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10 Questions with ... Zack Morse
May 24, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Career highlights include imaging G105 &106.1 'RDU (Raleigh/Durham), Channel Z / Kiss FM (Cincinnati), and Y100 (Philadelphia); Production Director stints at WEBN / WOFX (Cincinnati), KYW-AM, WXTU & WRDW-FM (Philadelphia).
1) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I found a copywriting job at a great local ad agency two months after departing 'XTU and Wired. It's really been an interesting experience, as I'm getting to write not just radio spots, but TV ads and direct mail pieces as well. I enjoy the challenge, the learning experience, and it's a really cool place to work. Plus, they let me read disclaimers for fun! And I get to see the bigger scope of a full-blown ad campaign (including web, SEO, email, social media, etc.) in action from inside.
2) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
I've never really stopped looking for radio work, and I've kept my toes in the water through freelance voiceover work, and doing freelance imaging for various stations, like 101X in Austin and a few others. But for the right situation in the right place, I'd jump back in in a minute.
3) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
I've never been unemployed completely more than three months since going full-time, but, April 2016 will be one year since I've worked in radio full-time, and that's the longest.
4) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
I always check All Access first (truthfully) - but beyond that, word of mouth and various radio company websites.
5) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I'd definitely like to get back into being a full-time imaging/production. Again, it's about the right situation in the right place with the right people. (And a livable wage would be a plus - cat food and cat litter are expensive!)
6) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
The majority of people I've spoken to or had contact with have been great - even if they wind up going another direction, they've been very professional about it, which I appreciate.
7) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I have the experience and flexibility to adapt, the maturity to accept that I'm just one part of a bigger picture, the same enthusiasm I did as a kid, and I operate under the premise that it's what you learn after you know everything that really counts. (Oh, and I'm a musician too.)
8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
I should probably say "I won a bunch of awards," but that's never been why I get out of bed in the morning.
Aside from surviving in Philly radio as long as I did, I would hope it's that I made some kind of a positive impact in the lives of people I've encountered in the business - but that's not for me to decide.
9) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
I miss the people the most - that "radio camaraderie" is a unique thing. I lucked out and got the chance to work with, befriend, and even get into trouble with (occasionally) some great, and amazingly talented people. (No name dropping. They know who they are.)
The least? "Heavy rotation."
10) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?
YES - Buying a house! I love mine, but, I wish someone had told me everyone was being sarcastic about "the joys of home ownership." Lies! Lies, I tell you!
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.
- "For All Kings" by Anthrax - I've been a fan almost 30 years. They're still great.
- "The First 20 Years" by Spock's Beard - It's a nice introduction to the band for the unfamiliar, with a fantastic new epic song as a bonus.
- "Massive Addictive" by Amaranthe. (Okay, I bought all four of their albums.)
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