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10 Questions with ... Amy Cross
October 9, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Originally from Connecticut, I started my career as a board operator in Wolfeboro, NH in 1986. I wanted to be on the air so much my supervisor at the time said to head back to Connecticut and get a part-time job on-air for experience. That is exactly what I did. I was with WNLK/Norwalk-Stamford under Mike Fitzgerald, who is now with Press Communications in NJ. I worked my way around the southeast for a while with stations in Myrtle Beach, SC in the early '90s. Then I left for a bigger and brighter future in the San Diego Market, where I was hired for middays on KOWF (the Cow), a small Country station owned by Astor Broadcasting. I left the Country scene and was hired at the legendary KCBQ/San Diego and worked with the best of the best, including Shotgun Tom Kelly, Phil Flowers (RIP), Rich "Brother" Robbin and many others.
After the hanging up of the KCBQ call letters I had encounters with Jacor -- now Clear Channel -- with KHTS (Channel 933), Infinity/CBS San Diego with 103.7 The Planet, and during my break with my husband, took a gig with All Pro Broadcasting in the Riverside market with The Best Mix 101.3 KATY, doing afternoon drive with such a passion for being live and local. After about five years on-air with KATY, I was the first casualty of the budget cuts, and went part-time with KOLA/Riverside under Gary Springfield for two years.
Fast forward to 2011, I was living in Sebastian, Florida to be closer to my aging parents, and I landed a gig with Cumulus/Melbourne as Production Dir./afternoon drive. Wow, right up my alley! That position was short-lived, so now I find myself searching once again. I have had some great contacts since I have been searching for my next home, including the man who gave me my first-ever opportunity on the air in '87, Mike Fitzgerald.
1) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
This really does consume most of my time from early morning until late afternoon.
2) 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.
It is a good thing to be on the outside for a bit, so you don't get the bad taste in your mouth about the business like a lot of people do because it can be very demanding.
3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Absolutely! I was born to do this.
4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
Well in 1990 to 1992 I was in Myrtle Beach, then San Diego from '92 to 2002 and now Melbourne, FL for two years.
5) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
All Access, and I have been contacted several times regarding my qualifications.
6) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
I have had some great offers even from smaller markets, but the housing was an issue... full on rents etc...
7) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?
Okay, I was interviewed by a 23-year-old just getting her feet wet in the business not too long ago, and she asked me, " Where do you see yourself in five years?" I am sorry but I found it hard to believe she didn't even look at my resume, 'cause I was in the business long before she was in Pre K. I guess I answered to the best of my ability: "RETIRED." Lol.
8) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I have a great passion for the radio business and I have an awesome sound on the air. I live to be on the radio and it shows when the ratings are out. When I am on the air I record every phone call and if I cannot use it that day I will save it for another time to play back.
9) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Getting hired in San Diego with less than five years experience at the legendary KCBQ.
10) Where do you see yourself in five years? 10 years?
OMG! Ha ha ha!
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