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10 Questions with ... Nan Yates
November 14, 2006
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NAME:Nan YatesLAST WITH:KOA/DenverPHONE:(913) 915-8970 / f:(913) 499-7246EMAIL:nyates1@kc.rr.com
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
Television & Theatrical Production in Kansas City; Entercom Radio in Kansas City and KMBZ News; KOA/Denver; brief stint in Miami radio news.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I think a positive mental attitude is a choice. One can either look at the glass half-empty or half-full. Being in financial dire straits can keep anyone motivated.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I tend to be "workaholic," so I keep busy on a home-based business and remodeling my 75-year-old house. I have a small online business; helps me stay sharp and utilize my writing skills.
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.
Radio has changed over the years so much. And now, at times, it's easy to look on it with disdain. But that hasn't diminished my love for it. Anyone who has ever opened a mic knows how it feels. That never goes away. Keeping my perspective is merely a matter of remembering something I was told the first time I went on the air: "It's not brain surgery."
4) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?
Only if I can find the "right" job, the right "fit," for me.
5) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
This is it.
6) What is your best way to get your foot in the door?
One might think a great resume, a great tape, etc., are best. But the years have proven to me that the best way is through someone you know. Ask me again in six weeks, and maybe I'll tell you that responding to the "On the Beach" section of AllAccess is even better!
7) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
The next job I'd like to have would be the one that pays extremely well.
Aside from that, I would love to work for a ND who values great employees, where I wouldn't have to move to Timbuktu, and most importantly one in a major market, since I thrive in a flurry of activity. (Dysfunctional people are always crisis-oriented.)
8) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.)
I'm not going to say the PC thing here, but I have found the "courtesy level" at places I've applied almost non-existent. Perhaps that's indicative of the market or station's size to which I've applied, I don't know. However, to me, courtesy and professionalism go hand in hand. In the last job I had, the Assistant News Director returned emails and inquiries almost instantly, which impressed the hell out of me. I complimented him on it, and his response was, "Exactly how long does it take to respond to an email?" It's something to think about.
9) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
I listen to radio more now since I have more time on my hands. Also, since most stations are streaming now, I have the opportunity to listen online to stations all over the country. When I read about an opening, I'll listen online to better gauge my chances of being hired.
10) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
I started in radio with a single goal -- to write news. However, years ago when I began my career, the only opening at my local station was for a PT receptionist. I took the job, hoping I might be able to convince those in power to give me a shot in the news department. With persistence and a few people who had faith in me, I was given the chance. That was tough, but I did it. Everything since then has been cake.
Bonus Questions
1) Oprah or Dr. Phil?
CNN.
2) Care to contribute a low-cost recipe to our "ON THE BEACH" cookbook?
Nan Yates' Southern Comfort Cake
1 (18 1/2 ounce) box Duncan Hines(r) Yellow Cake Mix
1 small box instant vanilla pudding
4 eggs
1/2 cup cold water
1/2 cup oil
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup Southern Comfort(r)Combine all ingredients; pour into greased and floured 10-inch tube or 12-cup Bundt pan. Bake at 325 degrees F for 1 hour.
Set on rack to cool. Invert on serving plate. Prick top. Immediately drizzle and brush half of glaze evenly over top and sides. Reserve half of glaze. After cake has cooled, reheat glaze and brush it evenly over cake.
Glaze
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/8 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup Southern Comfort(r)Melt butter in saucepan. Stir in water and sugar. Boil 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in Southern Comfort(r).
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