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10 Questions with ... Kid Cruise
December 12, 2006
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:Kid CruiseLAST WITH:WERZ/Portsmouth, NHPHONE:(617) 851-7542EMAIL:kidcruise2003@yahoo.com
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
WAAF/Worcester-Boston, The Liz Wild Show, Intern, 1991 to 1992
WTAG/Worcester, MA, The George Brown Show, Producer, 1993 to 1994
WRZE/Cape Cod, MA, Nights, 1997 to 1999
KUUU/Salt Lake City, Mornings/Production Director, 1999 to 2000
WXLO/Worcester, MA, Swing/Overnights, 2000
WJYY/Concord, NH, The Breakfast Jam, Co-Host, 2000 to 2003
WERZ/Portsmouth, NH, 2 Guys And A Girl, Co-Host, 2003 to 20051) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
From time to time I crawl into corners and sob uncontrollably. I spend time refusing to buy CDs, concert tickets and T-shirts. And I mock currently employed radio people out of sheer jealousy. I miss my job.
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.
As far as mornings go, I really think there is a lack of creative options out there. We have an overabundance of syndicated shows and programs that have been on the air for 55 years. If it doesn't fall into one of those two categories, it's "more music/less talk." I just don't think stations are taking chances on opening up their mornings to new ideas. I still believe that listeners expect to be entertained while they start their day, and until radio gets back to its roots there is a risk that we'll lose it altogether.
3) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?
I have no other skills. I could have fallen back on my English Lit degree, but I chose to go to school for Communications instead.
4) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I'd really like to be a morning radio veteran. I don't care if it's a small pond or a vast ocean. It's not a complicated feat. It takes time and commitment and a love for the job, and there seems to be a lack of all of that these days. The integrity is in a job well done, not the market size you're in.
5) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.)
I don't expect callbacks anymore. There is a lack of courtesy when you're laying on the beach. I realize that people are busy and have better things to do, but I expressed interest in working at your station for a reason, and I'd like a little somethin' for the effort.
6) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I actually care about the listeners and enjoy spending time with them in their communities. I focus on doing a show that talks to them, not at them.
7) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
I'm listening to morning shows that I never had a chance to listen to while I was on the air.
8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Eating all of Jessica Simpson's complimentary food over her shoulder while she was doing an interview. What? She wasn't eating it. I didn't see the sense in letting it go to waste.
9) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
Honestly, I miss being in the spotlight. I miss being someone. My wife tells me that I'm someone, but she doesn't understand and she has to say that. I miss having a conversation with someone at the mall due to something that I talked about that morning. I miss the perks (or what's left of them). I don't miss the lack of sleep and time.
10) Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
Hopefully not bearing my soul to All Access in my underwear on a Friday night!
Bonus Questions
1) Care to contribute a low-cost recipe to our "On The Beach" cookbook?
Twist cap.
Drink contents.
Repeat until the pain subsides. -
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