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10 Questions with ... Scott McVay
May 23, 2006
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NAME:Scott McVayLAST WITH:KTRR/Fort Collins, COPHONE:970-402-2041EMAIL:bigscott33@yahoo.com
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
On-Air and Promotions: KTRR (AC), KUAD (Country), KKQZ (Classic Rock)/Fort Collins, CO; KSXT (News Talk)/Loveland, CO; KFKA (News Talk)/Greeley, CO; KCSU (Alternative)/Fort Collins, CO; Premiere Traffic Networks-Denver; KKFN (Sports)/Denver, WMXA (Hot AC), WKKR (Country)/Opelika, AL; WTGZ (Rock), WAUD (Sports), WQNR (Classic Rock)/Auburn-Montgomery, AL; WEGL/Auburn, AL.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
With many inexplicable circumstances in broadcasting today, I have to reinforce my position daily: I'm young, unattached, diversified in the business, willing to relocate on my own, and versatile enough to survive without a full-time job.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I went back to college and finished my bachelor's degree from Colorado State University. I also play ice hockey 2-3 times a week. And people should know, MySpace.com is not just for kids on the Internet anymore … I've found long-lost friends and even industry contacts!
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.
The majority of those I know in radio tripped and Oops! fell into it. The best station consultant has always been the listener, the Hurban format is radio GOLD, leave well enough alone (R.I.P. KDJM-Denver), and where is the friendly talent anymore at remotes?
4) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?
This is what I love and I love what I do- regardless of my current situation. I also work as a PA/arena announcer, event planner, and mobile disc jockey.
5) So far what has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
AllAccess.com, state broadcasting association websites, and insider tips.
6) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
After finding out my new boss and I were just fired on my first day, I drove to the competing radio cluster and interrupted the OM/PD on his smoke break (no really…)
7) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
On-air music director or promotions director with a heavy street presence and multi-station opportunities.
8) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?
(from a previous PD of mine) So, do you have any references?
9) What do you miss most about radio? The least?
I miss meeting people at remotes, developing promotions that go to the least likely listener, and being a part of a station's community every day. Besides all this sand in my shorts, I don't miss strict content in formats, being overly available and under worked, and skipped over for promotions by a PD's buddy off the street.
10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
DON'T … not really. Start early, diversify your talents, and develop a good rolodex. Learn to do it all, from promotions to sales. I came from small market Alabama to Colorado, and I had to learn the hard way that consolidation forces us all to "wear many hats." It's disappointing that experiences like college radio today are de-legitimized by most programmers. Take heart if you're not getting work; there are a lot of talented people out there and even more in the unemployment line.
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.
Missy Elliott's "The Cookbook," Pirates of the Caribbean Soundtrack, Lilith Fair '98.
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