10 Questions with ... Jason Turner

NAME:Jason Turner LAST WITH:Impact Radio Networks PHONE:765.409.2559 EMAIL:turner.radio@gmail.com

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

April 01- Jan. 05: 93.5 WKHY/Lafayette, IN, nights.
Jan. 05-May 07: WSMS, WMBC, WSSO-A, WJWF-A, WKOR-A/Columbus, MS.
Programmed 5 stations and handled PM Drive for 99.9 The Fox and voicetracked middays for 103.1 The Spot.
May 07-Feb. 08: Clear Channel/Nashville, The Big 98 WSIX, Sunday noon-5pm on-air shift
May 07-June 08: General Manager/VP-Impact Radio Networks/Nashville.

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

I still have duties as an outside consultant with IRN here in Nashville, and I have been eyeing a few start-up opportunities in syndication.

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 don't know if you're ever really on the "outside." If it's in your blood, radio will always be a part of your day-to-day life. However, I did learn a lot about the new landscape of radio by working in syndication. Radio will survive and could once again thrive if we continue to embrace new technology. My Dad is 62 years old and has an extensive iPod library. Today's programmers have to fully understand what their listeners are doing each and every day to stay relatable. I think we will see the next Lee Abrams emerge soon and I am excited to see where radio goes from here.

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

Always.

4) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?

Work hard. Learn all you can and take on as many responsibilities as you can handle. I got my first on-air gig as an overnight weekend jock, and I would come into the studio during the day just to see if there was anything I could help with. Keep your eyes open and absorb as much as you can.

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

All Access. No question.

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

I would love to find a programming position. If on-air came along with it, even better!

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

The day of the rejection letter or even courtesy e-mail is gone. It's no one's fault. I know firsthand the amount of applicants you can receive for just one position, and it's impossible to reply to each person. You just hope that your experience matches up with the right position and if you get a chance to talk to someone, you make it count. In this industry the right gig tends to find you.

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

I love this question. Even though the outcome was not what I expected, the short time I spent in syndication was an incredible learning experience. We spent the majority of our days identifying the needs of today's programmers and trying to develop solutions. With budgets down everywhere you have to be able to utilize the tools out there and make those tools sound local, local, local. I believe I have a great understanding of that.

9) What do you miss most about radio?

The people. Anyone left out there in radio does it because they absolutely love it.

10) Where do you see yourself in five years ... 10 years?

Making a difference. Teaching, and yet still continuing to learn.