10 Questions with ... Tony Tecate

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Demo:

• APD/MD/mornings at KSFM/Sacramento. 2016-2018.
• APD/MD/mornings at KWYD/ Bois, ID. 2010-2014.
• APD/MD/mornings at KSFM/Sacramento. 2007-2010.
• PD/afternoons at KIKI/onolulu. 2007.
• APD/MD/afternoons at KSFM/Sacramento. 2001-2007
• APD/MD/afternoons at KBOS/B-95 Fresno. 1999-2001.
• Nights at KISV/Bakersfield. 1998-1999.
• Promotions Assistant and Morning Show Assistant at KIIS/Los Angeles. 1998.
• Imaging Dir./Asst. Morning show producer (Baka Boyz) at KPWR/ Los Angeles. 1997-1998.
• Night show intern for Tre Black at KKBT/Los Angeles. 1996-1997.

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

I have had some great conversations with some of my mentors and some of the top programmers in the country. First they all tell me, "We have all been there and to stay focused; it's only a matter of time." Their positive words keep me motivated and my programming mind sharp. I also stay motivated by continuing to write down show ideas, promotion ideas and clients that sales might be able to tie sponsorships into.

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

I am a radio geek. I wake up and monitor random stations and their social media accounts with my morning coffee. I aircheck the jocks in my head; I critique the flow of music, the length and verbiage in promos and think how I would attack that brand if I was their competitor. I also jump on my turntables and just mix. No specific format, no playlist, just have a session filled with whatever my vibe is for the day. That alone for 20 minutes always puts me in a good mind set.

3. 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.

The world continues to spin. People continue on with their life. In radio, everyone in the station thinks we are the nucleus of the city we live in. We are in this bubble where we actually think everyone is listening to everything we say and post. Not the case. We are background noise. People's attention spans are shorter now more than ever and, of course, we are competing with so much more technology. Parents are busy rushing the kids to school and hoping they're not late to work. Kids are wondering how many likes or views they got on their socials. That is why it is so important for jocks to show prep and plan. Every break counts. One great break won't bring your show #1 ratings but a string of great breaks over time will. If you want to actually penetrate these people's lives, you have to hit a home run every time you turn on that mic.

4. Do you plan on sticking with radio?

Absolutely. I have a five and 10-year plan. As you can imagine, this has been derailed since I am filling out this form, but I know I will be back on track sooner than later. I have held what I call "real jobs." I never felt fulfilled with that type of employment, even when I was making more than what radio pays. There is something that gets my adrenaline running when you get that 3a "station off the air" call. I would also like to mention that I actually get nervous at the beginning of every show right before my first break. When that goes away, so will I.

5. What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?

This is it right now. My stepmom passed about a month after being let go and then a few weeks later, my father passed. That took up a lot of my time. I actually had to turn down a few gigs because I needed to settle their affairs. To say the least 2018 has been a rough one.

6. What's the best way to get your foot in the door?

The saying is true: "It's not what you know, but who you know." This industry is small and the degrees of separation to get your foot in the door can happen if you use your network. If you cannot find that connection, send your package, follow up in a week's time, but don't be a pest. I also hear singing telegrams in chicken costumes still work really well if it's in your budget.

7. What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?

All Access Job Openings and Stealth Jobs. You never see radio jobs on Indeed, Monster or Ziprecruiter unless it is for a sales executive job. Plus, you have to continue to reach out to people in e-mails, texts, or phone calls.

8. What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?

Early in my career, I sent a programmer a Nike box with one of my shoes in it. I included a note that said. "Now that I have a shoe in the door, will you listen to my package?" It took the PD a few days to call me, but he did and applauded my creativity. I was very unqualified for that job at the time, but the PD and I still talk to this day. He also put me in contact with someone who ended up giving me a gig.

9. What is the next job you'd like to obtain?

I have been dodging the opportunity to be a PD for quite some time. Mentally, I know I have been putting this off for way too long and it is time now. Plus, I want to program a Country, Hot AC or Active Rock station sometime in the near future. The only way I can obtain that goal is by jumping in the PD chair. Once I can successfully guide two separate formats. I am focused on moving up the ladder to a SVP/Programming. That is all part of my 10-year plan.

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

This questions reminds me of a shirt I saw that said "Good DJs aren't cheap and cheap DJs aren't good."

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

YES! I call this recipe "When I was just a weekender!"

• 1-Cup of Water
• 1-Dirty radio station microwave
• 1-Cup O' Noodles

Add water to Cup O' Noodles, microwave on high for three minutes. Add Tapatio to taste. If you just got a remote or endorsement. Chop some lunch meat or drop an egg in it. BOOM!