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10 Questions with ... Jim Zippo
August 2, 2005
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NAME:Jim ZippoLAST WITH:KOOL 93.1/Las Vegas (Clear Channel)PHONE:(214) 405-3324 / (702) 265-2098EMAIL:dazipdude@yahoo.com
Please begin by giving us a brief career history:
The highlight was my 12 years at ABC RADIO NETWORKS as PD/Morning Drive on their Pure Gold 24 hour satellite format, syndicated on 225+ U.S. stations, plus 175 more via AFRTS. Prior to that, I started in Riverside in 1973, mornings at KFXM, then jumped to KMEN. Next, mornings and PD in Washington D.C. at WEAM, then mornings at WDRQ/Detroit (Don Geronimo did nights), competing against (and beating) Howard Stern. From the Motor City I went to Nashville (WZKS), where as mornings and PD I drove it to #1 CHR in 9 months. I was then hired by ABC to do mornings in Dallas at KHKS(then KTKS), at 106.1 KISS FM, just prior to Kidd Kraddick (he was doing nights at KEGL at the time). I jumped next to ABC RADIO (see above), then started my own network, HERO RADIO (High Energy Rockin' Oldies), and finally ended up doing mornings here in Las Vegas at Clear Channel's KOOL 93.1 (KQOL/Oldies).
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I love the challenge of an uphill battle, planting "seeds," building a morning following, getting results for clients and the station.
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.
I'm pretty realistic. I'm aware of the timing that comes into play while the job search is on. Results depend not on my needs, but those of the potential stations. Ratings survey periods, specific station needs, and how I can fit in to those parameters all play important parts in a successful job search. You must be responsive to the station's needs, not just your own.
3) So far what has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
Reading All Access Net News updates for movement. Even before jobs are posted, things are shaking up, and it can pay to be one step ahead of the job listings.
4) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
Lori and I had a dozen extra large pizzas delivered to a station, with our ad on the top of the boxes saying "Jim and Lori Zippo DELIVER HOT FRESH Radio - HIRE US!" It was a big hit..
5) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Mornings and/or PD for an aggressive, unafraid station or group, with an eye for expansion beyond their present goals and expectations
6) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.)
I never get any outright "you stink" letters; sometimes a letter states I'm way overqualified for what they have in mind, or the timing isn't right now. Most folks are extremely polite and professional. I appreciate honesty and directness, which helps me fine-tune my approach.
7) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
Radio has changed a lot over the last 20 years. A need for multi-tasking sometimes arises, which is a reasonable compromise to get to the salary level desired. The good thing about it, is sometimes you can make a ton of extra cash if you're willing to super-apply yourself.
8) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?
"Can you lift a 50 pound box? You'll need to set up remote stuff, and it weighs a ton sometimes."
9) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs, how do you separate yourself from the pack?
I've had the network experience (ABC RADIO NETWORKS) to prove I can provide a compelling, funny, energetic show that jumps off the radio dial. 225 syndicated customers can't be wrong!
10) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
I miss the on-air excitement, also the remote broadcasts we did, such as Disney, Universal, Beatles Trek (Liverpool), and Dracula's Castle (in Romania for Halloween). What do I miss the least? Bugging accounting to straighten out old or lost paperwork.
Bonus Questions
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 radio?
Yes, if a creative method of getting to at least the bottom line could be achieved. Both my wife and I are extremely versatile, and can bend to adapt to many situations.
Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
Be prepared for a thousand rejections, but super-serve the one who chooses you. Give it all you've got, because there's always someone willing to work for less. You have to provide compelling reasons for them to keep you. Watch your back, and keep your eyes on the prize.
Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?
The Bible; also The Purpose-Driven Life.
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