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10 Questions with ... Alissa Pollack
October 27, 2009
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Z100 Intern ... Premiere Radio and ummm ... Premiere Radio.
1) In a fast-changing business, how has your position changed in recent years? Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?
I definitely wear a stack of hats, but that's something I actually enjoy and have always done. I can't tell you how many times people ask me, "What is it that you actually do?" because I am constantly popping up in strange and unexpected ways. I am all about multi-tasking and multi-platform, which helps me stay nimble and roll with the changes in my world ... not to mention keeps me from getting bored.
2) What is your favorite part of the job?
Aside from the fact that I get paid to be immersed in a world of music and great content, and that I am blessed to work with the best and brightest radio and music executives, you simply cannot put a price on helping a screaming teenager get into their favorite show or watching a fan meet their lifelong idol.
3) What is the most challenging part of the job?
Trying to find balance between my personal and professional worlds because the lines get too blurry sometimes - and, of course, finding creative ways to increase revenues in a tough economic climate.
4) What new product/service offered by Premiere are you most excited about?
Does Elvis Duran qualify as a product or service? No matter what you call him, he is a winner in every rating system out there. He is willing to put in the work and go the extra mile to provide the best show for his affiliates ... and that's the kind of talent that is a syndicator's dream. This is not a paid endorsement
5) How would you describe your first gig?
I was in school getting my Master's in Psychology. Since I loved music, I found the perfect internship at Z100 in N.Y. working on Love Phones, a call-in advice radio show hosted by Dr Judy and Chris Jagger that discussed love, sex and relationships. My job was to counsel people who didn't make it on air or that needed more counseling off-air. After graduating, they asked me to stay for the summer before applying for a real job. Premiere inherited me soon after when they took over syndication of the show. It's been 13 years and I still haven't applied for that real job yet!
6) What's something that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I'm actually very shy and sometimes capable of speaking slowly.
7) Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?
From the time I was six years old, dancing around with my dad and brother to an 8-track tape of Barry Manilow's "Copacabana" to my first boyfriend leaving a cassette tape of "Waiting For A Girl Like You" in my car, to singing on stage with REO Speedwagon and Styx on my birthday this year, I have countless music memories that span over the course of my life. You never forget the songs that were playing during the best and worst times in your life.
8) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
The people and the passion. For most of us, this is a lifestyle, not a job. Clients and co-workers are more than that; they are your friends. You get to share a common passion and amazing experiences with them; you get to watch and sometimes help make people's dreams come true -- and even on my worst or most stressful days, I can never imagine myself doing anything that would bring me more fun or personal satisfaction than what I do now.
9) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Nice guys don't have to finish last. Friendship, loyalty and respect are things that you have to earn from people; you can't demand them.
10) What advice you would give people new to the business?
Always think long term and don't look for the quick win. Treat all people with respect and always do what you say you are going to do. Never compromise yourself or your integrity to "close a deal" or get ahead. Relationships really are everything. Be a real partner and do what's right instead of what's best for you. Ask people you respect a lot of questions and really listen to the answers. Volunteer for extra work and get involved in industry charities.
Bonus Questions
Name the artist/act (living or dead) you'd love to meet and why?
Paul McCartney. Do I really need to explain why?
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