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10 Questions with ... James McDaniels
January 9, 2007
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NAME:James McDanielsLAST WITH:Hot 99.5/WashingtonPHONE:(954) 649-7218EMAIL:vocebox4@gmail.com
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
Let's see.... I started as an intern with the Clear Channel South Florida cluster nearly nine years ago at WIOD (NewsRadio 610). This led to a board-op position, and within six months I was a pro Weekend Reporter. Then I moved over to Mega 103.5 as Promotions Coordinator/Weekend On-Air. After about three years, Mega flipped to 103.5 The Beat. I stayed on as Promotions Coordinator for The Beat's first year and proudly was awarded Employee of the Year for the Clear Channel South Florida Cluster. During my time as Promotions Coordinator at The Beat, I also contributed to the World Famous Baka Boyz morning show as a sports reporter. This led me to the position as Commercial Producer/Production for the South Florida Cluster (WMIB, WHYI, WIOD, WLVE, WBBG, WMGE & WINZ). Nearly three years later (2006), I accepted the Production Director position at WIHT (Hot 99.5)/Washington-Baltimore.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I enjoy reading and absorbing positive affirmations, like this one by Somerset Maugham: "It is a funny thing about life' if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it."
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I enjoy working out, so my fitness will be strong, as well as my soul. The cool thing about having more time on my hands is I get to see more movies. I love movies.
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.
That's just it -- it's a business, no more, no less. I enjoy myself whether I'm working or not. Radio is a beautiful thing, but not the only thing. I work at having balance in my life, and being out of work helps me to fine-tune that balance.
4) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?
Yes. I found my true professional love, which resides in the bosom of this industry as a creative force in production.
5) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
If location, location, location is the foundation for growing a successful business, then contacts, contacts, contacts is the most important way to get your foot in the door. The more people you know in the business, especially those in connected positions, the better off you are.
6) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
See my answer to question 5. Contacts, peers in the business, who are constantly informed with the use of websites like All Access.
7) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.)
So far, not good. I've received one automatic reply, thanking me for applying. I know it's impossible to get a return call or email when there are many applicants.
8) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
By my work, I thrive on doing the best work, plus it doesn't hurt to have as many top-quality references out there spreading the word.
9) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
No. I find it better to work on my writing, so I read, thus helping me better to produce the ideas in my head.
10) 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?
Yes, although my apartment isn't as clean. I wonder what that says about me.
Bonus Questions
1) My favorite new diversion is....
I'm not much of a gamer, but I recent purchased an XBOX 360, and I may have a second career as a gamer, with practice!
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