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10 Questions with ... Sarah McClune
November 9, 2009
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Morning show intern at KRXO (107.7)/Oklahoma City with Mark Shannon; Rock nights at KZZE in Medford, OR; a variety of Rock formats in Knoxville, TN; launched and directed music for WOKI (100.3 The River) - Knoxville's first Triple A station; launched and worked as APD/MD for WKVL (now WFIV),Knoxville's 2nd Triple A; middays on WXFX (95.1 The Fox)/Montgomery, AL; Program Director for WVMP -- Roanoke, VA's first Triple A.
Last non-industry job:
Certified Nursing Assistant - University Of Tennessee Medical Center
First record ever purchased:
Eurythmics - Touch (I was 8)
First concert:
Jackson Browne -World In Motion Tour
Favorite band of all-time:
As far as "bands" go, it's hard to beat The Dave Matthews Band.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
Watching "WKRP in Cincinnati." All of the other kids wanted to be Superman or Wonder Woman. I wanted to be Johnny Fever.
2. Who are your mentors?
As much as I disagree with his politics these days, I'd have to go back to Mark Shannon in Oklahoma City. I listened to his show in high school, and worked for him while I was in broadcasting school. He is the one who showed me how to survive in radio. He taught me how to handle being fired before I had even had a paying gig. Leukemia, format changes, corporate buyouts ... the guy just keeps working and never lets any situation get the best of him. You have to admire that.
3. What has been your biggest career highlight?
When WOKI was purchased by Citadel and they changed formats, the community stood up and tried to save 100.3 The River. They formed grassroots organizations and did everything they could think of to keep their radio station. I've never seen anything like that before or since. I learned that when you care about your community, they care about you, too.
4. How would you describe the sound of this new station?
"Organic." We have no problems going from Americana /Folk right into Rock Alternative. It feels very natural.
5. How would you describe the vibe on this new station?
As we are fond of saying here, "It's not a radio station ... it's a state of mind."
6. What new bands are you most excited about?
I'm in love with Good Old War right now. After being out of Triple A for a few years, I'm still playing catch-up on the new stuff; give me some time and I'll have a whole box of new favorites.
7. Tell us about the community building activities you have in mind for the station.
There is more to it than I can fit in a 10-question format. Right now I will just say that we are taking a different approach when it comes to being involved in our community -- and it's much more than just being a "media sponsor" for an event.
We are reintroducing PSAs into the format, and we view those announcements as being as integral a part of our product as the latest Wilco track. We will also be working with cultural arts organizations and advocacy groups working for social justice.
8. What stations do you like to keep track of?
TheTriple A stations I used to follow have gone through some major changes while I was away from the format. Right now I'm looking at everybody and trying to get reacquainted with the differences.
9. What do you like best about your job?
This is my dream job. I live in a great community, work for a fantastic company and get to play some of the best music ever recorded. I couldn't be happier.
10. How did you get your present job?
Is this where I plug the AllAccess.com jobs section? Honestly, I answered a cleverly worded ad from the All Access job section. I saw what the GM was looking for even though he didn't come right out and say what it was. I can't stress enough how important it is to read what is written in the ad and make sure your cover letter addresses the needs of the station.
Bonus Questions
If you wanted to completely change careers today, what would you do?
I asked myself that question one year ago this week when I was laid off from my last job. When I was let go from my last Triple A station, I thought I would try something else for a change. I loved being a carpenter for a while and then I missed making the positive connections like I did in radio, so I went into nursing. Most of my patients recognized me from my days on radio and went on and on about how they missed hearing me on the air. When someone who is hours away from death tells you that you should follow your heart and use your talent, it gets your attention. Radio is what I do best and I'm staying here as long as I can.
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