10 Questions with ... Don Steel

NAME:Don Steel LAST WITH:Lighthouse Broadcasting, Medicine Hat, Alberta PHONE:(403) 878-6878 EMAIL:donsteel@top40countdown.com WEB:www.donsteel.com

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

I first started my radio career in 1987 with 570 CHYM in Kitchener, Ontario. I then moved to my hometown radio station in Hamilton, Ontario, 1150 CKOC. From there I moved to a satellite radio network. They were not going to fly, and then I worked my way over to Dance 108 in Burlington, Ontario. I then became their first morning show host when they changed to Energy 108. I worked with a very nice young lady named Ann Marie Sweeney. We needed a catchy morning show name and I came up with "The Donny-Ann Marie Show" Pretty catchy, wouldn't you say? In April of 2003, I helped start up the new Christian radio station here in Medicine Hat -- Alive 99.5 -- was hosting mornings, and mostly took over duties of Program Director and Music Director. Some of my focus has also been on the Internet and the creation, sales and promotion of a music-related website. I also hosted The Roughstock Country Countdown online, which was an extremely interesting and sometimes very rewarding experience.

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

I still voice the odd spot for different radio stations. This keeps me sharp and motivated.

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

I like to work out to relieve stress and to stay in shape. My kids keep me pretty busy as well. I help them with school work and try to be the best parent I can be. Family is very important to me.

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 try to stay positive and encouraged. I know that I have the talent to work in this business again. I will just wait for my turn.

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

I would sure like to. I am now concentrating towards working in Florida. I would like to host a morning show there. I have visited Florida many times and really love it there.

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

All Access is pretty good. I haven't had much response from the job openings, but I'm sure they will come. I just need to keep plugging away.

6) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?

I came in wearing a Superman costume and told the PD that I would do a super job for them. It was pretty funny, I must say.

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

Like I said before. I would like to work in Florida for a Classic Rock, AC or Country radio station, but I have experience in many formats. (Hey, Florida radio stations. Are you listening?) LOL.

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

There is not much of a "courtesy level" that I have noticed so far, but don't get me wrong ... there are a few managers out there who do let you know about what you have sent them. Very few, though. While working as a PD myself, I answered and talked to everybody. I just think that it's the professional way to be.

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

It can be pretty bad as far as salaries go, but I have been pretty lucky in that regard.

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

I have a lot of energy for an older guy (can't believe I called myself older). I can offer a good professional sound, and some good character voices. Plus, I really enjoy getting out in the community.

Oprah or Dr. Phil?

I really like Phil McGraw for the way he treats people, but lately he has become too commercialized. (ie: The Britney problem). Ratings, ratings, ratings ... but it sells, doesn't it?