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10 Questions with ... DJ Steen
September 6, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
DEMO
WZNF FM APD/afternoons/mix show Previous: WFXO/WZZX-A PD, WTDR FM mornings, WGBZ-A/F PD, WHOG-A afternoons, WANA-A Imaging, WJXS TV 24 reporter
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
A lot of drinking and finally getting things done that I've been wanting to get done. I haven't had a vacation in over 15 months. I don't expect to be on the beach very long because I have an invaluable set of skills and passion for radio. I can't imagine an employer that wouldn't want me on their roster. Therefore, I am treating this like a much needed unpaid vacation. The best part is I am free to move wherever the wind takes me. If there is an employer out there who needs to hire me yesterday, I can be in my car tonight and start work tomorrow.
Also, I am attending school again. I would like to become a meteorologist. I think I would be extremely valuable to a company as a talent and meteorologist.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I am visiting family and friends. I have been traveling, going to the beach and catching up on TV. I have been to Birmingham, AL, Orlando, FL, I have been to the water park, New Orleans, and I have plans to visit Miami, FL. I have also been working on some promotional and marketing material for myself.
3) 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 seems to be very bland. There are some very horrible talents, not delivering content and wasting talk breaks. It seems program directors are not coaching their talent in many places. I also have been hearing some very bad imaging. In a lot of places it seems there is no passion for the business.
4) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Absolutely. Radio needs people who have a passion for it. Without the passion, radio will become Pandora. Radio is one-on-one and person-to-person.
5) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
About nine months.
6) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Industry contacts and people you know. It's all about who you know. If you have a contact, you can get in the door.
7) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
Of course, All Access job postings.
8) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
Stalk the PD or work for little to nothing. I have actually given an employer two weeks free to show them my talents and it worked.
9) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I would like to work for a company that will promote me as a talent and not tie my hands so much. I have much to offer and I would like to be able to bring my radio show to the local TV market. I would like to have my hands in the programming side of things, but as long as I can be on the air and entertain, I will be happy. I am open to mornings, mid days, afternoons, evenings, overnights, toilet cleaning, window washer.
10) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied?
Zero percent call backs and 1% of people will say thank you for your submission. I really don't like applying for a job through a company website. I would like to be able to send my package directly to someone who can read and listen to my stuff. I have a phobia that every package I send through a company website goes into an automatic trash can. LOL
Bonus Questions
Your favorite new diversion is ...
Club DJing. Every time radio has knocked me down, I have been fortunate enough to pick up a club gig that pays the bills and keeps me in the music industry. The clubs also keep me sharp with promotions and marketing.
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