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10 Questions with ... Mark Mueller
January 31, 2006
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NAME:Mark MuellerLAST WITH:WWZZ/Washington, DCPHONE:410-363-7726
Please begin by giving us a brief career history...
WWZZ: 1999-2006 weekend/swing shifts.
WBLI/Long Island: 1986-88(intern),1990-1998 DJ/a.m. show producer/sidekick, promotions.
Mediabase: 1997-2005, Hot AC Music Research Specialist.1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
Think positive. I have worked in radio for 20 years now and I know the right job is out there.
2) How are you occupying your time besides looking for a job?
I am actually freelance writing for a new magazine that just launched online called Thique. The web address in www.thiquemag.com I did not get paid for my article, hence free-lance, but I did a knockout piece on President Bush and how he got us into this war that should not have happened in the first place. (Right now half the readers are probably pissed off at me.)
3) Some people get discouraged or enlightened with the business when they actually step out of it for awhile. Tell us your observations from the outside.
I'm not discouraged but surprised. Bonneville's Z104 was the greatest radio station to work at. The people were great and I was given great opportunities. I did my last shift on Tuesday night 1/3, 7-midnight. I was supposed to be on the next night for the same shift and got a call 6 1/2 hours before notifying me of the change and that I'd be out of work. Other than a few emails to my former coworkers I never got to say goodbye.
4) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?
No doubt about it. Besides my on air work I have written 2 articles that were in R&R on 80's music and the Jack format. I have also worked as a consultant for the Jack format in 2003. I sold them a master play list I created and every time I hear some of my songs pop up on a Jack station I think it is very cool. I just love music period!
5) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
Believe it or not, now. This is the first time since 1986 I am out of work. Whenever I join a station they become like a family to me. So I have been out now since January 4th.
6) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I am going one of two routes. I'd love to get a job programming or being musically involved with a Jack or Jack-type station. Just last week I had an hour long conversation with someone at the Simon station in Greensboro. He said I'd make a perfect APD or MD in the format. I am just waiting for that break. My music knowledge on the format is 2nd to none. The other route is of course a full time air shift. I love doing nights and mornings. I have experience with both. I am a show prep hound, on top of everything in entertainment, which makes for a great and topical show.
7) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.)
I have gotten no rejection letters and so far I have gotten a lot of call backs from people in New York City right down to North Carolina. I just haven't been offered a job yet.
8) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
I went from Long Island to DC and my salary almost quadrupled. I don't care about the salary as long as it compares with the cost of living. I know if I wind up getting a job in The Carolinas it will cost me a lot less to live each month than New York or DC.
9) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs, how do you separate yourself from the pack?
I can multi task in a number of areas. I have worked in programming, on air, with music and promotions. I don't care what air shift I do, when I get off the air give me as many stripes as you want. I just love being a part of a great radio station.
10) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
Yes. I still listen to Jack the most and critique it as well. This format has the potential to lure 20-somethings to 50-somethings and be number one in any market, but it has to be done right. Last week the Baltimore Jack (sorry Bruce) played 2 out of three songs in a row from 2004. That is not how a Jack station should be programmed. You need to play your core oldies from each decade but also need to go deep with each decade of music and know what needs to be played and where to play those songs. I stand by that.
Bonus Questions
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
I want to be programming a Jack or Jack-type station. This is my format. I can say without certain there is no one who knows it or loves it better than me.
Great movies I've recently seen...
I just bought 10 new DVD's with gift cards I got for Christmas. "The 40 Year Old Virgin" is hands down the funniest movie I have ever seen. "Crash" was amazing too … should win picture of the year.
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