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10 Questions with ... Michael Cunningham
June 20, 2006
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NAME:Michael CunninghamLAST WITH:WWWQ/ AtlantaPHONE:404-512-4343EMAIL:squiggyfm@comcast.net
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
May - December 1979: Swing Talent - 98.6 The Womb
December 1979- May 2000: Radio University (I got held back a few times)
2000-2002: Swing Talent/Promotions/Production/Imaging Assist - WRVW/Nashville
2002-2005: Morning Show Producer, Assistant Production Director, Creative Services Director - WAEV, WLVH, WQBT, WSOK, WTKS-A, WYKZ/Savannah
2005-May 4th: Imaging Director - WWWQ/Atlanta1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
Call me a pessimist, but I always look for the worst to happen. That way, if anything better than the worst actually does happen, I'm prepared. If anything better pops up, it's a pleasant bonus.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
Taking it easy and living off my generous Susquehanna (RIP) severance.
3) Do you plan on sticking with the radio industry?
I fear change, so I don't see myself leaving radio unless I'm being escorted out when I'm in my 80s.
4) What is your best way to get your foot in the door?
Keep annoying the living poop out of PDs. Let them know you still thirst for radio.
5) So far what has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
Allaccess.com and the network of producers that are still left.
6) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
It's weird, I just left what I thought was my dream gig. The perfect station in America's best town. I wouldn't turn down a job in Australia or my motherland of Scotland! Seriously though, I'd love to work for anyone as dedicated as the staff at Q. So if you love your job more than your first pet, let's chat!
7) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
Shameless self-promotion. And I'm young. Mold me into whatever form you see fit!
8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Honestly, it was my last job. Cue "Bad Day" by Daniel Powter.
9) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
Gas is still too expensive and you can't talk them down. And, I can go 3 days without showering before I begin to offend!
10) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?
Hell yes. If I wanted to be rich, I would have stayed out of radio.
Bonus Questions
Oprah or Dr. Phil?
Phil has the reach, but Oprah has the advantage of being in the ring longer than anyone else. If I had to put my money on it, I'd say Oprah over Doc in 3 rounds by KO.
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