10 Questions with ... Michael Stuart

NAME:Michael Stuart LAST WITH:WVFJ/Atlanta PHONE:(678) 386-6941 EMAIL:Michael@audiomsp.com WEB:www.audiomsp.com

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

2005-present: Owner / Michael Stuart Productions, GA, providing voice work and full-audio production for TV, radio and Internet; emcee and hosting live events.
2000-present: Producer of "Sonrise" - a nationally syndicated weekly Christian radio program currently airing on almost 100 stations nationwide.
2005-2008: Creative Services Director/ on-air, WVFJ - Provident Broadcasting, Atlanta.
2000-2005: APD/Creative Services Director/on-air, WMEZ - Pamal, Pensacola, FL.
1997-1998: PD/on-air, KKMG-Citadel Communications, Colorado Springs, CO.
1995-1997: PD/on-air, WMXZ-Bay Cities Communications, Destin, FL.
1991-1995: MD/on-air, WABB-Dittman Ent., Mobile, AL.
1994-1995: Television host, WPMI-TV 15, Mobile, AL.
1984-1988: On-air, WABB - Dittman Ent., Mobile, AL.

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

My cat, Gibb, keeps me motivated by attacking my feet on occasion, as well as tearing to shreds any paper towel or toilet paper product.

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

I have been working full-time with my production company, Michael Stuart Productions. Oh, and lots of movies (thank you, Blockbuster.com!).

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.

There are definite views of both since being out of "it" for a bit. After 24 years in the biz, I can look back and see the stations and people who truly love it and want to see their stations succeed. On the other hand, my biggest pet peeve are program directors who don't have a clue and make a living off of delegating their responsibilities to others while never taking steps to improve things for the individuals OR the radio station. You'll see that those stations are the ones that stay flat in ratings and revenue.

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

I actually went three years from being at WABB in Mobile in 1988. I spent some time in New Hampshire and then went back to WABB in 1991. WABB ...home of the fabulous re-hires! Just ask Leslie Fram, Dusty Hayes, Paul Fuller, Gary Mitchell, Will Pendarvis, Geronimo ... I've been blessed to work with them and more!

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

I bet you thought I would say allaccess.com, didn't you" Well, the truth is... Allaccess.com. C'mon, Allaccess.com is up to date every day!

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

I'd break it down into percentages -- about 80% never reply at all. It's like you never existed ... 15% reply with a form letter or e-mail. Those are funny when they talk about things that have nothing to do with the job for which you applied ... The remaining 5% are great -- open and honest.

7) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?

Hmmm ...oh, I know: "Is this a joke?"

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

Not really. I spend more time now with long-lost CDs. However, when I do tune in, I find that my brain goes right into action with things like "I would have done this" or "that was smooth" or "who in the world let that client voice their own commercial?"

9) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?

For sure! I lead a singles group at my church. Also, I have more time now to check my e-mail to see that ... still nobody is inviting me over.

10) What do you miss most about radio? The least?

I miss being able to entertain on air the most, and doing live broadcasts would be next. Meeting people is great. Missing the least? Phony radio people who don't really have a clue and decisions based on money and not heart.

Uh, oh ... now you're on your own for getting new music. If applicable, name your three most recent purchases since leaving the biz.

The Partridge Family, "Up To Date"
Electric Light Orchestra, "A New World Record"
The Babys, "The Best of the Babys"