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10 Questions with ... Michael Kincaid
December 1, 2015
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- 1994 - Volunteered at Southern Oregon University's public radio station, instantly switched majors from Psychology to Broadcast Media/Journalism.
- 1995 - Brand new Rock station KZZE hits the air; I immediately start hounding the staff.
- 1996 - Hired at KZZE for weekends, overnights.
- 1999 - Realizing I can't support my family on a P/T salary, I begin working as a Technical Producer for "Coast to Coast AM with Art Bell." Still P/T with KZZE (nights, weekends).
- 2003 - C2C moves base of operations, I stay behind to continue with KZZE, begin full-time as a producer with Talk Radio Network, working with the likes of Michael Savage and Laura Ingraham. *STILL* P/T with KZZE (PM Drive).
- 2013 - TRN collapses, offered F/T at KZZE- MD, de facto PD, Morning News Director. I made it!
- 2015 - KZZE flips from Active Rock to AAA, staff released.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I won't lie ... it can be very discouraging at times. But knowing my talents, experience and skill set, I know that some lucky and smart station out there is going to hire me, and I'm excited to begin this next phase of my career and life. The adventure of it all motivates me.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
You wouldn't believe how clean my house is ... Seriously, though, I started a weekly podcast to keep my chops fresh. I spend more time with my immediate family, and I play a lot of Sims.
3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Without a doubt. It's what I do ... it's what I am. I believe in the power of radio as a viable medium, and I want to be one of those people who carries its torch and works to see it burn brighter. And louder.
4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
I'm living it right now. Four months and counting, so I hope it ends soon.
5) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
All Access is amazing. I also regularly check the broadcaster's association websites from the states I want to work and live in the most.
6) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Ideally, it would be PD for an Active Rock station, regardless of market size. MD at a rocking station in a top-100 market would be pretty sweet, too. Full-time on-air in a format I enjoy? I'm there.
7) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
From the large companies, I feel fortunate to even receive a form rejection e-mail. But from the smaller companies, and the Mom-&-Pop-owned stations, I've received some very nice, personal e-mails and even some phone calls. Imagine that.
8) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
Yes, but differently. I used to spend a good chunk of my day listening to the local competition, and the other heavy hitters in the market, and about an hour or two each day listening online to the panel of stations I monitored. Now, I listen to online radio almost exclusively ... every station I apply to, I try to get a feel for.
9) What do you miss most about music/radio?
I miss getting excited about new music, dropping new songs on the audience and gauging their reaction. I miss the connection to the audience, and the community at large. I miss feeling like I was making a difference in their lives. The least? Nothing. Please refer back to question #3.
10) 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?
In an alternate dimension, sure. But in this reality, I have a family to support. That's my #1 priority, and I have to be able to do that with whatever position I take next.
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.
Clutch - Psychic Warfare, Gary Clark Jr. - The Story of Sonny Boy Slim, Shinedown - Threat to Survival.
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