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10 Questions with ... Todd Allen
November 6, 2007
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NAME:Todd AllenLAST WITH:PD/mornings at KYSN Country in Wenatchee, WAPHONE:509.663.5654
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
1984 - 86 Z100/Portland, OR
1986 - 88 Q105/Portland, OR
1989 - 91 KUBE/Seattle, WA
1994 - 96 KLYK/Longview, WA
1996 - 98 KUPL/Portland, OR
1999 - 2000 KRKT/Portland-Albany, OR
2002 - 03 KSJJ/Bend, OR
2004 - 06 KYSN/Wenatchee, WA
2006 Wolf/Seattle, WA1) 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've had both directions, but only because of a few individuals in the biz who have really backstabbed me. I just know that God, Karma or whatever a person may believe in, will find one's redemption in time. Of course, that's the biggest frustration, but to counter it, are the wonderful individuals I've come to know who are "real" radio people, who care about "the craft" as a whole, and look for those experienced with the "heart and drive" like I and a few others have.
It's too bad that what one person will say -- or make up -- can affect a hiring process. At times, this could take years to correct or justify, as most tend to believe rumors.
It hasn't discouraged me, though, especially since I'm able to look at every set of positive ratings from the start of my career. In a way, your past ratings are almost like getting a "letter" from every "team" you've played on.
The listeners you run into also are a positive factor, especially when it's a listener who has followed you through various stations. Let's not forget past employers and employees who remind you to stick with it and don't give up.
2) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
I left the business for about three years some time ago to focus on PR work, while also enjoying some international travel as well. The longest official "on the beach" stint was a-year-and-a-half. I'm coming up on 11 months now, but only because I was able to spend some time enjoying being with my wife.
3) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
No cheesy plug here, but honestly, ALL ACCESS has been my most reliable source due to the mass amount of information tossed together. Years ago, I used to bounce between a few different sites, but started noticing the amount of content that All Access put on the site. In the last five years, I've used AA as my primary source due to the prompt timing of all the information and articles.
Of course, networking is a key as well, but it's a bit of surprise on how many of the "networking" folks really step up to the plate to help.
4) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I'm glad I took the step to PD instead of just being an air talent, so I'll probably continue in that direction. In the past years, I've also begun to feel that I don't have to be on the air, but if need to, then I'll do it. My ultimate goal is to handle OM duties that include a great variety of stations, with at least one of them being Country, AC or Top 40. It would be even better to put together a morning show with my pick for a co-host, not anybody who someone thinks I should be set up with.
5) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.)
I'm still amazed at the lack of "courtesy" in many of the places I've applied. There are very few owners, GMs, OMs and PDs who actually confirm they have received your stuff. Pete Benedetti of New Northwest Broadcasting gets a big tip of the hat. In fact, as a whole, the consultants are actually better at some form of response than most individuals. That is why I definitely want to toss out a "special" thanks to Tim Moore of the Audience Development Group and Joel Raab of Joel Raab and Associates, who are extremely busy consultants, but realize the gift of "response" does mean a great difference.
6) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
Not as much if I'm in the same market, because it usually will drive me nuts as to "why" I wasn't picked up after continuous "kick-butt" numbers. However, a big YES when traveling. It drives my wife nuts, as I am always "monitoring" in ANY market. Having worked and studied TV as well, I also critique that avenue, too.
7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
If talking about a particular event, it would be bringing Charlie Daniels to central Oregon for a Dec 7th concert. The local venue thought only about 1,000 would show as advance ticket sales were 460, but being giving the opportunity to put something together in only six weeks, like finding a sponsor, creating a combination trade show with family activities, an evening concert, plus a post-show barn dance, which even Charlie had to go and check it all out ... that was one of many things that I can consider to be a career accomplishment.
On an overall career accomplishment, I have always enjoyed what consultants bring to a radio station, especially those who are connected to reliable research, promotional opportunities and still allow the PD to paint with a music palette. But it's EVEN better when you have no promotional dollars, great tickets, music or anything to toss out, plus you have no consultant and you STILL end up beating your competition that uses a major one ... that's GREAT!
8) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
That I have been a bit too passive with a few individuals, especially since I've learned from others in the field that a few of my past experiences could have easily been lawsuits. It's sad to see that some people treat others with such disrespect, and others also take advantage of their employer. I'm lucky enough to have my family, close friends and a few great employers who still believe in treating others the way they want to be treated ... with respect.
In the last four years, I've also learned life is too short, as I used to spend 24-7 at the station. Therefore, I started taking time to do the "other" things that each might be our favorite. For example, playing a lot of indoor and outdoor soccer helps me stay in shape. Traveling with the wife to various sites and sounds, and getting involved in community activities as well.
9) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
Exactly what was told to me when I sat in my first day of class under the guidelines of my instructor, Keith Allen. He said, "Look around the room and notice those in here, because odds in this business are, less than 20% of you will still be doing this 10 years from now. But if you have the desire to be in the business, whether it's on-air, programming, traffic or sales, then also remember, you will not become rich, but you will love the job you put yourself in."
He was right; 19 years later there is no one else in my class still working in the business, and the last person I ran into was now in phone sales management. He always wondered if I was the "one" who stuck with it.
It's important that people breaking in do NOT develop an attitude that can bite them in the butt down the road, but also be careful of the way others treat you.
It's key that you be willing to learn, as well as lead by example. Keep an honest work ethic, be positive with the listeners, practice on your own time getting better with your skills you have and develop new ones.
10) Where do you see yourself in five years? 10 years?
In five years, probably a PD or OM of a cluster of stations, but probably still working on the air in some capacity. Within 10 years, definitely an OM or hopefully a VP with a solid growing chain of radio stations who believes in the "craft" we are lucky enough to work in, the "staff" that works as well as a solid sports team and "the goal" to win and enjoy all the rewards with it!
Bonus Questions
Uh, oh ... now you're on your own for getting new music. If applicable, name your three most recent purchases since leaving the biz.
I have believed in this guy's music and presentation since first hearing him on JRFM in Vancouver, BC, four years ago when I met my wife -- Aaron Pritchett. Just bought his last CD and believe that the Country music audience in the U.S. will hear of him eventually. He has the charisma of Brad Paisley, if there was a Canadian version, and the energy of the late great Chris LeDoux. His band is great together, especially Mitch Merritt, his bassist and great songwriter as well.
I also bought the last Big & Rich CD. I used to get flack for listening to them in the early days, but always had hope that the rest of the world would figure them out. They have the energy and "belief" of what country and "music" should be all about, slowly breaking down a few borders, because it's all about "the music!"
I just happened to give away my original "The Ranch" CD from 1996 a week before I was not picked up by the new company from my last station, so I went on a mission to buy that one again.
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