10 Questions with ... Steve Barnes

NAME:Steve Barnes LAST WITH:WZGC Atlanta -- mornings PHONE:(404) 459-2875 EMAIL:Barnes@barnescreativestudios.com WEB:www.SteveBarnes.net & www.BarnesCreativeStudios.com

Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...

At 16, I did nights at KEXX (X-FM) Corpus Christi, TX. Then off to college at UT Austin, where I did swing at KPEZ (Z102), then KBTS (B93). After college, I did mornings for a minute at KISQ (KISS-FM) Corpus Christi, then signed on for nights at KBEQ (Q104) K.C., where we launched Planet Q at night. After Q went Country, I went to WNNX (99X) Atlanta, where I did afternoons to start, then mornings (The Morning X) for 10 years. Then to WZGC (Dave-FM) Atlanta for two years doing mornings.

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

Mostly with acting gigs; I am a recurring character on "Prison Break" (Agent Drucker) and I also just shot an episode of "One Tree Hill," which aired a few weeks ago. On top of that, my production company just released our second movie, "Sex & Consequences," with Corbin Bernsen. We spent a lot of time in post-production right after I left the radio. I spend a lot of time working at my studio, Barnes Creative Studios, in Atlanta, doing movie and film-related stuff (casting/editing and websites mostly). I have also been taking classes to further my web design knowledge in between my daytime reading of the All Access job ops!

2) 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 actually been enlightened. PPM excites me, as does using the web to integrate video content with whatever show I do. I think you have to offer the listener more, in this day of YouTube, than just music and a personality. I've been using video and producing shows on past morning shows, but it was before "gen pop" knew how to use their computers to watch. The technology is on fire and I can't wait to get back in and use it to my advantage.

3) Do you plan on sticking with the radio industry?

Absolutely. It's what I know and what I love. It's in my bones ...can't stop now.

4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?

Right now. It's been 13 months, but 12 months of that I was sitting out a contract and couldn't look for another job. That's tough to do as someone who really loves what they do. I know guys who have wished for that and were envious. It's not all it's cracked up to be. Not being able to execute creative ideas on the radio is killing me!

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

A GOOD one. It has to be a good scenario, or I would rather just stay working at my studio. I would love to stay in Atlanta, but I would also consider somewhere with great golf (hello, Phoenix ... West Coast!!).

6) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.)

The courtesy level is pretty much non-existent, but I understand. You just can't let that get you down. People are busy running radio stations and if they want to talk with you, they will eventually call you back. Personally, I would be honest with applicants as opposed to keeping them hanging on with hope.

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

I try to offer more. I can do websites, edit video, create Flash projects ...pretty much do everything on the side by myself.

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

Actually, I have listened to XM (Flight 26 and Lucy are my faves) a lot to kind of cleanse my ears of FM while in Atlanta. I travel a lot and listen to radio when I am in a different city.

9) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?

Absolutely. My two girls (ages 6 and 2) think Daddy plays golf for a living. I just took it up a year ago when leaving radio, and it has become my full-time job. It's great getting out with the 80-year-old dudes during the week on the course. I never knew what it was like to drive around in the morning and do carpool. It gives me a new vision of how people use the radio. It has been great being in the kid trenches for a year, and makes me understand how hard it is to be Mr. Mom. BUT ... now I'm ready to get back to work!

10) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Probably being #1 mornings (18-34) in Atlanta and beating the Urban mothership V103. That just doesn't happen in Atlanta ... it was a great feeling. We did that with The Morning X at 99X and pretty much stayed in the top 3 for 10 years, which was a big accomplishment.

My favorite new diversion is ...

Golf. I resisted it for years and finally picked up a club the week I left Dave FM. Now, it's like an addiction. I can't get enough. I've been to Phoenix on three trips in the last six months! I used to always make fun of the guys who would plan a trip around golf. Now, I am that guy. I don't know if I can take a job where there is not year-round golf! I still am on my quest to break 100 (108 is best so far). I suck, but that doesn't affect the ability to chill back in the cart and throw down a cold one!