10 Questions with ... Steve Bryant

NAME:Steve Bryant LAST WITH:WCOJ/West Chester PHONE:(615) 584-9013 EMAIL:bryant2607@comcast.net

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

I was an on-air host with QVC from 1986 to 2001. During that time, I was also morning drive on WXCT in Connecticut from 1988-1989. After retiring from QVC, I hosted several infomercials, including two for Ron Popeil, which are still running today and are two of the most successful infomercials in history.

In 2004, I accepted the PD and afternoon slot on WCOJ, a News/Talker in West Chester, PA. I used my ability as a song parodist to create edgy-but-safe parodies and comedy bits to help entertain my audience. After eight months, I accepted a position as VP/ On-Air Sales for Shop At Home Network. When Scripps Howard sold them two years later, I opted not to stay with the new owners who were selling swords 20 at a time. (Is there a dragon epidemic I don't know anything about?)

This year, my fourth book, Selling the Way America Buys, was published. I have been touring and conducting sales seminars to promote it. I have also been doing song parodies and comedy bits for the Internet radio show about radio, The Radio Racket while looking for a fulltime position back in radio.

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

Writing and producing bits for my friends at The Radio Racket helps to keep my skills sharp. For a sample, check out http://stevebryant.tv/Radio_Demo.html. Also, promoting my new book is very time consuming.

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

Along with the parodies, bits and promoting my new book, I spend a lot of time practicing sleight-of-hand. It has always proven to be a crowd pleaser at remotes. I'm also writing a new book, my first work of fiction, titled Small Market, about a retired Philadelphia policeman who owns a suburban radio station. To keep his station on the air, he reluctantly accepts jobs as a private investigator. It's an interesting blend of the problems of small-market radio and a detective story.

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.

Spending some time outside radio has made me realize how much I love the medium. I've come to appreciate the challenges inherent in the industry and have come up with what I believe are some creative solutions to some very serious problems, i.e, increasing revenue while maintaining a maximum amount of live and local programming.

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

I want to return to radio and stay there until I'm too old to crack a mic.

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

At almost one year, this is it.

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

Pay no attention to the "absolutely no calls" admonishment on almost every ad. Just kidding, please don't try that at home. Networking is the best. I am in contact with everyone I know in radio and have asked all of them for their assistance in finding a new job.

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

Not kissing up here, but because it is updated several times each day, All Access has the most current openings of any of the online services I use. I also check out Radio-Info and Phillytalk.com message boards.

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

When I auditioned for QVC, I walked in ready to "vanish" any article they handed me to sell. I did this several times in the audition saying something like, "Sorry, that product just sold out." My skill as a magician served me well as I got the job.

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

I'd love to host or co-host a morning or afternoon drive show, using my talents as a song parodist and bit writer and producer. News/Talk would be excellent, but I have an encyclopedic knowledge of most music and could fit into a music format quite well.

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

I send an autographed copy of my new book in my package. In my cover letter, I explain that it's included to show a level of literacy and writing talent that many broadcasters don't have. I also stress my extensive sales background, stating in my cover letters that I can write compelling copy and then produce effective spots. I also include that, as a former "salesperson," I have an understanding of salespeople that is not shared by too many on-air professionals.

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

My new book, Selling the Way America Buys, has quite a few motivational stories in it. One in particular, about one of my personal heroes, Desi Arnaz, will inspire anyone who's pursuing his or her dream. In fact, if anyone would like a copy of the story, I'll gladly email it to them. Re-reading it has helped me on some very "bad" days.