10 Questions with ... Brian Pierce

NAME:Brian Pierce LAST WITH:WNNS (Lite Rock 99)/Springfield, IL PHONE:217-414-8870 EMAIL:pierceshow@yahoo.com WEB:www.pierceshow.com

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

'81-'82: KLLS/San Antonio
'83-'86: B97/New Orleans
'87: WZOU/Boston
'88-'91: KLUV/Dallas
'91-'07: WNNS/Springfield

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

I fall back on the fact that in all these years, I've yet to burn a bridge. I embrace what I call the "Brotherhood of Radio Guys" - that we all have the same gene in our brains that makes us do this.

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

Absolutely. Don't let anyone tell you local radio is dead. The future of radio depends on all of us being more dedicated than ever. Bond with your audience, and allow them to bond with you. Quit phoning in the show. Don't blame the format for your inabilities. Do a real time, unfolding show that is an event. Do a different show each day. Sounds simple, until you realize many radio "shows" today could be recorded and played back any day. If all you have to interject is, "Those were the Beatles, and the weather is coming up," you're not bringing anything to the table. Have enough prep to do 4 shows, then be ready to throw it all out for something more immediate or top of mind.

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

Call on the friends you've made along the way. You've made lots of friends haven't you? Don't throw darts at individual stations when you can strategically place your package on the desks of decision makers who oversee many stations.

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

Networking and relationships. I believe the job I'll take won't be posted anywhere.

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

A top 50 morning gig at a station that wants a pro and will pay for it. The talent pool isn't what it once was. There aren't as many guys like me on the beach as there once was. My peers are locked into situations like I was - for 16 years.

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

"Do you have any pot?" I didn't - and thought it might be a trick question. This really happened. I still don't have any pot.

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

I hope some of the big call letters on my resume don't go un-noticed. I retreated to a smaller market for the quality of life - and delivered big time radio. I know I'm not the only guy to do this. I'm more than a voice talent. I'm a broadcaster with an understanding of all aspects of the business.

8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

I hit a "zenith" in Boston at Z94. This is when I began to re-evaluate what I wanted from this business. I stopped stroking my own ego, and decided that I wanted a better life. My accomplishment was directing my career instead of my career directing me.

9) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?

Work hard every day. Know that in the end, you worked as hard at your craft as you could. Today's broadcasters must multi-task. Embrace it. I enjoyed the "4 and the door" days, but acknowledge that they're over.

10) Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?

At the next gig I take. I'll be as selective as the company that selects me. Climbing the ladder is OK if you're 20. I just wanna step back on the ladder. I'm a solo act or a refined morning team with my wife Kellie Michaels.