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10 Questions with ... Jonathan West
June 16, 2009
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NAME:Jonathan WestLAST WITH:KCYE (The Coyote)/Las Vegas, nightsPHONE:(970) 402-2041EMAIL:jswest33@yahoo.com
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
Las Vegas: KMXB (Mix 94.1), KTNV-TV (ABC Channel 13), KWNR. Fort Collins: KTRR (Tri 102.5), KUAD (K99), KSXT-A. Denver: Premiere Traffic Networks. Auburn: WMXA (Mix 96.7), WTGZ (Tiger 95.9).
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
Las Vegas is obviously a fun town and there is plenty to do to keep the mind off, but staying sharp in industry news and keeping contacts with good radio and TV friends helps. It sure doesn't hurt to know there are many other talented people out of work, too.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I'm reporting road traffic right now for Metro Networks; I'm the arena announcer for the Las Vegas Wranglers of the ECHL; and I have my own event planning and voice-work business.
3) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Sorry, I really can't tell you ... I'm serious! When I first started, it used to be that interns had no upward mobility, but that trend has seemed to shift after talent pools dwindled. Knowing someone in the biz is almost worn out as well; there are only so many openings for the 1,800 or so Clear Channel refugees with connections! My advice is to learn everything about where you want to go and what you want to do, cold call or e-mail, and pray.
4) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
Besides All Access and the Nevada Broadcaster's Association website, I try cold e-mails here in Las Vegas or contacting stations before taking an upcoming trip to another market. A veteran Ops Manager recently said it best: "The time to look for good people is before you have an opening."
5) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
I interrupted a PD on his smoke break ... yeah ... I did.
6) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I'd love to return to Country or Hot AC radio for the afternoon drive or go back to TV as a weather or traffic anchor. I'd like to stay out west, but moving back to Colorado or up to Canada would be great.
7) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?
A PD I used to work for asked me if I had any references. Geesh ... seriously?
8) Who are your mentors/role models in the industry?
Everyone holds in high regard the boss from their best job so far, and for me it's J. Jeffcoat at WMXA. I am a community-minded DJ, so I hold in high regard local Las Vegas personalities Chet Buchanan at KLUC and Kendall Tenney from News 3. On a national scale, I'm a big fan of Rick Dees, Blair Gardner and Open House Party founder John Garabedian.
9) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
With nepotism, gender matching and co-workers threatened by your potential to take their job ... it's flat-out depressing. The money climate we're in doesn't help matters at all, but find a fall-back career outside of the industry and really be honest with yourself if this rollercoaster is for you. If it is ... put your seatbelt back on.
10) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
Quite bad ... and silence is not golden! If you have the skill set required for a position, you should receive some type of response ... period. But I have to acknowledge Randy Shannon at 92.5 the Wolf in Denver, and Jeff Cochran at Clear Channel Salt Lake City for their thorough correspondence in light of added workloads these days.
Bonus Questions
Care to contribute a low-cost recipe to our "ON THE BEACH" cookbook?
If you shop at Whole Foods, maybe not the cheapest, but one of the best burgers you'll have ... and make sure to get a big enough bun!
Jwest's Bacon and Egg Guacapple Burger: A burger with bacon, guacamole, one egg(or 2) over medium, pineapple, miracle whip, lettuce, onion and optional tomato.
Now can I get this cookbook online somewhere or do I have to send a self-addressed stamped envelope?
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