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10 Questions with ... Jim Dunn
December 6, 2005
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NAME:Jim DunnLAST WITH:Federated Media/Fort Wayne, INPHONE:877-590-8585
Please begin by giving us a brief career history...
Let's see, I got started as a summer freelance sports reporter with WJR in Detroit - I was only 15 at the time! How cool was that? Worked for a few other stations in Detroit doing the same thing for 6 years, then attended Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts and that started me on a long road professionally. I also returned to Specs and taught for 3 years. Currently I'm working 1 night a week for Clear Channel Traffic in Detroit.
1. What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I have always tried to never let things get so tight around me. Things can happen so quickly in this business if you keep looking at the big picture and realize that if you stay persistent and not give up, good things WILL come your way. It's inevitable.
2. How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I just relocated back to the Detroit area, where I was born and raised, so in between the job hunt I'm reconnecting with friends I haven't seen in a while.
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 can't honestly say my outlook or opinions about the business have changed too terribly. The business has its rewards and pitfalls like any other business, but the one thing I feel is unique is what everyone in the business experiences, and that is the "bug!" Once you're bitten, you're hopelessly hooked. I've loved it for so long, and always will, I imagine.
4. What is your best way to get your foot in the door?
Oh, I don't think I have any magic nuggets that nobody else has ever thought of. Putting your ego aside when you're getting started - and also when you've been out on the beach for any period of time - is important. With today's consolidation of stations it's important to be a team player and show you're willing to step in and just DO ... do WHAT isn't important, just DO!
5. So far what has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
Besides networking, I'd have to say that All Access is an absolute no-brainer. It's current, and everyone, no matter what their format, reads it! I'd also explore some of the state broadcasters websites, although they tend not to be as current as they should.
6. What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
I don't know if it was crazy, but bordered more on arrogant ... I called WJR and sort of blasted the guy in the Sports Department because info they were giving was wrong. I challenged him to use my info that I'd give them for free at the next race, which I was going to. He agreed - "he" was Paul Carey, future voice of the Detroit Tigers and he became my first boss!
7. What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I've never worked directly in Talk Radio. That would be cool. I've also never had anyone work with me closely on programming a station - I have my own thoughts but I'd like someone to take me under their wing because a) I have a lot of experience, and b) I'm a very quick study.
8. Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
Like any place, it's going to depend on your experience and what the market can bear. For a while many (not all) people were overpaid for what they did and the time they put in, and others of course were ridiculously under-paid. In most cases I think the industry is paying what the market can bear. If I had one wish, it's that more places would carry vision in their benefits package, but that's just me.
9. What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?
"Do you have a problem with me because I'm a woman?" (I almost laughed!)
10. With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs, how do you separate yourself from the pack?
I try to embrace change, not run away from it. In today's world, that's just suicide - not only in radio and TV but any business. The car was a newfangled contraption at one time, too.
Bonus Questions
Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
Always, if not more. As soon as someone hires me I intend to get satellite radio so I can check that out a little more, too. A lot of people I know are afraid of that medium, but "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself ..." !
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