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10 Questions with ... Govia
April 24, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started off interning at KISS-FM in Chicago with Tic Tak. After parting ways there in 2006, I went with Tic Tak to Peoria, IL to launch KISS-FM, WPIA/Peoria. I did the 3p-midnight shift there until 2009, then got a phone call regarding the launch of 92.3 NOW-FM in New York City. I was a part of the launch of 92.3 NOW while being the afternoon show producer/on-air. I also voicetracked nights on 101.7 The Beach, WBEA/Hamptons-Long Island, while working in NYC. I wound up moving to The Hamptons full-time to program The Beach. While programming The Hamptons, I had a brief stint with POWER 92 WZPW/Peoria, before getting the opportunity to head back to Peoria full-time and completely re-launch 98.5 KISS-FM WPIA in August of 2010. I was then the PD/MD/Imaging Director/on-air for WBEA/Hamptons and WPIA/Peoria. On January 6th, 2012 ... It all ended.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
Well, I'll be damned, this interview is a drag compared to the last one I did. However, I am happy with life right now. When I was canned, my world didn't come crumbling down. Since I've gotten into the industry, It's been hard for me to focus on my own life and my relationships with friends and family. My daughter, at the age of three, has truly been supportive of my career. In the end, I have to do what's best for her. She knows daddy has to work to pay for stuff, and she knows working in radio is awesome, but she is definitely happy to have chill time with me. We hang out like BFFs, but it's back-to-work mode ... I gotta buy stuff for the baby.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I got so caught up in the first question, I answered the next question, too. Hangin' with the daughter. Business ventures. Trying to perfect my craft. Learning to speak Spanish. Trying to get better at everything I do ... and figure out what I am going to do with my life. I'm also accumulating "likes" on Facebook.
3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Nah ... goin' into sales ... figured I could push some Chevy Sonics while they're still hot ... make some cash. Hire me ... please. I've been blessed with great opportunities in this industry, and I'm grateful for them all. I can only hope for more opportunities. If they come, I will capitalize. If not, I have to work that much harder. I'm not really good at anything else ... that pays money ... legally...
4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
As long as it takes for me to get picked up this time around...
5) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Forget about money. Just do what it takes to help the cause, even if it means belittling yourself. Radio isn't about paying bills and stuff. It's about loving your job.
6) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
I'd rather not say ... not exactly proud of it ... you know who you are. ;)
7) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Chicago.
8) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
It's important to remember that radio is a business. I can do a lot of things, and I know how to make radio stations money. Working for mostly independently owned stations, I have a lot of diverse experience. I have worn a lot of hats. There is SOMETHING that needs to get done at a station that I can polish out at a high level and make profitable.
9) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Turning around 98.5 KISS-FM in Peoria, and winning the core demos after just one book.
10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
Hurry up!
Bonus Questions
Great movies you've recently seen ...
Lorax, Journey 2, and Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chip Wrecked ... #babydaddymode.
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