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10 Questions with ... Anthony A. Ballenger
July 25, 2006
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NAME:Anthony A. BallengerLAST WITH:KWWW-FM KW3PHONE:206-371-9588
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
I began my career in radio by accident. While giving a speech for an adoption event, a woman I didn't even know said that I had a great voice and that I should check into radio. So I went to a studio one day and recorded a couple of things, sent them off and BAM, a radio station actually called me. I worked for Fisher Radio Regional Group in Eastern Washington doing nights on a Top 40. Then I got a scholarship and left the job for college. That's why I'm here now!
1) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
Right now 'm doing some volunteer work for a local college in their broadcasting class, and helping out a friend by managing one of his restaurants.
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.
Honestly, I think it's just a little difficult to not be somewhat discouraged, but also really enlightened because you finally realize what it took to get where you are... it just makes you think ... it was hard getting there, who says it's gonna be easy getting back?
3) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?
Hell yes. Music and radio are my life. I wouldn't choose another job if I had to.
4) So far, what has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
AllAccess.com has by FAR been the best resource for finding out about job openings, other then the crappy Association of Broadcasters websites, which tend not to be updated very frequently.
5) What is the next job you would like to obtain?
I would love to be in a top 100 market, on a Top 40 radio station, and/or part of a winning morning show.
6) How are you finding the courtesy level at places you've applied? (call backs, emails, rejection letters, etc)
The courtesy level? AWESOME... that is if I wanted the jobs in the po'dunk towns, where there's a population of 200, for a mere 3 dollars a year. Other than that, the courtesy level is nil. You'll receive a few emails here and there just stating that they have received the package. That's about all the courtesy I get these days.
7) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever though, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
I've noticed that radio doesn't pay that well. Of course, that's not why I was in radio. Pay to me is just a number. I would much rather have fun at my job and entertain people. But of course enough money to survive on always helps.
8) Are you spending as much time listening to the radio as you used to?
Hell yeah, you should see me in the car... switch... switch... switch... it's a way for me to maybe pick up some new habits, or some new imaging ideas. You learn something new everyday.
9) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?
Yes and no! Yes, I honestly regret quitting, but no, because it was for a good cause... going to school.
10) Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
In 5 years, I see myself in a top 25 market, with a pimp-following audience, and hot chicks everywhere ... hey, you wanted honesty! In 10 years, I would like to be back in my hometown of SEATTLE working either from home doing imaging, or at a radio station here.
Bonus Questions
Have you seen any great movies recently?
I saw Click, the one with Adam Sandler, and it was pretty damn funny. At least I thought so. I am very easy to entertain, and throughout the movie I couldn't help but wonder if everyone was laughing at me or the movie. I'll just keep wondering.
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, strawberries & chocolate in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming WOO-HOO! - what a ride!
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