10 Questions with ... Scott Lander

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I was fortunate enough to start my career at Z100 in Portland! It was my home and my church for the better part of a decade. I learned what I was on the radio, there. I did nights at Z100 and then moved on to do afternoons at KRSK and KBBT in Portland. I spent some time at KUBE 93 in Seattle, as well. At Hot 975 in Las Vegas, I did production and imaging and learned to love it! It's something that I would very much like to do again. I also did nights at 99.5 The Wolf in Portland and worked most recently at 987 The Bull!

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

I've been working as a Taxi Driver for the past couple of years! It's a great way to meet cool people and I have a lot of stories to tell. Unfortunately, Taxi Companies are suffering with the onset of Uber and Lyft. Most people are surprised that they even exist.

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've been enlightened! I have attained a better perspective of radio and of life than I've ever had. It's forced me to look at myself, in a real and actual way, as an air personality and as a positive, proactive member of any team.

3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

Absolutely! It's been my love and my passion for nearly three decades and I dig it more than ever! I've had other jobs, but can't imagine doing anything else.

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

NOW! It's been nearly three years! Yikes. I'm dying, here.

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

Networking, Networking, Networking. I've been fortunate to find some of my very best friends in radio. They are a great resource for inside info and support. I couldn't have made it this far without them.

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

I would like to do middays, afternoons or nights in Country. It's my format of choice for sure! I also have extensive experience in Hot AC!

7) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?

A very cool Program Director in Portland once asked me: "What are you doing here." It thru me for a loop. I told him that I was the "best person for the job." He hired me.

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

By focusing myself on content and the best way to deliver it, break by break. PPM has made me a better air personality than I've ever been.

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

When I first "hit the beach," I spent so much time missing radio that I had a difficult time listening. I'm now listening more than I ever have and being more honest with myself and others about what I'm hearing.

10) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?

That I can do different things. I am capable of doing different jobs and opening my mind to different experiences. It's also empowered me to reach out to others, in and out of the industry, more than ever.

Your favorite new diversion is ...

It has to be becoming healthy! Mind and body. I started therapy to work out the unhealthy notions that I had about myself. It's completely empowering! I've also put myself on a diet that I can maintain. I was a skinny guy when I first started in radio! I'm back on that path, now!