10 Questions with ... Jason Murphy

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

DEMO:

From Indiana, I attended Ball State University with a double major in broadcasting and journalism. I've worked in radio since 1995. I've been PD and morning host in Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Colorado and Nebraska. Most recently, my success was measured consistently over seveb years producing a brand, rated #1 station and #1 morning show.

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

Netflix binge watching: Black Mirror, Mad Men, Breaking Bad, West Wing. I've also learned what my Pug did all day while I was at work. Spoiler alert: it's the same thing she does when I'm home with her ... sleep.

2) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

It's the one thing I do really well and I'll do whatever needed to stay in radio.

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

Every job I've had was posted right here at Allaccess.com.

4) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied?

When you respect the "no calls" request, it's definitely not easy to get a response. When I send a demo, I keep a contact log and send follow-up e-mails about 10 days later. About 70% never respond; 25% respond after first or second follow-up; 3% respond to the initial contact with a generic response; 2% respond with a phone interview or request more info. It's frustrating when the job posting describes the perfect job and you never hear back from them. It makes me question what I'm submitting in my demo ... is the aircheck featuring the best content? Did my resume clearly explain all the amazing things I claim I've done?

5) Any surprises with salaries/benefits?

No salary surprises good or bad, but I've noticed more freedom with endorsements and non-traditional perks. The largest car dealership in the region wanted to sponsor my brand -- not the station, just my show. They were the biggest client for the station, but for my endorsement deal they provided a new fully loaded, high-end vehicle wrapped with show logos every year. They covered all costs ... insurance, service, registration and fuel. I parked my personal car and didn't have to buy gas for six 6 years.

6) What's the most unbelievable on-air bit you were allowed to do?

I found a blue Wal-Mart employee vest and the bit was: How long can I pretend to be an employee before the store kicks me out? It was a terrible idea because I ended up working three hours, but I won Employee of the Week.

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

From my own experience I know the volume of demos submitted for the few coveted jobs. I wanted to stand out and get more than just a glance, so I had an idea. Before I submitted my demo I would Google the closest fast-food restaurant and downloaded a job application for that specific location. I filled in and included it in the demo attachments with a note saying, 'I really want to work for your station and I'm already planning my second job so I can afford to work for you.'

I didn't get the job, but the PD acknowledged the effort by calling me to share his laugh.

8) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?

I miss being able to impact events, causes, and organizations in a positive way. Our St Jude radiothon for 2017 raised over $309,000 in two days. In central Nebraska, market population of 112,000 ... to raise that amount is nothing less than a miracle.

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, but I'll need to download more fast-food applications.

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

If you're able to get the interview, don't worry about what to wear. At my first part-time job interview, the PD was in a white tank top, swim trunks and flip-flops.

Secondly, when they ask you "What's your biggest weakness?" don't answer, "You'll see."

Care to contribute a recipe for our "On The Beach" cookbook?

I would love to see this collection ... If you need a cookbook to make Mac n Cheese, toast, or a bowl of cereal, hit yourself with a tack hammer, cause you're an idiot.