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10 Questions with ... Brenda Matthews
November 25, 2008
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NAME:Brenda MatthewsLAST WITH:Clear Channel/Orlando, Magic 107.7PHONE:(407) 538-8126EMAIL:bmvoicetracking@aol.com
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
I was the kid with the transistor radio stuck in her ear late at night in my bed in suburban Detroit, tuning in stations from far away places like Chicago or Ft. Wayne, Indiana. I've worked all over Michigan -- from my small-town start in Grayling, to Saginaw to Grand Rapids, and then a long stint at Country W4 in Detroit. I've spent 12 years in Orlando, working for nine of those doing mi days at AC Magic 107.7, where I was the #1 personality in town. Nonetheless, Clear Channel downsized me 1/1/08. I left to take a full-time position at a local CBS station, but was held to a non-compete from 1997. I unexpectedly became unemployed. I've since started working part-time for CBS Orlando at Mix 105.1 and Sunny 105.9.
1) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
Well, my garden looks great and I had a killer tan this summer! Seriously, I've watched "The Secret," and I keep it close when the going gets tough. I have a wonderful support system in my boyfriend, friends and family.
2) Do you plan on sticking with the radio industry?
I would like to stay in the business. There are just so many live shifts here in Orlando, and no openings. I would consider relocating for the right gig. While I'm here, though, I'm looking for a position in Media Relations or Communications outside of radio. Whichever comes first!
3) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
This is it! Unbelievably, in over 28 years of radio, I've only been on the beach once before, and that was for three months. Hopefully this won't be much longer!
4) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
I've been utilizing All Access from Day 1. I'm also working my radio contacts. I have so many friends, though, who have just left the business. I also browse radio groups' websites for openings, too, and try to contact consultants.
5) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I'm looking to continue my career with a full-time gig in a large or major market, preferably along the East Coast -- and possibly my first 'PD'-ship." I would also like to gather more voicetracking gigs; I'm currently tracking 'Froggy Country' in Fairmont, WV. When I quit Clear Channel, all of my CC gigs went away, too. I'm also looking for a new career in Orlando in media relations or communications.
6) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
Callbacks are nearly non-existent. I know PDs are wearing a lot of hats ... been there, done that. Half of the time when I call to check in, I'll get a live body. The bigger companies, with the structured job postings on their websites, send the reject notices. You cross 'em off the list and drive on! What I have learned, though, is the next time I'm in a position of authority, I will give an honest try to call job applicants back. After all, they took the time to make contact!
7) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
Diversity. I'm not a "one-format wonder." I think being a long-term and multi-format female gives me a lot to offer. I've done formats from Smooth Jazz to Modern Country. I also have been APD three times, and have MD and Selector experience. I can multi-task, and at one time, I was not just on the air live, but voicetracking seven other radio stations, too. I've learned to "morph" into whatever the station and the format calls for. I've done hundreds of artist interviews, am comfortable speaking to crowds, and love to be in-person at station events.
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?
Absolutely! Right after my downsizing, my boyfriend and I were in a devastating motorcycle accident. It afforded me the time off to be with him during his recovery. Since then, I've also been attending a lot of lunchtime networking events in Orlando, which I wasn't able to do working live middays. It's been great to rediscover spending quality time with my friends and family, after years of "catch as catch can!"
9) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Staying in the business this long! It's not an easy business for anyone, and radio ... the programming side ... is still a man's world. I'm happy to have lasted so long and have had the ratings I've had for so many years.
10) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
I've learned more patience. When you're proactive, it's sometimes hard to sit and wait to be contacted. I've learned and have tried to be persistent without being pushy. Patience is a virtue; it's a mantra of sorts! Good things happen to those who work hard -- even after downsizing!
Bonus Questions
My favorite new diversion is ...
Getting back on that motorcycle after the accident, and wearing helmets -- every time we ride! It's nice to be able to take off to the beach on a Friday, and job search on Saturday and Sunday instead. After all ... All Access is ALWAYS open!
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