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10 Questions with ... Mike D'Antonio
April 11, 2017
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Open to suggestions on a "name-change," though I kinda like "Mike Friday." What do you think? I grew up wanting to be "the man in the box," mainly because I was so enthralled with 77 WABC in its pop music heyday and, more specifically, with its afternoon host, radio legend Dan Ingram. In high school, I was a voice on the morning announcements "show" and was responsible for adding the "hit song of the day" feature that served as its intro. I also was the public address announcer for the high school basketball team during its home games.
Of course, I attended Hofstra University (Ingram's alma mater), and majored in Communications-Radio as an undergrad. I didn't just enjoy my time at WVHC/WRHU (Radio Hofstra University), I ate it up! I was soon cleared to host every format at the station and regularly both signed the station on and off in the same day (8a to 2a in those days). In addition, I served as PR Director, Executive Engineer, Continuity Assistant, even Classical MD for a while.
Upon graduation, I embarked on my professional radio career with stints at several small Northeastern stations, including news gigs at WTSL/Lebanon, New Hampshire and WTSV/Claremont, New Hampshire (both of which included on-air time in various capacities at their music-formatted FM stations as well). Later, I moved on to work at a number of other stations throughout the Northeast as a newscaster, News Director, air talent, PD and Station Manager. I also returned to my alma mater, WRHU, to mentor students and serve as a program host and producer.
In short, I have shined just about everything in the on-air side of radio, and performed well in management roles as well. I want the chance to get back behind the mic and be a contributor to a successful station or group again!
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I stay positive and motivated by listening to a lot of radio! While I prefer terrestrial stations, and spend a lot of time listening to the many that are available here in the New York area (I listen "around the dial," but fall on Q 104.3 and NASH-FM a lot), I do have a subscription to SiriusXM in my car, and I am tripping on the Billy Joel channel (18), "Chill" (electronica) (53), '70s on 7, '80s on 8, '90s on 9, and "Love" (17). Good radio motivates me to keep that flame alive!
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
In addition to working a job that pays the bills and spending time with my fiancé and my family, I am heavily involved in my softball league. I serve as the league secretary, conduct the annual skills clinic, assist at the yearly new player draft and am in charge of our annual charity tournament. The Big Apple Softball League has meant a lot to me for the past 20 years, and I love giving back. I am a Hall of Famer, player and outspoken league ambassador. I love it almost as much as I love radio!
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.
I maintain that radio is here to stay. Sure, there is a lot of competition from YouTube videos, downloads and the like, but no matter where you go for entertainment and information, NOTHING compares to radio's capacity to move a listener. Live, local and personal - that's what makes effective communication, and only good radio can do that.
4) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Yes. I know I made a mistake in leaving the profession ... and I made it twice! Once I find the right gig, I am all-in for the last time!
5) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
By walking with a slant, leg first! LOL. Seriously though, I am not sure one can do this anymore without having the time, willingness and outside cash-flow to allow one to work as a volunteer intern at a station. Still, a guy in his 50s is not the "type" that many programmers and station managers envision doing set-up at the mall for a Selena Gomez appearance, so, it's difficult.
6) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
All Access has been a godsend. The site is easy to use and provides great listings and other features. I visit every day and apply to at least 10 jobs a week ... usually more.
7) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I'd like a great on-air position with a station that is fun to work at and really reaches its listeners. I'd also like to work in programming at the station, because the right "sound" is important in maintaining the connection necessary to make the station successful for all.
8) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
Unfortunately, the courtesy level has been very poor. I have not heard back from 99% of the stations/groups to which I have applied. It seems that the electronic age has made applying a bit easier, but it has also led to less "human" interaction throughout the process. I know the stations get lots of applications, but I also know that decision makers can tell if a candidate is worth pursuing or not fairly quickly after seeing and hearing his or her package, so to send off a quick rejection note (or even one that says we have received your application), should be fairly easy for most. Yet, these are very few and very far between, in my experience, these days. My only guess is that the decision makers are not taking the time to consider every applicant - or that they are simply too busy to do it right. Instead, my guess is, some of them look for some name or some "type" that they think they want and wait to stumble upon someone who seems to fit that bill. However, I know it's just a matter of time and persistence before I find the right decision maker who has the right gig for me and thinks I am the right person for it.
9) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
I always tell young people to be themselves. This seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how often I meet young broadcasters who are trying to be their own version of someone they idolize in the biz. While this is flattering to the idol (whom most will never get to meet), it's unwitting self-sabotage for the nascent broadcaster. I really believe that most radio decision-makers don't want the next "whoever" ... instead, they want someone who has qualities similar to those of someone who has been successful in the biz but is, at the same time, truly unique. I hear too many young people short-changing themselves because they do a great "imitation" of someone that only ends up hiding their own talents.
10) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?
I will be much more appreciative of my opportunity to do what I love once again, and I will not let the little things outshine the big picture. This is the most valuable lesson I have learned while being away from radio.
Bonus Questions
Seen any great movies?
I recently saw an old (1991 - yeesh, nowadays that's old - what does that make me? LOL) movie with Danny Aiello and Anthony LaPaglia called "29th Street." It's based on the true story of New York State's first lottery winner from 1976. LaPaglia plays Frank Pesce, Jr., a guy who is cursed by having been lucky all his life. Naturally, he wins the lottery, but that's just the back-drop to what is a wonderful, funny and touching portrayal of Italian-Americans in New York, the power of family and faith, and the felicity that comes from doing the right thing when least expected. It's an awesome flick.
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