10 Questions with ... Chris McCoy

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

DEMO:

30+ years in Philadelphia radio working in the Adult Contemporary format. 1980-1994 midday host @ WMGK. 1994 - 2007 morning co-host @ WBEB (B101, More FM). 2007-2016 morning host @ WMGQ/New Brunswick, NJ.

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

Aside from applying for jobs, which is almost all on-line these days, I've been working on a weekend program for the iRadiophilly.com platform. A friend (Mike Bowe) and I have put together a two hour music themed show that streams each Saturday morning called "Off the Beaten Tracks." Our intention is to create an income stream from this endeavor. I also take walks and work out to clear my head, and try to enjoy being able to sleep for 8 hours. Netflix bingeing has been a source of entertainment, too.

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.

Well, I have noticed that the salaries offered are what I started making 35 years ago. That is a bit discouraging. I do work part time for WJBR/Wilmington, with an air shift a week which keeps me in the game. Being on the air now means not just what goes out over the air, but also doing production, and working social media, as well. At times it feels as though the social end of it is almost more important.

3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

Yes! It's all I've ever done. I still love it.

4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?

My longest stretch has been 8 months. Seems like an eternity, however.

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

I primarily search Indeed.com and All Access, of course. I also network on Linkedin. I've gotten creative and gone to the station websites. I have found that they sometimes post job openings there before they are made public, attempting to get a jump on the masses.

6) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?

I'd love to continue to host/cohost a morning show somewhere. Market size doesn't matter. I'm also very versatile when it comes to music formats, so I'd welcome format changes, too. Short of that, any time of day that allows me to use my skills to connect with an audience. I still believe it's important to be live and local. Way too much voice tracking goes on in the business.

7) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.)

Wow! This question really strikes a nerve. It seems I apply online and never hear a peep back. I've gotten one response back in the form of an e-mail. It was a rejection, but it felt good to actually have someone at least acknowledge that I applied! In another instance, I got a callback to set up a phone interview a week later, only to be told then that the position had been filled. So yes, it's disappointing to feel the lack of courtesy in most cases.

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

My experience so far has been that salaries are lower than what they have been. I don't need a big salary at this point. I just want to do what I love and make a living wage.

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

Yes, probably more time than when I was working full time in it. I do believe I need to stay connected with what's going on in the business. I enjoy observing how others approach being on air, and I still am able to glean new ideas from listening.

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

Be willing to do anything and learn everything! Be available to help with production, help with remotes, spend some quality time connecting with sales, and learn as much as you can. Develop as many skills as possible, because very few people in radio just do one thing. Be multi-faceted.

Seen any great movies?

Yes! I had been avoiding "La La Land" because of a pre-conceived notion of musicals. Saw it and loved it. I have a greater appreciation for people who are multi-talented. Wait, you can sing and dance AND act?