy level on callbacks and e-mails being replied to is about one in four, or 25%.
5) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
It depends. I've been disgusted in some cases. I've had some salary levels about where I expected and in one or two cases, I've been very surprised at the above-average compensation levels.
6) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I show/tell a station owner, PD or GM how I can be LOCAL and connect with the communities they serve, making that one-on-one friendship type connection that can't be faked.
7) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
Yes, but while unemployed I find myself listening to radio stations overseas. Lately, my favorites are Radio Fiji's Classic Hits-formatted "Gold FM" and Hot AC "Kingdom FM" in Scotland.
8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Having several listeners from a previous station find me online, tell me they missed my show, wishing I was still on the air there or could come back.
9) What have you learned about yourself, others or life in general in your downtime?
I've really learned what's important to me personally and professionally after I've had time to sit back, reflect and think about previous jobs.
10) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?
I'll be even more focused on doing a better job, being more local and in turn, being more successful
Bonus Questions
Care to contribute a recipe for our "On The Beach" cookbook?
Get a pack of butter/herb flavored instant mashed potatoes and a pack of boneless meat. No need to season or marinate. Cook both, chop the meat up into bite-sized pieces, throw into the mashed potatoes and stir in ... it's not an expensive meal, pretty filling and tastes pretty good.
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