10 Questions with ... Dave Cohen

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

DEMO:

While in college, I immediately joined the campus radio station. I had a Classic Rock show and became the Marketing Director during my junior year. While I was a freshman, I started working in commercial radio as a Promotions Assistant, working my way up to part time/swing duties for two of the highest-rated stations in the Hudson Valley, NY market, AC 100.7 WHUD and Top 40 104.7 WSPK. After moving to Norwalk, CT I started working with Connoisseur Media doing weekends on Hot AC Star 99.9 and Classic Rock 95.9 The Fox. I've since moved back to NY but still work in CT.

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

I love radio. Even though I work on the weekend, just knowing that I get to go into a studio, listen to great music, and have a chance to interact with listeners makes staying positive easy.

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

I built a recording studio to create podcasts. Started a podcast for CrossFit/Wellness and that expanded into creating a podcast for my wife's business consulting firm. I've also helped them to develop ad campaigns, reworking their website, and spending time with my second love ... croquet.

3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

100% ... Radio was, is, and forever will be my dream job. I understand that the business is changing and would love to work for a company that understands radio's evolution while maintaining its core values of supporting local talent and the importance of listener interaction.

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

I went two months with no radio while between companies.

5) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?

Promotions ... You get to work events, talk with the jocks, get a feel for how the station works, AND you get to interact with the listeners.

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

I use All Access.

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

I'm not picky about when I'm on, it's all about the show. Really make it listener friendly ... Social media interaction, contests, shout-outs ... really make the listeners feel like they're part of the show...

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

I'm very comfortable with multiple formats. I've worked back-to-back shifts on different stations with different formats before. I'm also willing to make a fool out of myself for the amusement of others.

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

I listen to radio all the time. Whether it's in the car or streaming online. I don't really listen to satellite.

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

Never say no, but stand behind your morals. Swing-shift positions are great, too. Demonstrating your love for the business and eagerness to do whatever it takes, whenever you're asked, will reflect positively on you.

What's your handicap now that you've had time to practice?

Funny you should ask ... I'm a croquet player and we also use a handicap system. I'm a 1.5, which means I'm pretty good, but there are plenty better than me.