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10 Questions with ... Mike Bratton
February 17, 2009
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NAME:Mike BrattonLAST WITH:WHPH, Birmingham, ALPHONE:205-213-6170EMAIL:mikebratton@gmail.com
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
I started in radio back in 1989 as a member of "The Breakfast Club" on WGKX/Memphis. Moved to Jackson, TN in 1991 as morning host/production director at WTNV. In 1995, I hooked up with WVIM, where I did afternoons, then mornings and got my first taste of real power as Ops Manager. In 1997, I was at WRVR/WOGY/WJCE in Memphis as that group's production director, also contributing to the WOGY morning show. I moved on in 2000 to work for my pastor at Love Worth Finding Ministries, producing long-form radio for international syndication. After moving to Birmingham, I had a stint at WHPH, doing afternoons and (I detect a theme) working as production director.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
Hanging my hat on the understanding that God is in charge. Now, it's not as if I'm all smiles 24/7, but as a Christian, I know that things will work out all right. That doesn't mean I get to sit back and just wait on my miracle, y'know....
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
Writing. I have a blog (www.thebrattonreport.com) that attracts tens of people each day, flocking to read my intrepid reportage on matters of faith, family and culture. And my agent here in Birmingham is trying to keep me busy.
3) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
As I get older, I find Talk radio more attractive, and playing Christian music is always my favorite. (I'm even more open to "vaulting the aisle" and becoming an AE these days.) But whether it's playing good music or having good conversation, I'm hoping for a gig where I can entertain. Oh, and be production director, or at least write and produce. Remember the recurring theme...
4) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
It varies wildly. Places you'd expect to be the most courteous can be absolutely silent, and places that could justifiably be too busy to get back to you respond the same day. When I've been the one doing the hiring, I've been careful to treat each applicant as a real, live person; it's a shame to see that such a mindset is the exception, not the rule.
5) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I'm a "jack of all trades," and (not to sound too pompous) just about a master of a few of them. I've made sure to develop a broad skill base over the years, and it comes in handy.
6) 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?
My kids are enjoying the extra "Daddy time," as am I. And my wife and I are able to pack them up and travel more easily-though I think we'd both trade some of that open schedule for a paycheck.
7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
As a licensed Southern Baptist minister, I've been "Brother Mike" at a number of stations; even when I don't go by that, people figure me out in a hurry. There's nothing more satisfying than making a real connection with your audience, to the point where listeners call in and ask you to pray for them-or with them, right there on the phone. I've won a lot of awards over the years, but none of them comes close to that connection.
8) 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?
No, not any more. I'm a husband and a father, and it's more important to take care of my family than to get my daily radio fix. For all us radio vets, there comes a point where we either need to be paid what we're worth, or figure out something else to do with our skills.
9) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
Learn how to budget your money -- now. Learn how to live below your means. Don't be so in love with radio that you hurt yourself looking for the perfect position. (I've sold everything from day planners to Cadillacs between gigs.) Be as diversified in your skill set as possible. And make sure you're having fun. If you aren't, then your audience certainly won't.
10) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?
I've had enough sand in my toes over the years (did I just stretch the "on the beach" analogy too far?) to stay shocked for too long. With each new opportunity, I look for ways to be as invaluable as possible.
Bonus Questions
Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?
Since you asked, I recommend the New Testament book of Romans. Particularly the eighth chapter. If you're His child, you'll be reminded that it'll be all right not only in the "sweet by-and-by," but in the "nasty now-and-now." And if you're not, it will make you reconsider your worldview.
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