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10 Questions with ... Austin Michael
July 22, 2008
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NAME:Austin MichaelLAST WITH:Chapin EnterprisesPHONE:(402) 408-6736
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
I started out like most, doing an overnight shift. That was at KQKY (Top 40) in Kearney, NE. I jumped down to Manhattan, Kansas for a few years, doing nights and Production Director at KJCK (Top 40). Then I did mornings and was Imaging Director at KLZR (Top 40/then Hot AC) in Lawrence, Kansas for four years. I came back to Nebraska to join Clear Channel in Lincoln at KLMY (AC) as a morning host, Imaging Director and eventually PD. The cluster was sold last year and I became the OM for Chapin Enterprises, also in Lincoln, where I was programming KRKR (FM Talk) and KBZR (AC/ Smooth Jazz).
1) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I love to get outside and bicycle 10-20 miles a day. It's a bit of a blessing that I'm on the beach when the weather is nice. If it's too windy or rainy, I'll hit the gym for a couple of hours. I'm not some kind of muscle head or work-out freak. All the physical activity helps keep my cholesterol down AND it increases the endorphins, helping me maintain that positive mental attitude. I listen to local and Internet stations and make notes on what and how I'd program them differently. I read up on the industry daily, look at trends, check the charts ... I guess I'm kind of like that guy whose girlfriend dumps him, but he keeps pretending they're together. That's right, radio ... I know you still love me.
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 guess my biggest surprise, after many interviews with various companies, is a lack of media integration. The big boys are doing it, yes, but there seem to be quite a few medium and smaller companies that aren't preparing themselves for the future. I realize that money is tight, but if you don't embrace the fact that your stations need websites, that Myspace pages won't do when you're trying to reach an "at-work" audience because most businesses block them, that jocks are less relevant now if they don't cross over into TV and print ... I could go on. I'm not trying to be negative. I love radio and want to see the industry thrive.
3) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?
I would like to, but there is the money issue. Previous to my current situation, the longest I ever went without a radio job was a week. That's in 12 years. It's been a bit of a shock to find myself still on the beach after four months.
4) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Today, I think it's networking. I've gotten in by answering an ad, by blindly sending a demo, and by networking. Recently, though, I've been able to get interviews mainly through the help of friends in the business. There are so many people trying to get so few jobs lately that I'm surprised that PDs, OMs, and GMs even get around to reading half of the demos and resumes they get in response to an ad.
5) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
The Internet. I go to Allaccess, Yahoo Hot Jobs, etc. every day. I also read The Tattler online every week.
6) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.)
I'm disappointed at the very low number of callbacks and even the lack of rejection letters. At least then I feel like someone took the time to give my package a once-over. I've sent out more than 300 packages in the last few months. I've received about 12 callbacks and 20 rejection letters. Again, it's tough with the sheer volume of applicants to follow through. I understand that. The callbacks have been very cordial, even helpful. Mike Tomano was nice enough to give me a callback to tell me he thought I probably was overqualified for the position he had available, but wanted to know if it was okay if he passed my package up the ladder. That made my day.
7) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
By playing into consolidation. I make sure I know at least a little about and can do everything. You need somebody who can work on websites? I taught myself HTML and can work with most editors. You need imaging or commercial production? I have SAW and Adobe on my home computer. I taught myself every shortcut to work them. Promotions? The first thing I do at a new gig is walk around the town introducing myself to residents and businesses to learn about the community. I read the trades and monitor the trends, so I can step into a programming position if needed. I try to be the "go to" guy for everything.
8) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
Actually, I'm listening more. There were always meetings or on air shifts when I was working that kept me away from listening as much as I wanted to. Now the radio is on all the time wherever I'm at.
9) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
The thing I miss the most is the interaction with the audience. I love hearing the joy in their voices when giving them a prize or even just playing a song they really wanted to hear. I miss being there for them with relevant news or information about bad weather. The thing I least miss is dealing with affidavits, especially if they happen to be late. Totally not my fault in those instances, you understand.
10) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?
Definitely! It is truly a career that doesn't feel like work to me. I've worked building bridges, assembling farm combines, running a retail store, washing dishes ... even television. Nothing, but nothing, made me happy like being in radio has made me happy. Most people get up and say to themselves, "X number of days until the weekend." I have never said that while working in radio.
Bonus Questions
My favorite new diversion is ...
I've totally grown addicted to my Xbox 360. It's shameful,l really. While working, I used it to play games with and talk to my son in Texas and my brothers who live in other cities in my free time. Now I have too much free time and get worried if my ranking on Frontlines: Fuel of War falls below 500. I need help.
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