10 Questions with ... Buddy Van Arsdale

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• 2007-2016: PD for Cox Media-Summit Media/Richmond, VA: WKHK, WKLR,
• 2006-2007: PD for Cumulus Media/Nashville, WSM-FM
• 2004-2006: OM for Cumulus Media/Oxnard-Ventura, CA, KHAY

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

I listen to a lot of radio, here in St. Louis (moved back to my hometown) and other markets online. I also am studying for my real estate license. I like houses and it doesn't hurt to have something to fall back on.

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.

I notice Country radio shares are dropping. I think that has to do with targeting too young and programming too new. When I worked for Cox Media, we researched where the P1 demos for Country were and used that target in our research and programming. I think Country is arbitrarily targeting younger and programming newer. Country isn't Top 40.

As a listener, instead of sending me to social media and websites for content, how about telling me something entertaining and interesting about the song and artist playing, a local happening or pop culture tidbit now! I'm listening now!

Teasing and pleasing is a good thing. But I'm hearing more teasing than compelling content. Hey, I'm just a listener now.

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

I check all the job openings, but I also keep in contact with people I know in the business. You have to cast your net wide ... you never know who will lead to the job.

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

Recently, I was out running, listening to a station I like, and noticed some things that I didn't think fit. The station had a PD opening. I thought, "I wish I could just get in front of the GM and tell him my observations." Another voice said, "E-mail him, what have you got to lose?" So, I did. I didn't get the job, but I got noticed. I was one of the finalists.

5) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)

Some have been better than others. When you are out of job, you find out who your friends are. You can't let it affect your confidence. Just keep pitching.

6) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?

The radio business doesn't make the money that it used to. So, salaries are lower and you have to work more jobs. I accept that. I can adjust and have in the past. As long as I am working with good people and we are maximizing our resources and opportunities to win.

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

I always say, start with the strategy. Add the art. You can program a great sounding radio station. But, if the strategy is wrong, you won't succeed. I make sure I try and articulate the strategy and the art for a particular situation in an interview or a written proposal.

8) 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?

It is why I moved back to my hometown of St. Louis. Luckily, I was able to downsize and do that. It helps to have family and friends around.

9) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?

Yes. Depends on the people I'm working with and the opportunities to succeed.

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

Programming a successful station in a good market. Maybe a VP/Programming. If not, successfully selling homes in the St. Louis area. But I think radio needs good programmers more than St. Louis needs realtors.

Your favorite new diversion is ...

YouTube and Yoga.