10 Questions with ... Reed Petitpren

NAME:Reed Petitpren LAST WITH:KKCT (Hot 975) Bismarck/Mandan PHONE:586-855-8056 EMAIL:r9petitpren@gmail.com WEB:www.myspace.com/reedanthonyradio

Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...

I started out at the amazing Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts, in Detroit, MI. My first radio gig was interning at (89X)CIMX/Windsor-Detroit, where I was promoted to Promotions Assistant and eventually did some voicetracking, live call-ins, and I helped with the music directing. I then took a job at WWCK in Flint, MI, doing weekends, and I became the morning show sidekick. I finally landed my first full-time gig at KKCT in Bismarck, ND, doing nights and also serving as the Assistant Production Director for about a year-and-a-half, but was cut short due to budget cuts.

1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?

Well, I've recently become addicted to coffee; I'm proud to say that I've come up with a way to make it taste just like Kellogg's Smacks cereal. In fact, I'm drinking some right now. Other than that, I just try to keep a clear head, listen to music, and keep plugging away at the job search.

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

Currently, I DJ and MC at a local bar, spending A LOT of one-on-one time with my Xbox 360, playing guitar (I'm really bad), rearranging my apartment once a week, and eating a lot of bad food. Surprisingly, my apartment isn't any cleaner.

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

That would definitely be the dream. I love music and looking at pictures of Rihanna 24/7. I just love the entertainment aspect of being involved in something that people absolutely love and can get really into.

4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?

This is actually the first stretch on the beach for this guy. I've been off work since November, so if my horrible math serves me correctly, and it probably won't, that is ... a little over four months.

5) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?

A good bribe usually works. Just kidding ... separating yourself from everyone else has to be number one. A lot of people can turn on the mic and talk, but if you can deliver whatever you say in a one-of-a-kind way that makes you stand out ... that's priceless. Whether you can relate perfectly with the audience, have great street presence, be humorous, fun, interactive ... whatever it takes.

6) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?

All Access is definitely the first thing I check every single day and seems to be consistent with a good number of openings. I also like to check Broadcaster's Association websites.

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

I'd love to be a music director. I love music, and would like to believe I have a pretty good ear for new and upcoming music. I really just want to get back on-air, though. I'd really hate to leave radio altogether, after wanting it for so long and finally breaking into it.

8) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)

I don't think I've had too much luck in the courtesy department. An e-mail or call back really does go along way. It's weird; some people you'd never expect to shoot you an e-mail do, and some people you think would, don't. The ones who do take the time to respond, in my experience, are 100% positive and helpful.

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

I definitely miss the daily wind and grind of things. The atmosphere, music and people are something I really do miss every single day. The best part about my job is interacting with the listeners and having pride in executing a smooth break or bit. I'd say I definitely do NOT miss those pesky weather warning alerts that cut me off halfway through my break.

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?

I think I would. It's not every day you can wake up and actually be happy to go into work. I haven't found that anywhere else but in radio.

Care to contribute a low-cost recipe to our "ON THE BEACH" cookbook?

Absolutely, Totino's Mexican-style pizza doused (and I mean COVERED) in tabasco sauce, then dipped in ranch dressing. You're welcome.