10 Questions with ... Bob Rudy

NAME:Bob Rudy LAST WITH:WSOX/York, PA (Morning Drive & Public Service Director) PHONE:(717) 932-5576 EMAIL:vangoghsdog@epix.net WEB:www.bobrudy.com

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

First job on the air was Christmas Day 1980 at WISL-A/Shamokin, PA. At WTPA (FM 104)/Harrisburg, I was on the control board when they flipped from AOR to Top 40 as WNNK (Wink 104) on January 14, 1985. I then got my first fulltime radio gig at the new WTPA 93.5 in March 1985. Then it was on to WQIN/Lykens, PA and WOBG/York, PA.

From 1989 to 1994 I was the 7p-midnight jock at WWKL (Kool 94.9)/Harrisburg. I worked outside of radio for a few years but missed the business. I returned to radio in July 1998 to do morning drive and be Public Service Director at WSOX (Oldies 96.1)/York, PA, which is where I remained until January 2007. I've done AOR, Top 40/Rhythmic, Classic Hits, Oldies, AC, Hot AC, Country and Classical.

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

I've thrown all my effort into continuing my love for public service and community events by posting everything I host/emcee on www.bobrudy.com. I'm very proud to say my name in the community has become synonymous with public service. I still volunteer my time to host a television show from the local SPCA. My mantra has become "Everything happens for a reason!"

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

I go to schools and read to children and host events like the "Heart & Soul Festival" for the American Red Cross (pics here: www.cumberlandcountyarc.org/HeartandSoulFestival.html). I make my bed every day (first secret to getting organized) and try to increase my circle of contacts. There's something very therapeutic about walking my dogs. Now, if I could only learn to clean up my house!

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.

Getting fired was the best possible thing that could have happened to me. I was beginning to get discouraged by my lack of advancement within the company (three owners, same station) in the last 8 1/2 years (Brill Media, Susquehanna, and Cumulus). I have a Master's Degree and couldn't move beyond morning drive jock! Now, thanks to local media attention and All Access, my attributes, education and experience are being recognized around the world! Looking at the market now, I see strengths, weaknesses and opportunities that I didn't notice before.

4) Do you plan on sticking with the radio industry?

Absolutely! I thought about jumping fulltime into the non-profit or public-service sector, but I would miss radio too much. It's all about the people, the music, and the fun! I can get so much more accomplished for the public-service interests I support when I approach it from a radio personality standpoint rather than an Executive Director. Seriously, who would more people come out to an event to see, Dick Clark or Dick Cheney?

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

It sure seemed like a very long time between the birth of my daughter Alyson on August 3, 1988 coupled with the loss of my job on August 12, 1988 and my next radio gig over a year later. However, I did get pretty good at changing diapers!

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

Persistence! That's what got me the position at WTPA in the early '80s. I interviewed with "The Jammer" Jeff Kauffman, who told me he didn't have anything right away, but to keep in touch. I called him every day for the next few weeks. When he finally hired me, he said it was so I would quit calling! Sadly, Jeff passed away on March 2. Jeff was a legend in Rock radio in Central Pennsylvania!

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

Without question, All Access. This is "the" radio resource! There are other services out there, but I haven't found any with the depth and variety of positions available that can be found on any given day within the pages of All Access. And best of all, it's FREE! In addition, I've found that getting a break comes down to networking. The more people who know who you are, the easier it is to navigate past the first 200 tapes and resumes that arrive.

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

I wish I could say "showed up for an interview in a chicken suit," but being unemployed, I couldn't afford the chicken suit! But hey, if it works, I've got a rubber chicken!

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

Morning or afternoon drive with management potential at a radio station where those in the big office appreciate the difference time and commitment to the community can make to the financial growth of the station itself. I want to find a position where my time spent on the street is just as important to the company as time spent in the building itself. On-air shift + great production + community involvement = ratings and revenue success!

10) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?

By concentrating on my strongest asset, community service and involvement. When you show your commitment to the community, and do it from your heart, those affected by your volunteer spirit will remember you and appreciate you for the person you really are. As a result, they will support your position in the broadcast industry by listening and buying advertising on your station. However, the public can very quickly see through those who are not truly sincere in their efforts to make a difference in the community. There are far too many people who can speak into a microphone and act silly on the radio, but lack the sincerity to "touch the lives" of those listening.

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

"Everything Happens For A Reason (Finding The True Meaning Of The Events In Our Lives)" by Mira Kirshenbaum, ISBN: 1-4000-8321-4 (published in 2004). I read this book after going through a divorce, and it helped put everything in my life in perspective. When I interviewed for a position last spring as OM for two brand-new radio stations in Wyoming, I shared this book with the man who was interviewing me. He went out and purchased the book and read it. I just spoke to him last week, and he informed me that the book had such a profound impact on him, that he has since reread parts of the book.

Care to contribute a low-cost recipe to our "ON THE BEACH" cookbook?

On the Beach Bar-B-Que

1 or 2 lbs of Hamburger
Cider Vinegar (about 1/2 to 1 cup)
Brown Sugar (about 1/2 to 1 cup)
Honey Mustard (little bit)
1 Sweet Onion chopped up
Heinz Sloppy Joe Sauce (can or two)
(or you can just use Catsup)

Brown the hamburger with the chopped onion.
Pour off the fat/grease.
Add the Sloppy Joe Sauce (or Catsup)
Add Cider Vinegar
Add Brown Sugar
Add Honey Mustard
Stir and cook for a little while
Then add some Instant Oatmeal to soak up the excess juices so it's not too messy
Heat another few minutes
Serve on bun with slice of American or Cheddar Cheese

Note: Mix ingredients to taste.
Leftover can be used to make tacos.