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10 Questions with ... John Horton
January 21, 2020
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I have been in radio broadcasting for about 18 years working at several terrestrial radio stations including KTCS, KICM (shared on KNOR), KMAG, KFXI KOMS, and KFXI. I've got to work with both, Corporate and locally owned stations. Outside of being a proven air talent, I am an Oklahoma Public Notary, Ham Radio Storm Spotter (KF5UUV), and proud owner/operator of the TBJS Radio Network where I host a weekday show from 10a-2p. It is a presence I built from the ground up outside of my terrestrial radio gigs and allows me to help the community in a small way. I would like to be syndicated again, but my dream is to own a terrestrial AM/FM station one day (soon).
1. What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and to stay motivated?
For me, I have to believe that God has this. My last gig actually had me running working four out of the six stations, along with being the PC networking tech, plus doing a live show for one of the stations, it took a LOT of time away from my family. I've been on the beach since 9/17 and my unemployment runs out this week. Therefore, it is hard to stay motivated even though I feel it in my heart and soul that radio is where I should be, but my wife is a rock and my family is my strength, so I keep looking up as much as I can.
2. How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I currently own / operate an online radio station (TBJS Radio Network) where I do a show weekdays and I have a voiceover/production/show prep service called Pornaudiography.com, which all combined allow my skills to be displayed using various methods. It helps keep me on a schedule, while not thinking too much about having to be on the beach right now. It keeps me from getting too depressed since I don't have the skills that my current geographical region is calling for, such as Medical, Truck Driving, speaking other languages, or jobs that require at least a Bachelor's Degree.
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.
I've been out of terrestrial radio before when I worked for two and a half years with a drug testing company and it was not a pleasant experience. I was miserable all the way around. I do not recommend it. When I came back in radio, I was "hungrier," and still felt ahead of the game a bit, and was eager to get that station into the direction I felt it needed to go with. I was hesitant to work with the company at first because they didn't know how to work the format, so I was hired as APD/MD and moved up to Brand Manager. After four years, they let their local talent go and here I am.
4. Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Oh yes! It's in my blood. I eat, drink and sleep radio. My dream is to own an AM/FM radio station!
5. What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
Two and a half years.
6. What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Honestly, you have to stay in an earshot or sight of radio stations. Bother them until they say stop or no. That's the G-rated version of how I started in radio. For me, it's trying to show off my abilities, skills and talents. I have to stay out there, even if it takes a while longer than I prefer. I have to stay in sight where PD's,GM's and Owners can see /hear me.
7. What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
So far, Allaccess.com and no I'm not just saying that because of filling out this questionnaire. I've applied on the websites owned by iHeart, Cumulus, AlphaMedia, SiriusXM, as well as contacts that I have. One thing you learn in this business is who your friends are. Your real friends in this business are the ones who stay in contact with you when you leave and the ones that provide job opening information at their stations. They also let you know when their competition has an opening. That makes it fun and interesting.
8. What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
I walked up to a PD while he was doing a live remote broadcast in front of a book store one night about a week before Christmas (got my first radio gig doing that). I've also barged into the co-owners office to personally hand them my resume and introduce myself at a station in Southern Oklahoma. I got the job later.
9. What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I'd love to be able to express my creativity and just have fun on the air again. I would love to be syndicated again, perhaps this time with Premier Networks or Westwood One. I'm not a shock jock, I'm not someone who sweats creativity, but I do what I do and people seem to like it. I'd like to be the Brand Manager/PD somewhere that doesn't have drama. Or at least a lot less than most places. Again, my dream is to own a terrestrial radio station more than anything.
10. Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
I was surprised that my last salary for all I did for the previous company was much lower than what other places (even within my own market) was paying. I was disheartened by that considering all the hats I was wearing.
Bonus Questions
Care to contribute a recipe for our "On The Beach" cookbook?
I'm not one to brag, but I can make this really delicious alfredo sauce. It's not too thick and not too thin for my tastes. Perhaps I will share it with the folks at my next terrestrial radio gig.
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