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10 Questions with ... Mark Vanness
April 14, 2009
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NAME:Mark VannessLAST WITH:Saga WIII (I-100)/Ithaca, PD/morningsPHONE:(607) 662-4619EMAIL:markontheair@aol.com
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
For the last three years I was the Program Director and morning show host at I-100 (WIII-Saga) Ithaca/NY. My 23-year career includes stops at WPST/Trenton, WWHT/Syracuse, WZPL/Indianapolis, WWKX/Providence, KSFM/Sacramento and KBOS/Fresno, among others.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
A family to support, including a wife and a growing six-year-old, now that's motivation! I network on sites like Facebook and read all the trades. I am blessed with an amazing network of very supportive peers and cheerleaders!
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.
It's a very special and magical industry. It's a complete mystery to those not familiar with its inner workings. I miss it terribly.
3) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?
Well, I figure I've passed the 20-year mark, I might as well see where this radio thing takes me! I'll bet I could actually make a career out of it!
4) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Here comes the cliché' answer: "I really want to find someplace to work where I look forward to waking up at the butt crack of dawn and can't wait to get in to the building and get to work!" "Again and again and again....!"
5) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
Previous to I-100, my take-home was more than double what I made here in Ithaca. But Ithaca was the next step up the radio ladder and in line with my career goals. You won't get what you're worth; you'll get what you negotiate! I want to get back to kicking the competition's butt! It's what I do, I love it, and I can't imagine doing anything else!
6) With consolidation (the economy in the dumps and high unemployment) there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I have to rely a bit on the fact that I have survived more than 20 years in this industry, in part because I have a winning track record and a bottomless pit of fresh new ideas. Plus industry connections, friends in some of the right places and a good reputation should come in handy. Not to mention I'm fun to have around ... admit it, if you've met me you like me!
7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
I assumed leadership of a fourth-place Adult Rock station in a super-served 25-54 market, devised a war plan and defeated the enemy two years short of my original goal date! Then they cut me out of the budget! The last thing was just commentary ... not really an accomplishment.
8) What do you miss most about radio?
Stop and listen to your building! You'll hear conversations coming from promotions, on-air and production studios, the sales department and the kitchen. I think it's the most beautiful sound ever! I love the sounds of laughter, creativity, the birth of a new campaign, camaraderie, etc. That's music to my ears. I do miss those glorious noises!
9) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?
Nope ... I gave it my all and my former employer knows it. I was an asset in that building and I will be missed. That may make me sound egotistical, but it's what we all should aspire to achieve in any situation.
10) 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 the biz?
As long as I can continue to do what I love to do and I can properly support my family unit with a little left over for moral maintenance, then yes.
Bonus Questions
My favorite new diversion is ...
Surfing the Internet with unusual word or phrase searches! What people do with their spare time entertains me to no end! Go to Youtube.com and search "spit art." Amazing!
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