10 Questions with ... Don Hallett

NAME:Don Hallett LAST WITH:KKLZ-KFRH/Las Vegas PHONE:702-540-6007 EMAIL:DWHallett@aol.com

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

Don started his career while pursuing his Bachelor's at Penn State. With stops at WEZX, WKRZ, WWLI, WMVX and 10 years consulting with The Positioning Works, Hallett's format, programming, marketing and research background is extensive. He's also known for his work as Director Of Music Research with Critical Mass Media and a decade at the helm of Saga's AC flagship, WSNY/Columbus.

1) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?

Absolutely! Over the years, when I have been asked what I do, I often respond, "I have a hobby that happens to come with a paycheck." How cool is that?

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

When my position with Clear Channel in Cleveland was eliminated, it was nine months before I began to speak with the Beasleys about the move to Vegas.

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

Networking. I've watched hundreds of career paths in this business. More often than not, people end up connecting with jobs through those they know, or people someone in their network knows. Once I have made initial contact with a potential employer and know that I am under consideration, I spend a considerable amount of time trying to discover those in my network that they may know. I ask these people to send an unsolicited recommendation. I try to space them out over numerous days, so as not to load up the employer's inbox all in one day.

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

95% of the openings I have uncovered were posted on www.allaccess.com.

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

When I first joined WKRZ, I was the midday guy and carried an account list. When the PD informed me he was leaving, I knew I wanted the job. I was concerned that I would be passed over due to the fact that I was a top sales producer. So, I quit one day and applied for my first PD gig the next day. I got it, thank God!

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

I would like to return to Clear Channel in Cleveland as OM or PD for WMVX. I still own a home there. I also would like to be in Washington, DC as PD for WASH and WBIG, or OM for that cluster. I also am hoping a reunion with former Saga employees John Symons and Melissa Forman at Lite in Chicago is an option for me. If you know Mike Kenney, Hartley Adkins, Clay Hunnicutt and the other decision-makers, please drop them a note.

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

I have heard the horror stories about shrinking salaries, etc. I suppose I feel fortunate. Since I left the consulting world and re-entered the corporate ranks again, I feel I have been fairly compensated. But, at the same time, today's programmers' job descriptions have definitely been expanded.

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

Yes, but not in the same way. I rarely listen to a local station and am spending lots of time streaming. On a Monday, I might decide to listen to all of the AAAs in the top 10 in their respective markets. The next day it might be the top Smooth Jazz stations in the country.

9) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

The run at WSNY was remarkable. We had an amazing team that won women 25-54 and/or adults 36 out of 38 books during my tenure. The launch of Classic Hits on KKLZ was a blast. Taking a station from 14th to 4th in key dayparts was thrilling. Then, we realized all dayparts were top 5 among adults and midday was #1.

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

At the helm of WASH and WBIG.

Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?

Any one of Tim Russert's books, or "The Ride Of Our Lives" by Mike Leonard.