10 Questions with ... Bo Walker

NAME:Bo Walker LAST WITH:WCKW/New Orleans PHONE:504-289-3133 EMAIL:radiobowalker@yahoo.com

Please begin by giving us a brief career history:

My radio career began in college in 1981 at the campus station of Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La. I jumped from small station to small station until I was hired by WNOE-A & F/New Orleans (Country). After brief stints in Biloxi, MS and Pensacola, FL, I returned to New Orleans at WEZB (B97). I left for middays at MIX 95.7 which later went to Oldies 95.7 and I was asked to do mornings at WLTS 105.3. I added a partner to the show and when we were let go in June of 2003 the station was called The Zone. My partner Beth Harris and I found our way on to cross town WCKW, but shortly after we were hired there was a management changeover and September 3rd 2004 was our last day.

1) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?

My 2 and a half year old keeps me pretty busy, but my passion is long distance motorcycling. I was leaving on a 2 week trip out West the day I got fired and I (of course) still went. Off-roading in AZ, CO, UT and NM was fabulous. I have since taken trips to Big Bend, TX and more recently Myrtle Beach, SC. I've also taken frequent trips to the Gulf Coast and Florida.

2) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?

I had delusions of grandeur about starting my own business totally unrelated to radio, but this is what I do and love and I feel the need to press on even if it means moving from the city I love.

3) What is the best way to get your foot in the door?

It's been so long since I've had to beat on doors to look for a job that I had to find a new way of doing things. You no longer have to overnight a tape and resume' for some PD to lose. Thanks to All Access you can MP3 your material and it hits instantly. I still like to make contact if I can though and have made it a habit of wherever I'm traveling to, stopping in on the cluster with a fresh CD and resume'. If I get to talk to the PD, great. If not, I know they have my stuff. I got several calls back from Myrtle Beach that way.

4) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?

I was working 6 days a week in Pensacola, FL, and driving back to New Orleans every Sunday to run Casey Kasem and jock a short shift. I did that for better than 2 months before they offered me a full time position at B97/New Orleans.

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5) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?

I see more and more PD/midday or afternoon people out there, so maybe I should set my sites on something like that. I would prefer a smoking afternoon job. I started out as a night jock and have always been a night owl. Mornings killed me. I think I could handle the afternoon hours

6) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.)

Dismal at best. I try to keep my cover letter (e-mail) short but always ask for the courtesy of a reply just to let me know that it was received. I can practically name the few programmers who have actually responded, and that's deplorable. A simple form letter stating that the materials were received would be enough to make most of us happy.

7) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?

The days of making mad money in this business are gone unless you are a marquee talent who they plan to syndicate. Beyond that, no one is getting rich with an on air salary. Personal endorsements, appearances, remotes and commercial production have given me the extra cash I needed over the years. I've also made deals for more vacation time for less salary before. I believe you have to have a life to talk about it. The corporations have a ceiling on what most shifts make or use a percentage formula to figure morning salaries.

8) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs, how do you separate yourself from the pack?

Everyone likes to think their market is unique, but New Orleans really is. We have so many local things that are exclusive to this area that I feel I have an edge by knowing the local customs and rituals. I think in any city, especially if your competition is syndicated, you can win by being very local.

9) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?

No, I shunned it for quite some time and listened to my satellite. When there was a mix up in the market and some positions came available I began to scan again to hopefully gain an edge.

10) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?

ABSOLUTELY! This was the first time in over 10 years that I could really enjoy Mardi Gras. Usually you're up on some balcony having to broadcast or work an event. It was fun, but getting up at 4am the next day really sucked. I can stay up and watch a movie if I want. Before, I was in bed before my son was.

In your opinion, what has been your biggest career accomplishment in the industry?

I think staying employed has been a huge accomplishment. Radio has paid my bills for over 20 years now. I've seen it crush people and they never look back. I never thought radio would take me this far.

What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?

I miss the excitement of radio. You always feel like you had your finger on the pulse of what was going on. You get to do things and see things that most people will NEVER get a chance to do or see. I think the privilege of radio is what I miss the most. The least? Getting up really early, management changeovers, stations being sold, having to watch all the crappy reality TV...OK, I still watch it, I just don't have to talk about it like I really care.

Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?

"Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill is always a good one, and "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Carnegie is timeless. Also Google "Without Fear Of Failure" by Thomas Fatjo...great read.