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10 Questions with ... David Sanders
December 6, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Demo:
I am currently looking for my first on-air position in the commercial world. I recently completed the Broadcasting Program at Green River College near Seattle, WA where I was on-air at KGRG and KGRG1. I served as Traffic Director for both stations and Social Media Director for KGRG1 for one year, as well as helped create, produce, and co-hosted the newest morning show on the station, The Buzz. While I haven't had much experience outside of the school, I am eager to add to this synopsis.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I just keep pushing forward through all the "nos" knowing I just need one "yes" to start this path. This is my career dream and I am willing to do what it takes to make it come true.
2) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
I do. This is the career path I have chosen and will always choose when given the opportunity.
3) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
Besides All Access, I hear of things through the contacts I've made through the school and in the Seattle market.
4) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Either Production Assistant or on-air talent to work my way to mornings, which is my long-term goal.
5) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
About 50/50 to be honest. I do appreciate the ones I hear from even if it's a no. The one's I haven't heard back from I still hope to hear something one way or the other.
6) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
My drive, my eagerness to learn and my team mentality. The show I helped develop had to expand from one two-hour show per week on the school's AM station to three, three-hour shows per week with new segments in a week's time. We had some big shoes to fill as the show we replaced was a three-time running show of the year award winner. We pulled it off and thrived and actually grew the fan base through our on-air interactions, appearances at events like concerts, races (where the show, station and school got a sponsorship in a trade out deal for spots for the year), and more.
7) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
If it's possible, I'm listening more. I also am listening more attentively and listening for what I would do differently, as well as taking notes on how to improve my air breaks and production skills.
8) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
What I miss most is the comradery in the station between people. I love the aspect of creating things, both by myself and with a team of people who are striving for the same goal ... to be the best at what we do.
What I miss the least would have to be the times where communication just wasn't there. These times were few and far between, but in hindsight, lack of communication made things more difficult than they should have been, which caused bigger snowballs to form.
9) 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?
Absolutely. I am passionate about the industry and feel if I need to take less to have the chance to prove myself, I will. I feel it would all balance out in the end.
10) Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
In five years, I see myself on an up-and-coming morning show in a small-medium market. In 10 years, I see myself in a bigger-major market on mornings.
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.
- MC Lars: The Zombie Dinosaur LP
- Panic! At The Disco: Death Of A Bachelor
- Meat Loaf: Braver Than We Are
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