10 Questions with ... Eric Jacobson

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I was born into radio, following my father into the radio stations he worked at, then starting my internship at an HD channel that was syndicated in five major markets, to finally being paid for what I do best at KCII in Washington, IA. After that, I cut my teeth at a small market in Montana before heading to Southern Illinois where I was Production Director for a six-station cluster and afternoon drive on the #1 Rock station WTAO.

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

Stay busy. I know I will find the "home" I am looking for and in the age of radio, I know it will take some time. For every package I send out, I know thousands of others are doing the same. I'm good enough and smart enough to know that there is a home out there for me.

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

Playiing guitar, reading, researching different markets and annoying my wife.

3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

Of course. My father once told me, "You will love radio more than radio will love you back." You don't quit on the things you love.

4) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?

Allaccess.com has been a shining light. With the resources this website has to offer, it is easily the best website ever.

5) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?

I once sent a shoebox with only one shoe in it to a PD with a note and my resume inside saying, "I have one foot in the door. Let's talk about how I can get the other in."

6) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?

I don't want a job, I want a career with a station that I can call home.

7) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?

I am a master of multi-tasking. The days are gone of "4 and out the door." I pride myself on knowing as much as possible about every aspect of radio, from on-air to production to websites and blogging and more.

8) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?

Even more now. I am always listening to different stations across the country via the web to see what they are doing, what they are saying, how are they saying it, etc.

9) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?

I miss the listeners the most. They were always flocking to my remotes and always having a good time. They always supported me... they still do. I do not miss shoveling the snow outside the building in the winter.

10) Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?

I see myself as a market leader, even if it's not in the ratings book, but in my listeners eyes as well as whomever is my boss.

My favorite new diversion is ...

Candy Crush ... I am addicted and may need therapy because of it.