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10 Questions with ... Luke Walker
December 13, 2005
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NAME:Luke WalkerLAST WITH: WZZN/Chicago, 94.7 The ZonePHONE:773-636-0569
1. Please begin by giving us a brief career history...
Weekends/swing-WZZN/Chicago
Morning Show Host-WLLI
Morning Show Host/Promotions Director-KKNN
Weekends-WLLI2. What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
Honestly, after being in radio for a couple years and going thru a couple format flips you just sort of accept it as an inevitable part of the game. I know I love to do radio and will continue to pursue it as long as it still sounds like a good idea. I think being at a Chicago station with such great jocks and having everyone get fired really brought it home that no matter how good you are, there are going to be ups and downs. Love it or leave it.
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.
Sometimes it's hard to stay positive about radio. It can feel restrictive, closed-minded and unstable as hell at times but then you get fired due to a format change and find yourself answering phones at a call center and realize once again that it's the best job there is.
4. What is your best way to get your foot in the door?
Asking me? Nice. Well, I guess sending off your package, making a "touch base" call and hoping for the best. I've never been huge on selling myself to any and everyone. I believe in just being yourself, putting your best foot forward and hoping it doesn't get stepped on.
5. What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
Sent the ole case of brew to the PD. Once it worked and once it didn't. Gotta make sure the PD is not a recovering alcoholic.
6. What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I'd love to do a morning show again or afternoon drive. I'm looking at getting some drive time work again. On air at Sirius or XM would be welcomed with open arms as well.
7. How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.)
I feel honored when someone lets me know they don't want me.
8. Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
Salaries are the same as I expected.,. low. But anyone who got into radio for the cash is crazy. In radio, if you are employed, paying bills and having fun then you are as rich as anyone can hope to be.
9. What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?
This is in reference to all the PDs who can't see past a resume. I have always been on Rock stations... big deal. I love Rock, but I also like all kinds of music and can sell any type of music. You'd think people in the business would understand that, right? Well, one PD from a CHR station wanted me to go to the mall and take pictures of myself with teenage girls so he could see me with the demo. Can you say psychopath?
10. Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
Yes I am. I like hearing jocks I know and the biz is always interesting. I will admit though that Sirius is getting a lot of my attention. That still counts as radio, right?
Bonus Questions
In your opinion, what has been your biggest career accomplishment in the industry?
I hate people who get all proud of themselves about stuff that happens mostly by chance, but if I had to choose something that kinda sorta makes me stick my chest out now and then, it's the fact I made it to Chicago airwaves. I went from Market #262 to Market # 3 in just 1 year.
What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
I miss listener interaction and hearing music first. I don't miss overly analytical PD's/OM's. At some point you have to set aside your silly checklists and formulas and just have fun...remember that? Fun? It's what radio is supposed to be guys.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
Oh jeez... well lets be positive here. Major market morning show baby. Reality? Probably obese, depressed, customer service rep on the verge of suicide.
What's your favorite "On the Beach" recipe?
White Russian, Jim Beam, Miller Lite. Drink all three in that order and repeat until thoroughly sloshed and making embarrassing drunk calls to past employers.
Or you can just go and get a burrito from Taco Bell's $1 menu.
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