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10 Questions with ... Bobby Corser
October 17, 2017
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
DEMO:
I started in radio in 2000, taking a part-time job at KXL-A screening phone calls, and worked my way up to Executive Sports Producer. I learned a lot about radio at KXL, and did pretty much everything at the station but sell it. I had the opportunity to join Sports Business Radio and take the show to national syndication. In 2007, I joined CBS Radio's KUPL as a promotions assistant and fell in love with the Country radio format. CBS merged with Alpha Broadcasting and I worked at both KUPL and KXTG, as well as being a part of the buildout team for what was the Bing Lounge. After five awesome years at Alpha, I joined iHeartMedia's KEX-A running Portland Trailblazers games and was brought on at KPOJ-A to produce "Wheels At Work." I was promoted to Exec. Producer and then to APD for Rip City Radio.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
This is incredibly tough. There are so many resumes and airchecks that don't get a reply either by phone or e-mail. I know my skill set and what I can bring and have brought to each of the jobs I've held. The mindset each day is that I'm one day closer to finding the next opportunity.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I started a blog project where I described my day-to-day activities, whether it be job search related or not. The goal was to document the first 100 days, and because of the feedback, I've gone past 100 days. I'm not sure where I will stop with it. I have a degree in television production, and using it has allowed me time to mess around with video again. You'd be surprised what you can come up with a GoPro and its basic editing program. I also started a podcast. Thanks to my friends at BSW and the awesome prices, I built out a home studio. I'm only a handful of episodes into the project, but having a lot of fun and talking to some people who really interest me.
3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Radio has been in my blood even before I was born. My father was a college radio DJ in Michigan and his support from day one really fostered the love I have for it now. I miss the day-to-day operations and I miss the people who really make radio, well ... radio. The jocks and hosts who make radio magic each and every day. I miss the interaction with the creative people. That drive is why I want to stick with radio. I believe in the medium.
4) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
The job board at AllAccess.com! It's the first place I look each morning and several times throughout the day. I also would like to thank my friends from Nashville. Several of my West Coast record reps have been truly amazing. They give me a heads-up on leads that they know about and I'm very thankful for them. If you work in radio, there are really some good places to find jobs. I'd suggest signing up for the AllAccess.com and Country AirCheck daily e-mails. Even if you don't see a job opening, just being connected is really important.
5) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I'd love the opportunity to lead a Country station. I've fallen in love with the format and people. While a majority of my career has been in the News/Talk/Sports format, the handful of years at KUPL really showed me where I want to be. The format is on fire and the people who are leading stations these days really tell me that the format is going to be around and thriving for a long time to come.
6) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
The courtesy level is far from courteous ... If I were to break it down by percentage, it's about 8%. I know everyone is really busy, but just an e-mail to say "no" would go a long way.
7) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
I have a lot of really talented friends who are still in the game and I love listening to them. I actually listen more now that I have time, especially to music stations. Streaming has changed the game. I can listen to the Q Crew on KRWQ in Medford, OR, (run by my best friend Ashley Greninger), I used to listen to Ashley Z in Sacramento and then Atlanta (one of the truly outstanding talents also on the beach), I can stream Jeff Hunt and Brad Austin at WXCY, Cody Alan at CMT, and Lois Lewis on KNIX in Phoenix. There are so many talented people out there. I also use streaming for sports. I'm a Northwest guy who cheers for teams from Michigan. A special shout-out to Jim Brandstatter, Dan Dickerson, George Blaha, and Dan Miller.
8) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?
Oh gosh, yes! I've been able to spend a whole summer with my niece and nephew, who are eight, and it's been a blast. Random trips to the pool, some fun road trips, one amazing eclipse, and yes, my golf game has gotten better. I've been able to really focus on family and friends. I used to have to say no to a lot of things, but this break has been very beneficial.
9) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
I'm going to separate this into a two part answer. 1. Being a part of a team that has launched a couple stations (KXTG, KBFF, rebrand of KPOJ). The work that happens behind the scenes of a radio launch is something special. I spent some long hours with Keola Kwan getting ready for the launch of KBFF, and then spending time segueing logs after the launch. Having to be the one to push the button is pretty nerve wracking. KBFF's launch sent KXTG from FM back to AM and that was bittersweet. I was there when KXTG launched and if I recall correctly, it was the first FM Sports talker on the West Coast. The rebrand of KPOJ was awesome. It started as an idea for the NBA Playoff run for the Portland Trail Blazers and just stuck. 2. I've had the opportunity to work on three heritage stations here in Portland. KXL-A, KEX-A and KPOJ-A (formerly KGW-A). These stations are some of the most respected and cherished stations not only in Portland, but in the U.S. I took great pride in being a part of them.
10) Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
I'd love to say in five years, I'll be marking my fifth anniversary of a great radio station. Looking back on how I've been a part of something special. I know all the chatter outside of radio is how it's dying. I beg to differ. Radio is strong and radio will always be around. I believe in it. How about 10 years down the road? I'd love to say I'm programming a station and truly making a difference in the community. As I mark my seventeenth year in this crazy business, I can say I'm truly blessed to have experienced what I have because of radio. I look forward to continuing down this crazy path. Last but not least, I have to give a special shout out to "Radio Peeps," this group of people and we all know who we are ... you guys are amazing. Thank you for everything ... the support, the shoes, and the 7506s!
Bonus Questions
What's your handicap now that you've had time to practice?
I've shaved a bunch of strokes off my game lately, so my handicap is now in the lower teens. Living within a quarter mile of a course has had its benefits. Golf here is cheap so if I've had a rough go with call backs, or rejection e-mails, I can always relax while playing nine holes. The best round was the last one I played, I had two birdies and my first eagle. Let's play!
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