10 Questions with ... Long Paul

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• I've been a part of some really special places and times...
• 85-86 - KCAL - Coffee boy, sported a porn 'stach
• 86-94 - KNAC - Afternoons, Wooo hooo!
• 94-97 - KLOS - Afternoon drive, top of the charts! #1 M 25-49 7 times (beat KROQ)
• 97-11 - KNAC.COM - Co-Founder/Programming (it's a hobby now). First 24/7 staffed .COM, 2001 Album Net Rock PD of Year, Arb top 5 worldwide. Blazing trails is fun and very rewarding.
• 03-04 KDKB - MD/afternoon drive, rising from the depths of ratings Hell, within a year my show was #1 M 25-44, #2 M 25-49, #1 M 25-54. More on this gig later.
• 04-08 - Sirius Satellite Radio - 12 shows a week on three Sirius channels, Buzzsaw, Hair Nation and Classic Rewind. Doing shows from home wearin' nothing but socks. I approve.

1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?

Merlot ... and the knowledge that being in radio is a privilege, not a right. I've done well; I've had fun; I know the carrousel will come around again.

2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?

I'm currently occupying my time working at a job that is fulfilling someone else's career path. Always glad to help out. Other than that, Facebook! ... and hitting refresh on the All Access job page.

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.

With the advent of apps like TuneIn Radio, it's possible to listen to anyone, anywhere. Mainstream rockers in particular seem to be ALL about cume. I'd much rather hear music programmed in sets or at least more related texturally. Cut the P1s some slack. TSL is good, too.

4) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

I'd love to stick with radio. There's no better job in the world.

5) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)

It's non-existent. I've gotten one response in all the submissions that I've sent out. I realize that there are likely many more applicants per opening than there used to be but ... it is what it is.

6) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?

Late last year I was tentatively offered a slot in a top-15 market for what I thought was a pretty good wage. On the flip side, about a year-and-a-half ago, a drivetime slot here in Phoenix was rumored to be going for under $30K. Case by case, I suppose.

7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

This could go a few ways. I've been very lucky to have had the opportunity to be a part of some really great radio, both terrestrially and in the New Media realm, but I'm going to cite my time as MD at KDKB in Phoenix. Pretty much an also-ran in the Sandusky Phoenix Wall Of Rock (three rockers including Rock radio's 800-lb. gorilla, KUPD), Joe Bonadonna brought me in to help reposition the station. Upper management resisted and we had to dodge spitballs in the hallway, but within a year we were #1 M 25-44, #1 M 25-49 and #1 M 25-54, all with a morning show that ranked no higher than fourth in any given demo. Know your audience, have fun, win.

8) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?

Yes. Next question, please! No specifics. Just make sure that there is a clear line of communication between departments. If in doubt, be patient. A day or two will make all the difference in the world.

9) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?

This question is key as to why a lot of high-profile personalities are on the sidelines. I think a lot of assumptions are being made. Are high-profile personalities really asking for a ton of money, or do the radio companies THINK we want a ton of money? Not the answer you were looking for, but food for thought.

10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?

I would give the same advice I did 20 years ago. If you want a steady paycheck and job security, don't do radio. Having said that, I can't imagine many more things being as fulfilling as a career in radio is.

Care to contribute a low-cost recipe to our "ON THE BEACH" cookbook?

Since I lost my BBQ to a monsoon, I've learned to cook indoors! My boiled/oven baby back ribs ARE just as good as anything cooked on a BBQ! It's all about gourmet salt, garlic powder and rub. When you season the meat you really have to get personal with it. Really rub the seasonings in and let sit. Highly season the water with the same ingredients you used on the meat. Boil for an hour and 15 minutes. Put the ribs meat up in the broiling pan, cover with sauce, cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes at 350. Take out, reapply sauce and put back in the oven uncovered for another 15 minutes. Perfect.