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10 Questions with ... Timothy W. Shelton
May 5, 2015
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- April 2010-June 2013 - Wiregrass Radio, Operations Manager/morning show, Dothan, Alabama
- April 2011-Dec. 2011 - Martz Communications, Top 40/Rhythmic, PD/mornings, Pittsburgh, PA
- 2008-2010 - Mid-West Communications, Top 40, APD/morning show, Terre Haute, IN
- 2007-2009 - Oasis Radio Group, on-air/MD/prod., Fort Wayne/Indianapolis, IN
- 2005-2006 - Citadel Broadcasting, UAC, morning show host, Birmingham, AL.
- 2001-2003- Clear Channel, Urban AC, PD/afternoon drive, Chattanooga, TN.
- 1999-2001- Cumulus, Urban, Nights, Beaumont, TX.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
My faith is my anchor. I know that "if" my getting back "in" is not to be, I'll be better than okay.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
Re-connecting with friends and family who were unintentionally put on the back burner over the years. I'm also paying more attention to my health and diet, both of which suffered while the "biz" had my undivided attention.
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.
The biggest thing I've learned is that there is MORE to life than radio. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the "biz," but it's so easy to allow radio to become your END ALL and once you're "outside," you see everything you've been missing.
4) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Creating good relationships along the way. I've gotten more e-mails about openings before they hit All Access from the great co-workers I've been honored to work beside.
5) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
Good and bad. The vets have been more apt to reach out with encouraging words, and that's all that someone in my position really needs to keep moving forward.
6) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Serving as PD for the WAMO re-launch in Pittsburgh. It was magic to see that station rebuilt from the ground up.
7) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
What I miss most is being in a position to make a difference in my community as the "voice" for the "voiceless." What I miss least are co-workers who don't "get" our purpose.
8) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
I've learned that every moment is precious and should be enjoyed. I've spent most of my adult life behind the mic, in front of crowds as the center of attention and looking back I realize that the world doesn't revolve around me.
9) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?
Leaving Pittsburgh to go back to Dothan. This business is all about FORWARD MOTION and any steps backwards can be a detriment.
10) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?
I won't take the "biz" for granted. Sometimes you can get so high from the ink of your own "press clipping" that you'll start thinking that the "biz" and its listeners need you, when its clearly the other way around
Bonus Questions
Your favorite new diversion is...
People watching! Give me a smartphone or digital camera at Wal-Mart, the Public Library or a dirt track and I'm a happy camper.
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