10 Questions with ... Steve Attaway

NAME:Steve Attaway LAST WITH:KJIL PHONE:530-990-6457 EMAIL:attawaysteve@gmail.com

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

I started in broadcasting in Public Access TV. "TeckStuff, Your Show About Technology" was broadcast in 30 markets from Anchorage, Alaska, to Long Island, New York. My first "break" in radio was 2 weekly shows on The W0kie Satellite Radio Network. My first radio station was KIFW/KSBZ. I built the brand new Classic Rock station "The Rock" (KSBZ), mornings on sister KIFW, and play-by-play as Sports Director. Next I did mornings on KMMT, VT'd nights on sister KRHV, plus handled production and engineering. Again I built the new Classic Rock station "Sierra's Best Classic Rock" (KRHV). At KJIL, I did evenings (7 to midnight), and was assistant engineer. I built two new translators and KJOV's 25,000-watter.

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

I know I will find the right gig ... if I am just patient. I have met some great people in the business. I know I will one day work with some great people again. I volunteer for a nonprofit satellite/Internet radio station. Even though it's a non-paying gig, it is great to still have a creative outlet.

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

I am working as an engineer in cable television (yes, Steve the Cable Guy). It will do until I get a real job. I also check out AllAccess daily to stay up-to-date with what is happening in the business.

3) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?

I would like to get a good job with a radio station (or group) and stay there long term. I want to be one of those guys who worked for a station for 25 years. I miss being on-air every day, and interacting with listeners.

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

By far, AllAccess.com. I even turned managers onto the website when they were looking to replace me after I gave notice. I am a team player, even until the end of my employment.

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

Taking a job in resort areas like Southeast Alaska and Mammoth Lakes. It might be a beautiful place to visit, but expensive as hell to live in.

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

An on-air job in the Sacramento or NYC market, but I would entertain all offers. I have been offered several jobs in smaller markets, but they just weren't the right fit. Everyone just wants me to do engineering work. I don't mind spending some of the time doing techie stuff, but why leave the beach if I am not on-air?

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

I was once asked to make funny voices. He actually expected me to do different characters on request. Needless to say, I didn't get the job.

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

I think you have to be a jack-of-all-trades. With my engineering/technical background, I can build an entire station, maintain it and still do a shift, production, and promotions.

9) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Making a difference for listeners! Running promotions that gave me a chance to give back to the community, and doing it with fun stunts makes being in the business all worthwhile. We did this with food drives, toy drives, giveaways, etc. I can actually say I have built two stations, several transmitters and more. For now, that will be my legacy.

10) What have you learned about yourself, others or life in general in your downtime?

I have learned that once you are out of full-time work in the business, it is hard to get back inside.

Uh. oh ... now you're on your own for getting new music. If applicable, name your three most recent purchases since leaving the biz:

Nelly Furtado, Norah Jones, Evanescence.