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10 Questions with ... Kim Collins
April 25, 2017
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
My crazy radio days began back in the late '80s and I seriously rocked the best of the big hair! I'm from the Midwest and went to school in Minneapolis before embarking on a journey that lead me to Boston 25 years ago. I've worked at a host of radio stations from Top 40 to Talk to Oldies and Classic Rock as well as Country and AC. I've done news and traffic nationwide as well as voicetracking and voiceover work. I've also taught radio and most recently went to work for myself. Radio has changed so much since I started and recording from home is my ultimate goal.
1) 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.
When WTKK switched formats, which I knew was going to happen, I thought ...well, this is it. I've got to do something else. I did something I said I would never do again -- I went back to doing gigs. Mostly weddings and corporate events ... and something I didn't count on when first formulating this plan was that there really aren't many women doing it. At nearly every event someone will say to me "Wow, I've never seen a female DJ before." I love working a crowd and that was always my favorite part of being on-air ... doing promotions with listeners. So, now that I'm out, so to speak, not having been on the air for a few years, it's hard to imagine getting back in. The last station I was at, a union shop, paid barely enough for your tolls and gas each day.
2) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
I certainly would like to ... but I see myself voicetracking before going back live somewhere. Sadly, live jocks are almost a thing of the past.
3) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Constant perseverance. I find myself telling my kids who are in college ... the squeaky wheel gets the grease. You've got to be continually knocking on the door. I've always said no one is going to toot your horn louder than you.
4) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Having a studio at home at one time seemed like a real luxury. Now, almost everyone has one! When I started doing voiceover work from home 15 years ago, there weren't many other females doing it. That has certainly changed ... nearly everyone is doing v/o work from home. I've also voicetracked from home for several stations ... and I's really love to go back to doing that.
5) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?
"Which do you see first -- the forest or the trees?" An immediate "deer in headlights" look came over my face ... needless to say, I didn't get the job. Ironically, 15 years later, the same PD hired me at another station.
6) What's the most unbelievable o- air bit you were allowed to do?
Probably broadcasting from the cockpit of a Blue Angels plane. Just as I started to speak the plane did a backflip and I nearly lost my lunch.
7) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I've had to start branding myself. I'm trying to learn as much about social media as I can. It's absolutely where it's at ... and I need to be constantly posting to generate traffic.
8) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
My listening habits have changed. I don't listen to much music radio and have started tuning into NPR.
9) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Emceeing an international awards ceremony for women in Boston. They asked me to speak about the male-dominated radio industry and I was thrilled to be a part of it. The event featured women who had succeeded in male-dominated industries from around the world, and it was incredible.
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?
Absolutely not. That's what's kept people in this business for so long. No money ... but a little bit of fame.
Bonus Questions
Your favorite new diversion is ...
Hot yoga. Never would I have thought that I could tolerate 90 minutes in a room that's 105 ... but the way that you feel after is incredible!
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