10 Questions with ... Jeff Gonzer

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I began in Rock radio at KPPC Pasadena. From the beginning I was the "morning man." My Southern California career continued at KLOS and for 10 years hosted the morning show at KMET during its most successful years. This past July I produced the "Finally a Friday" KMET reunion day for Dave Beasing at KSWD (100.3 The Sound). It generated a great buzz, fun programming and excellent ratings.

After KMET I spent three years in Miami at WZTA, (Zeta-4) and then four years at WZLX/Boston doing mornings and middays.

Back in Los Angeles, I joined the AAA station KSCA (F.M. 101.9) and the Westwood One/Dial-Global Adult Rock format. I was PD of the Adult Rock (Classic Rock) format for 13 years, leaving at the end of 2008.

Currently, I do weekends/fill-in at KSWD (100.3 The Sound) in Los Angeles and track the midday show for KLKX (The Quake) in Palmdale CA. I have also hosted Talk radio programs in Miami, Boston and Los Angeles.

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

Looking for a job is a full-time job, but I do have plenty of time to get in my wife's way. Actually, she works at home and I've been maintaining a streaming radio station on "Live 365" to keep up my programming chops. I'm spending more time with my youngest son, keeping busy with the "honey do" list and listening to a lot of radio. I observe format leaders with Mediabase, and learn as much as I can about programming in a PPM world. With the benefit of streaming, it is great to be able to stay plugged in with what's going on around the country. When applying for a job it is very helpful to have the ability to actually hear what the station sounds like.

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

Program directing a Rock format is what I do best. I love being an on-air PD, but the real excitement for me is shaping a dynamic, fun radio station. People out there still want to be fans of music radio; we just have to give them a station to identify with.

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

The six months after KMET I was without employment. Since then, even during down times, I've worked part-time.

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

Have a large foot!

Industry contacts and prior associates are really the best way to get your foot in the door. A personal interview is the best way to make a great impression with a new employer. Your past successes and references help to initially get your foot in the door.

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

The trades and staying observant. If you read about a format switch, it is always a good idea to write to the proper person before any jobs are posted. Reading between the lines helps to stay one step ahead of the pack. Keeping the line of communications open with friends and colleagues is very important, and of course, the job postings section in All Access is a great resource.

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

I want to put my years of experience and success both programming and on the air to work at a Rock format. I love bringing all the elements together at a station, so the whole becomes greater than the sum of the parts. All the testing and studies in the world won't make a successful station if you can't be Baron Von Frankenstein and make it come "alive."

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

The last time I was "on the beach" was about 14 years ago when e-mails were not so prevalent. Today it is much faster to get your package to a prospective employer, but the courtesy level had gone way down. All radio station managers wear many different hats and there are usually not enough hours in the day, so I understand that it's not always easy to be courteous. With fewer jobs available and more unemployed, the response to any job posting must be overwhelming, so it makes sense that you just don't hear back. I always tried to; at least, send a quick email thanking an applicant for their interest.

8) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?

There are definitely fewer jobs, but separating yourself from the pack is the same today as it was during better times. Making a great first impression to get to the next level is key. There's no telling what will attract an employer's attention. Create a presentation package and keep updating it. When sending airchecks, topical references can't be so old that you sound like you haven't worked since the Clinton Administration.

9) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?

I am spending more time listening to radio. There are so many terrestrial stations streaming and so many Internet stations available that it is easy to keep up with new ideas and trends. In order to stay fresh and relevant, it is important to not lose touch with what's going on.

10) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

My biggest career accomplishment was my morning show on KMET/Los Angeles. Being # 1 in so many demos for so many years was a thrill. The rapport with the audience was amazing. Recently, producing the KMET day on 100.3 The Sound brought back the same sense of accomplishment and pride. Making an indelible impression on a community is a huge accomplishment.

Great movies I've recently seen...

I try to see as many films as possible. I can recommend these two films: "An Education" and the newest Coen Brothers film "A Serious Man." If you haven't seen "The Hurt Locker" yet, make sure you try to find it still playing somewhere.