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10 Questions with ... Steve Bryant
September 2, 2008
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NAME:Steve BryantLAST WITH:Scripps NetworksPHONE:615-584-9013EMAIL:bryant2607@comcast.net
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
I was a full time host on QVC for 15 years while also writing, producing and performing song parodies and comedy bits for radio stations around the country. After QVC, I was PD/afternoon-drive host of a Philadelphia area News/Talk station and then VP of On-Air Talent for Scripps Networks after that. I left Scripps to pursue radio full-time.
Currently, I'm writing and producing song parodies for several different stations. I'm proud to say that many of my political parodies are being played by major cable networks, as well as some prestigious syndicated radio shows around the country. My ability as a humorist, satirist and well-informed moderate Talk host will help a station take a quantum leap into the next generation of Talk radio. I'm looking for a career and a "radio family" ... not just a job.
My marvelous wife and world-class dog are ready to move anywhere for the right opportunity.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I make finding a new radio career my full-time job. Admittedly, after two years "on the beach," it's difficult to stay motivated. But I know my talents as a writer/producer as well as my "talk chops" will get me the career I want. I have never failed to get any position I wanted in my life. This is taking time, but the end result is worth it!
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I continue to write and produce topical song parodies and comedy bits, many of which are being played on some major syndicated radio shows and cable news networks. You can check out my latest work on my Soundclick.com page:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_music.cfm?bandID=697195
I'm also writing, producing and hosting a nightly Internet radio/video broadcast on the NowLive.com service. It's called TalkToTheHand, which is the name of the puppet who hosts the show along with broadcaster Jim Williams (I'm in Nashville; he's in New Jersey). There's no money, but many nights we've had thousands of viewers. The puppet and Jim discuss the events of the day and the puppet lip-syncs my latest parodies along with other puppets I operate. It's a great way to stay fresh and keep my material out there. Jim is live via webcam, as is the puppet, but I am never seen.
The puppet (a very lifelike older man) would be an excellent asset for a station's website, perhaps doing regular video updates. A puppet can get away with saying things that a human can't.
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 eat, breathe and sleep radio. It's my passion and I have worked in it, full or part-time since the 1970s. As I listen today, I realize that a unique style like mine will create a powerful show and tremendous buzz. I'm not an "us versus them" host. I'm an entertainer and "teacher." My listeners and the events of the day the real stars of my show. I'm not the same old/same old Talk host. It's going to take a very hip and forward thinking station to see the value I will add to their programming.
4) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?
Absolutely! After the effort of the past two years, I have proven that I'm going to make some station and/or group very happy.
5) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
This is it. "The longer the growing season, the sweeter the fruit" might sound hokey, but I truly believe it's going to be worth the wait. Of course, at my age dry rot is always a concern.
6) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Networking, networking, networking! I have even called people I met decades ago (and haven't seen since), many of whom have led me in the right direction.
Also, the buzz I've created with my current political parodies has opened quite a few doors. You have to keep "putting yourself out there" in every way that you can.
7) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
Networking, All Access and the other broadcasting websites.
8) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
While I was on QVC, I rode Keiko, the 6,000-pound star of the movie Free Willie. I used the video to open some doors as a morning show producer. Here's the URL for the clip:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Y519uL0ZPxk
9) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Morning or PM drive on a News/Talk station. I would also be very happy as the producer for the show. I want to use my creativity to entertain and inform people.
10) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
Yes, but sadly, I am enjoying it less. More and more Talk hosts and stations are taking themselves way too seriously. It is a serious business, but any type of radio has to be entertaining. Entertain people while you're informing them and you will keep them listening. Bore them with endless rants and anger, and eventually you'll lose even your most loyal listeners. It has to be fun!
Bonus Questions
Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?
Anything from Brian Tracy. He really gets it when it comes to success. Of course, my latest book, Selling the Way America Buys, will give you some great ideas about marketing yourself and put about $1.75 in my pocket at the same time.
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