-
10 Questions with ... Rob Calloway
September 15, 2015
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I joined XM Radio upon its inception in September of 2001 as a volunteer mix show host on XM-61 The Flow. Months later in 2002 I joined the staff at WFXA (Augusta, GA) as mix show host and later overnight host. I hosted nights and programmed WIIZ (Augusta, GA) from 2003-2006, then I joined the staff at WGST and WCNN in Atlanta from 2006-2008 before moving to CBS Radio Atlanta from 2008-2014.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
To be honest, it's been very difficult to stay positive 100% of the time, especially when you know you have lots to offer, but I'm a runner and since October 29th, I've run nearly 715 miles.
2) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
I'd love to stay in radio because after 14 years it is without a doubt my passion. I'm not one of these people looking to use radio to obtain a record deal or to move over to TV. If it happens, fine, but that's not my main target.
3) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
Almost 11 months. This is the longest that I've been on the beach. I was terminated on October 29th, 2014 and I'm still searching.
4) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I'd like to executive produce a News or Sports Talk show or maybe even work in programming. I programmed WIIZ from 2003-2006.
5) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
I've actually received several return e-mails and telephone calls. The biggest factor has been the relocation thing. I'm open to relocating but I've learned that most companies would rather not pay for relocation.
6) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
I listen to the radio because I'm a radio head, but I have found myself listening to the stations that were formally the competition in my world. I'm also really into podcast these days. One of the shows I hosted while at CBS Radio is now available daily via Spreaker.com. There's a lot more freedom in the world of podcasting and I'm enjoying it.
7) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?
Being on the beach has definitely given me time to do things I never had time for, like sleep, taking my daughter to school, or chaperoning a class field trip. I appreciate the opportunity of being able to all of those things but it's now time to get back to work.
8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment in radio would have to be me going from Augusta, GA (market #109) back home to Atlanta (market #9) and eventually landing a spot on the Ryan Cameron Morning Show w/ Wanda Smith on WVEE-V-103.
9) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
The biggest thing I miss is interacting with the listeners in person and during my weekend Sports show. The one thing I miss the least is my schedule. I worked Monday-Friday 3a-11a. Those early hours were killer, but I'd do it all over again if that's what the position called for.
10) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?
The one thing that will be different is that I will build something to BRAND myself. I'm a writer, and I was so focused on making sure that the station websites had content that I had no time to create a situation of my own for branding my articles/blog entries. After being fired I realized that I had been so dedicated to the company and even more dedicated to making others look good that I walked away and left a good piece of myself right there on the 8th floor of Colony Square.
Bonus Questions
Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?
Russell Simmons' self-help book "Do You" is a must read when you're doubting yourself and need to refocus on the BRAND of YOU!
-
-