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10 Questions with ... Roy Fredriks
September 25, 2007
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NAME:Roy FredriksLAST WITH:WNEW-FM & WOR / New YorkPHONE:212-459-4705EMAIL:broadway@si.rr.com
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
WABC, WOR, WNEW, Westwood One...Producer for Bob Grant, Curtis Sliwa, Joy Behar, The Dolans and Joe Scarborough. I did syndicated movie reviews for SJS Radio Network and was a Talk host for WVOX/Westchester, NY and WSAR/Fall River, MA.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I keep up with my friends in the biz, stay informed of news events through all media, and continue to believe that if you want something bad enough, you can make it happen.
2) 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.
I think the business is going through some growing pains right now. It seems absurd that so many people have been fired recently for doing what they were hired to do. Management needs to define what is and what isn't acceptable so as to avoid confusing hosts who are already insecure by nature.
On a self-serving note, I would like to see more locally programmed talk, so that stations again can serve their community. I'd like to see more programmers give opportunities to audition for slots, and not depend solely on demos. Look at the talent that never would have gotten the chance if it wasn't for shows like "American Idol." There is a lot of talent languishing out there.
3) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Talk show host, plain and simple. I have discovered and produced the best in the business. I also have a couple of years under my belt hosting in small markets. I would put my knowledge of the format against anyone, including knowing how to get the phones humming. I have no particular political agenda, and can move seamlessly between hard news and pop culture. Most importantly, I leave my ego at the door and play nicely with the children.
4) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
Frankly, I don't think that will ever change. People are who they are. Some are wonderful ... and get it. Some will never get it. Surprisingly, even people who have experienced what it is like to be "on the beach" still don't get it once they're back on the job. Actually, I would rather hear nothing than get form letters. The personal touch is always better, even if it is a rejection.
5) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
Aside from talent, salaries have not changed that much since I started in the '80s. It is the nature of "glamour-type jobs" to pay people as low as possible, since so many people want to get their foot in the door. For me at this stage of the game, the money is really not as important as the right opportunity.
6) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
I do listen to a fair amount. I'm asked to from time to time from friends in the business. Being out of work and having more time to do errands of various kinds, I tend to listen in the car more often. So yes, I do hear what is out there.
7) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?
I have a real "type-A" family. I guess our real enjoyment comes from working. My wife is working very hard on a new business, my 14-year-old daughter works extremely hard to maintain her high grades (for which I am very proud). There is not much wiggle room for fun.
8) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
That life is just not that fulfilling without being out there working and doing what you love. It is not so much the paycheck, it is the people and the challenge of putting on a great show. Trying and, yes, sometimes failing, to hit that home run. It is often stressful, but often very satisfying.
9) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?
Not looking to parlay my success as a producer into getting on the air. I also had a chance to move into TV in a fairly big way, but chose to stay in radio. Some would call me an idiot for that. I just love the medium, what can I say?
10) Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
Hopefully, alive, with a happy and healthy family. If there is some truth to "The Secret," I also envision myself with a successful talk show in a great town on a great station.
Bonus Questions
Oprah or Dr. Phil?
Since I appeared on three Oprah shows in the late '80s and early '90s, my choice is clear. Besides, she happens to be a really terrific lady.
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