10 Questions with ... Dave Mason

E-MAIL: davemason858@gmail.com
WEBSITE: http://www.narrationnow.com/
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DEMO: https://soundcloud.com/dave-mason-446084927/dave-mason-on-k-earth-101-los-angeles

Please begin by giving us a brief career synopsis...

My radio life began when I found out my uncle’s brother was in radio. I was about six, I think. Then we moved to the suburbs near the studios of two stations. I got my first paying job at 18 in Rochester at WSAY. It was Rochester, Hornell, Binghamton, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Cincinnati, Los Angeles and San Diego. Some of those places more than once. I was notorious for asking all of those “what if” questions -- and it was Larry White at WAXC, who decided I should be in programming. I’ve been fortunate to have worked with (and learned from) the best in the business.

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

I’ve been reaching out to people I’ve known over the years. I’ve known a lot of people in my situation and they’ve turned it around, so there’s still hope. In Southern California --between San Diego and L.A. -- the opportunities are limitless. I just have to find the situation that’s looking for me.

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

I have been doing pledge work for KPBS-TV and FM in San Diego and KOCE (PBS SoCal) in Los Angeles as well as a hosting gig at Valley View Casino and Hotel in San Diego.

3) What’s the longest stretch you’ve had on the beach?

Six months (as of now).

4) What’s the best way to get your foot in the door?

Talk to the receptionist! That’s only half of it, of course. Keep networking, keep talking and keep reaching out to the companies you’re interested in working for. Don’t give up.

5) How are you finding the “courtesy level” at places you've applied?

I’ve been on the receiving end of applications and resumes unsolicited. I would love to hear from those I’ve reached out to, but I know that if they’re not looking at the moment my stuff could end up in the recycle bin. I’ve always tried to keep in touch with people and be pretty frank about the opportunities at my station. If a station advertises that they’re looking for someone, a response of “we’re not looking right now” or no response at all can be a little disappointing. But it won’t stop me. It doesn’t hurt to try to strike up a conversation with the receptionist either. In many cases they hold a lot of importance.

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

Experience, lessons learned and being observant enough to see the challenges facing a station … and smart enough to offer solutions. Just about everything that’s been tried, I’ve done it. I have a pretty good idea of what will work, or how to make something work. If it can be done, and it makes sense let’s do 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?

That’s the good part of not having a daily job! I’ve probably spent more time with the family in the past threemonths than I did since I got married in 1985. I’m not sure they’re happy about it but I love the companionship and their support.

8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Being a part of some pretty respectable call letters. WBBF, KRTH, WGR, WKRC/WLW, WSAI, WCKY, KGB and KOGO, just to name a few. Many of these stations were #1 while I was part of the team.

9) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?

Don’t give up. Take every opportunity that presents itself to you so you can learn all you can. Sales is a great avenue to learn even if you think your future lies on the air. Be as valuable to your employer as you can be. Some will appreciate it, some will take advantage of it. But you’ll feel like you’ve made a difference.

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

Maybe more. I would spend a lot of time listening to my own station during the workday, or producing imaging … so “punch around” time was to and from the station. Now I’ve got a lot more time to “punch around,” go online and listen around. Uberstations (www.uberstations.com) is a great website to check out things around the country, and StreamS is a great app for your mobile phone and iPad. I’ll read about a format change in All Access and can find the station to hear what they’re doing.

Your favorite new diversion is ...

Home handywork. I’ve spent way too much time watching YouTube videos, but the home improvement handywork videos have caught my eye. A few years ago I ruined our family room trying to install a surround sound system. Now I want to fix up our garage and maybe install a new floor in the house. I’ve got the time -- and might learn some actual physical work.

What music do you enjoy listening to away from work?

Constantly listening to new stuff. Wish we had music blogs and streaming when I was a kid.

What's larger your film collection or Mets memorabilia?

Films. I was the fool who was all in on Laserdisc when single in the 90s. I know have a graveyard of these aluminum tombstones in my basement. And too many worthless DVDs sitting never summoned in the attic. My son has a display case of about 20 individual autographed balls by members of the 2000 NL Championship Mets in his room. Piazza, etc.

How many games will the Mets win in 2017?

Gonna take the over and say 90. If all their starters can stay healthy most of the season, there is no letup in that staff, and none more imposing. And Cespedes will be a monster this year. And keeping Bruce will pay real dividends.

Since you're obsessed with The Amazins like I am, let's have some fun before the season starts by predicting the number of wins for each of the Fab Five in the Mets rotation in 2017.

Syndergaard 17
DeGrom 15
Harvey 15
Matz 13
Wheeler 10

Anything else you would like to add?

Very thankful to be still be in the career that I truly love.