10 Questions with ... Matt

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I first started in radio in 1996 as a co-host on WGCC/Batavia. That only lasted a year. I didn't get back into radio until 2015. I returned to WGCC/Batavia to host, do imaging, and do voiceovers. In February of 2017, I interned for Townsquare Media in Buffalo, NY. Where I did imaging, production and voiceovers for WYRK, WBLK, WBUF (Jack FM), and WMSX (Mix 96.1). The internship ended in June 2017. In July, I was picked up by WXIR (Extreme Independent Radio), where I currently host and produce my own show called the Takeover from 5-7p on Friday nights. Recently, in February 2018, I started working with WBSU (The Point) for my college doing interviews, music reviews, voicetracking and imaging. I will be an on-air DJ there as well in the next few weeks.

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

Honestly, I don't have much free time at all. I have a two little girls, aged two and three, who keep me busy. I am a full-time college student at Brockport Univ. I also work at the college radio station. I have a part-time job at Genesee Community College in Dansville, NY. To top all that off, I also volunteer my time at WXIR as a radio host and show producer. I keep my self pretty busy while I'm in the process of jump-starting my career path.

2) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

Absolutely! I worked in customer service for 19 years and worked all my way up to management. Even with my success in customer service, I have had the desire to do radio ever since I dipped my toe in the business back in 1994. So in 2016, I quit my job, went back to school, received my A.S. in Communication and I am currently a year away from obtaining my Bachelors in Broadcast Journalism. I am 100% committed to finding my place in radio.

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

I am lucky that I made a few contacts at my time working as a bouncer in some of the local bars and clubs. Also, the professor I had at GCC works in radio so she actually helped me get an internship with Townsquare Media. When I graduated the internship had to end unfortunately. My current professors work in or have worked in the industry also and they seem to want to give me a push as well.

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

I want to be an on-air personality. I am, of course, willing to work the boards, do imaging or production, but my endgame is to be an on air talent.

5) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.).

This business is tough. In other fields that I've worked in, I will usually get a call back or a letter letting you know that you did not get the position with reasons why. In this business, the best I usually get is that they received my application. At that point, you only hear back if they are interested in you. If not, nothing. No callbacks, no anything. I rather be told no so I can move on than just hanging, waiting and hoping without hearing anything.

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

Unfortunately, not as much as I would like. When I'm in my car, I always listen to the radio, not MP3s or playlists. I do because I have friends that work on radio and I enjoy their shows. Also, I learn from hearing the pros do it. When I'm at home, I have the kids and homework and shows to put together, so I don't get a chance to.

7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

My time in this business has not been extensive so I still have many things I would like to accomplish. So far, the production award I won on WXIR and being sent to the IBS conference in NYC to represent my college was pretty cool. I got to meet a few of my idols in radio and broadcasting at the conferences, as well as getting critiqued and given some pointers.

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

For as long as I can remember, I've been told that I have a great voice for radio. I honestly thought having a great voice would be enough. What I learned is that in order to be successful in radio, you need so much more than just a good sounding voice. There is a certain skill set that has to be learned and perfected.

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

Don't waste time. If you want to get in this business, go to school. You need to learn about it and you need to be on radio as much as you can. Do high school radio, do college radio, intern as much as you can. Put your name out there. The more you learn and the more connections you have the better the results.

10) Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?

In five years, hopefully I am hosting a radio show at a decent time slot. In 10 years, hopefully doing documentaries similar to "Parts Unknown" on CNN ... That's kind of pushing it, but I can dream!

Seen any great movies?

Black Panther. There was a lot of hype surrounding this movie. I can honestly say, it lived up to all the hype!