10 Questions with ... Ron Roberts

NAME:Ron Roberts LAST WITH:KQID/Cenla Broadcasting, Alexandria, LA PHONE:318-794-5576 EMAIL:roninmobile@yahoo.com

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

KQID/Alexandria, LA: PD/Morning host; March 2002-February 2007
WABB/Mobile, AL: Morning host, Promotions Director; August 2000 - October 2001
WZNY/Augusta, GA: Morning host, Promotions Director, February 1995-April 2000
WFBC/Greenville, SC: Weekends, swing; August 1994-February 1995
WGMG/Athens, GA: Afternoons, February 1993-May 1994

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

I'm constantly in touch with people who have their fingers on the pulse of the industry. I rely on people who "know" radio and "know" what situation I belong in. Having that insight and support emboldens me.

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

First thing I did was file my taxes... smart thing, considering the hefty refund I have coming my way. I've made time with the friends I have here, knowing that eventually I'll be leaving the area. Other than that, my talking with folks looking to hire and folks assisting me in my search for the next career stop has BEEN a full-time job.

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.

Having been a PD the last five years now, I know how easy it is to overlook applicants when you get FLOODED with them. I remain positive. I look for ways to stand out and get the little bit of attention I think I'll need to make my case. That being said, I always thought it was kind of lame to send gifts or gag packages to potential employers; I know the stuff I got just cluttered my office - 'til I eventually tossed whatever it was.

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

No doubt; it's my passion, and it's enabled me to do things for the communities I've lived in that I feel are valuable. My blood, sweat and yes, tears for the Children's Miracle Network, saving adoptable pets' lives through promoting adoption and veterinary health, coaching youth baseball... these are all things that anybody can do, but radio people can bring much-needed attention to.

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

I'm ready to throw myself into another station needing the TLC I gave my last station; whether this station needs an involved PD or the PD there needs an APD with some fresh perspective, and/or a morning show host who doesn't buy into the canned humor but does believe in living his life on the air and "having" a life off the air to MAKE something compelling for the show... I think I have plenty to offer.

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

I'm sure others have said it before, but I'm versatile with my skills. I've hosted CHR morning radio for nearly 12 years now, in three different markets, with many, many different co-hosts, so I can adapt well there. At KQID, I was the PD, MD, Imaging Director, webmaster, promotions director, events coordinator and chief parking attendant.

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

Yes. I was delighted to hear how far along KNOE in Monroe has come. I think Bobby Richards and the staff have done a terrific job bringing that monster signal to life.

8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

I just PD'd a CHR/Pop station to #1 12+... there aren't many CHRs that ever get that spot anymore.

9) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your down time?

You certainly learn who your real friends are and you also discover who was just giving you face time at the job.

10) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?

If the job takes me back closer to my family, the answer's yes. Potential employers reading this... ignore that statement!!

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

Ron Roberts' Quick, Easy & Healthy Grilled Chicken Meal.

WHAT YOU NEED: One George Foreman Grill & one vegetable and rice steamer. One bag of frozen boneless chicken breasts, angel hair pasta and a 12-16 oz. bag of frozen vegetables.

TO COOK: Set your grill at 300'F. Place the frozen chicken breasts on the grill for three minutes, then turn. Season exposed side with Tony Chachere's Creole Cajun seasoning (I use salt-free), paprika, pepper, Season-All and flip after three minutes to season other side. Close grill and cook for additional 10-12 minutes or until done.

Place frozen vegetables in steamer with cup of water and allow to steam for 15 minutes or so.

Boil pasta until done.

When chicken's done, place on plate with pasta and vegetables, and melt some low-cal/fat margarine or butter and drizzle the entire plate.