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10 Questions with ... Scott Childers
May 28, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. Networking and staying in contact with friends and acquaintances you have in the business is huge. A friend of mine always says "Contacts Are King." I have been very fortunate to have gotten a good number of radio jobs in my career, based on the referral of others. I also would use that same network to find talent when I was looking for help as a programmer
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
SOCIAL: www.facebook.com/scottchildersradio twitter.com/Scott_Childers www.instagram.com/windyscott
PROMO DEMO- Programming and Content Dir., afternoon drive - WSSR (Star 96.7)Joliet/Chicago 2009-2019
- APD/middays - WERV (95.9 The River)/Aurora-Chicago 2004-2009
- Middays - WNND (Windy 100.3)/Chicago 1998-2003
- Traffic and News Anchor/Reporter/Studio Supervisor - various Chicago radio and TV outlets including B96, WLS, WMAQ, WBBM, etc. - Metro Networks/Chicago 1990-1998
- Assistant Production Dir. - PIA Radio Network Chicago 1988-1990
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and to stay motivated?
I try to start every day like a workday. Get up at the same time I did before. Make my coffee and then hit the computer. Answer e-mails, send out resumes, fill out job apps. Hit the phone and contact people who might be looking for help. Then I will take a break by lunchtime. I believe that having structure keeps you on track and also leaves you little time to get down on yourself.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I have been getting to a lot of those neglected projects around the house! I also continue working on my voice work and imaging assignments for the clients I have. I've also done some volunteering in the neighborhood as well as helping out friends and family with things they need assistance with.
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 try not to get discouraged, but I love to work and I love being in this business. So, it's just a tough adjustment not feeling "productive" as I normally would. We are all human, and we all have up and down days.
4) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
I am still doing freelance radio-related projects and will begin some part-time work shortly. I would like to continue in a full-time capacity, but I am also being realistic that I may have to pursue a "civilian" career outside the business. What that is yet, I haven't figured out.
5) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
I have been pretty fortunate. The majority of my career has been right here in my home town of Chicago and the suburbs. Not an easy task, but there are ways to make it work. I have always been able to find part-time opportunities pretty quickly, but the long haul is always pursuing full-time work.
6) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Networking and staying in contact with friends and acquaintances you have in the business is huge. A friend of mine always says "Contacts Are King." I have been very fortunate to have gotten a good number of radio jobs in my career, based on the referral of others. I also would use that same network to find talent when I was looking for help as a programmer.
7) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
I work All Access quite a bit, as well as the national job boards, but I also try to contact a lot of people directly. A friend who is a highly successful programmer and consultant always says "Don't assume that everyone knows you are out of work." It's best to reach out and let others know that you are looking and available. Plus, even if they do not have something at the present time, they will try to remember you when they do. Be persistent with contacts but don't get pesty.
8) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
It was a matter of being in the right place at the right time for a part-time on-air gig. I happened to be out with a friend who worked part-time and fill-in at the station. He got a call from his APD looking for emergency fill-in that evening. My friend told his boss that he wasn't available due to a family commitment. After a few minutes, he left to take care of his commitment and I immediately called the APD. I had already sent him a tape and resume, so he was familiar with me. He said, "Can you start right away?" I said "YES" and was on the air within an hour-and-a-half! My friends were calling the request line saying, "What are you doing there?" The PD came in later and thanked me for being able to fill-in last minute. He said he liked what he heard and offered me a weekend shift!
9) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I have always been a multi-tasker, so I am open to just about anything! I have never narrowed myself to one distinct job category or format and that has made things interesting and different over the years. I definitely want to be on-air in some capacity, and I do enjoy programming. I certainly hope that hiring managers look at all that I have done and appreciate that I have a bunch of good tools in my belt.
10) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
You know, it's too early to tell. I am hoping that owners understand that we, as broadcasters have value. I have been at this a long time and I have seen a lot of contraction, both in staff sizes and big money. I am striving to make a living and enjoy what I do. It's always been my goal.
Bonus Questions
Care to contribute a recipe for our "On The Beach" cookbook
One of my favorites is this not at all good for you comfort food (or comfort side)! Cheesy Potatoes.
- 1 pint (2 cups) sour cream
- 1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen country-style shredded hash brown potatoes, partially thawed
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- In large bowl, combine 1 pint (2 cups) sour cream, 1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup, ½ cup melted butter, 1 tablespoon garlic salt, 1 cup chopped onions, 1 bag (30 oz) frozen country-style shredded hash brown potatoes, partially thawed, and 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (8 oz); stir until well blended.
- Pour into greased 13x9-inch glass baking dish.
- Bake 45 minutes ... or til brown
- Drizzle extra cheese on top just before it finishes baking
Get ready to call 911 or your favorite heart doctor!
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