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10 Questions with ... Joe Dupnik
January 14, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I'm currently a weekend talent on the #1 rated station in Western Connecticut. Formerly I was a production assistant and, of course, a college radio sensation. Or so I'd like to think.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I utilize social media networks such as All Access, LinkedIn and Media Match. I've connected with many other talents in the industry this way, and have been able to improve my demos, resume and meet really passionate people who are willing to help.
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.
From the outside, I'm actually encouraged with all the potential radio has. By developing a strong online presence, many stations are returning to their roots and creating content and playing music that people want- and ask for via Facebook and Twitter. I'm seeing a renaissance of live and local radio and it looks promising.
3) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Good old-fashioned interning. That's how I got my current weekend gig and previous gigs. I was an intern at my current station, a few summers before, and e-mailed the program director when I saw an opening on All Access. He remembered me and the rest is history.
4) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
All Access has been the go-to. Indeed.com, LinkedIn and Craigslist have moments of brilliance as well.
5) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I utilize my youthfulness. While I don't have 20+ years experience, I've been in radio for over five years in various formats and have essentially "grown-up" with social media. I'm a "cheap date" in terms of salary and don't have a mortgage, kids or other "mature" responsibilities. I have plenty of energy to give my all and can easily relocate when needed to start a new career.
6) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
Absolutely. While I have an iPod and can access any song I ever wanted to hear, nothing beats listening to an actual human being on the radio. I find myself listening online to various stations across the country when I'm on the computer.
7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Surpassing my station's fundraising goal by 200%. During our Radiothon, I did everything to get people to call in and donate, from playing whatever they wanted to hear, prank calling other stations, and just general debauchery. It worked out really well and it was fun to get the audience involved for such a good cause.
8) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
I've learned to live in the present and enjoy each day as it comes. I've gotten to rekindle many friendships and take on new hobbies such as blogging. I've also become a pro at fixing iPhones and Mac computers.
9) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
Don't be afraid. Always be you. Ask for feedback on how you are doing and improve your technique. Connect and reach out to people in the industry and remember we all have to start out somewhere.
10) Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
Behind a microphone, telling the audience that five years ago, I lived on a diet of Ramen noodles and that if I could do it, so could they.
Bonus Questions
Uh oh ... now you're on your own for getting new music. If applicable, name your three most recent purchases since leaving the biz.
- David Bowie - Stars (Are Out Tonight)
- Daft Punk - Get Lucky
- Phoenix - Trying to Be Cool
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