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10 Questions with ... JR Russ
January 8, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I got a PM-drive job on a medium market AM for a good company. Their FM was killer but, the AM had a terrible signal and the music was all wrong. I had already moved and signed a lease but, the weekend before I was to start, I got a call to go to a Top-5 market for a legendary PD and while it was hard to go back on my word, I knew I would regret it if I didn't
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
PROMO DEMOMy sister, Diane, was dating a guy (John Carpenter) who was a "First Class" engineer, pre-morning show DJ, newsman and salesperson at WIMS-A/Michigan City, IN. At about age 14, he took me with him to sign the station on and I was hooked. I eventually got my "First Phone" and worked there and up and down Lake Michigan in Benton Harbor, South Haven and Muskegon MI and later in LaPorte, IN. The desire to work larger markets called and I eventually went on to Buffalo, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. In addition to working multiple formats for several major companies and a few #1 stations, I also worked for the national and even international broadcasters SiriusXM and The Voice of America.
As a programming and research consultant, I have worked with over 100 stations in 75 markets for major pre-consolidation companies like Gannett, Nationwide and Infinity. As consolidation changed the industry, I took a respite from radio to work in the auto industry as a wholesaler, salesperson, and dealership owner.
When digital production became affordable I began freelancing voiceovers and voicetracking working for upwards of 50 stations via www.Commercial-Voiceover.com.
I am currently streaming one "historical audio document" which is a salute to the late, great WCFL-A at www.WCFLchicago.com (contact: WCFLchicago@gmail.com) and am in the process of marketing what I hope to be "the next BIG format:" the Classic and Pop versions of www.MovieTicketRadio.com (contact: MovieTicketRadio@gmail.com).
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and to stay motivated?
Since elementary school, hearing WLS and WCFL butt heads in the most exciting radio war I have ever heard, I have been hopelessly "hooked" on the medium.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I operate three online stations: WCFLchicago.com which is a "salute" to the late-great AM station and run two versions of MovieTicketRadio.com with a Classic and Pop format. I'm looking for "Mikey." That station or group that has tried just about everything and is looking for something mass appeal, yet new and different.
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.
When I was at XM in D.C. and Sirius took over, a lot of people left, I said, "We no longer should consider ourselves "radio people," but "Content Creators" because whether AM-FM-HD-satellite or Internet as the delivery medium, the quality of the content is still king. I am also disappointed at the general feeling that "nine songs in a row" is going to compete with Spotify and Pandora. The stations that still employ real talent and pay to keep them will emerge victorious.
4) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
To paraphrase actor Charlton Heston, "Until they pry the microphone from my cold, dead hands!" In some form, though, webcasting seems to be easier to "do your thing"... it is just tough to monetize.
5) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
Ten years ... when I got married while living in D.C. and relocated to for a second time to Philadelphia. I got into the auto business ... wholesaling, managing and eventually owning a small dealership. It's funny but, I think if I were still in D.C., I would have my choice of opportunities. "I can't seem to get arrested in Philly when it comes to radio."
6) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
I admit I stole an idea from a "J" who wanted to work at one of my stations. He sent a new shoe with a note that said "Now that I have my foot in your door..." I laughed my ass off. He wasn't right for my open position but, I definitely listened to his aircheck.
7) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
All Access and before that, R&R, with some stuff coming from websites like Indeed and ZipRecruiter.
8) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
I quit on the day I was to start. I got a PM-drive job on a medium market AM for a good company. Their FM was killer but, the AM had a terrible signal and the music was all wrong. I had already moved and signed a lease but, the weekend before I was to start, I got a call to go to a Top-5 market for a legendary PD and while it was hard to go back on my word, I knew I would regret it if I didn't..
9) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
Yes, radio compensation from what I have observed has been disappointing since the '80s with only a few exceptions, especially in mornings.
10) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I think a "career capper" based on my very diverse market and format background plus ratings methodology and computer skills, would be a Group PD for a small to medium-sized group. Today's technology would make that so much easier than years ago.
I would also like to get MovieTicketRadio.com on a few floundering AM, FM or even HD stations. I am sure once it gains some ratings or revenue success ... it will be a successful format that won't directly compete with other stations the owner may have in the market.
Bonus Questions
Care to contribute a recipe for our "On The Beach" cookbook?
A server at The Borgata in Atlantic City once brought me a Colorado Coffee one morning featuring Fresh Brewed Coffee, Bailey's and a jigger of vodka. Liking Southern Comfort, I added a bit more "punch" to it with a jigger of that christening it Southern Colorado Coffee. Hot or iced ... with or without whipped cream ... If you're not working, it mellows your day from the get-go.
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