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10 Questions with ... Charlene Lewis
July 28, 2009
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NAME:Charlene LewisLAST WITH:KBEZ/Tulsa, OKPHONE:(918) 629-0648EMAIL:vtcharlenelewis@aol.com
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
Caught the radio bug as a kid and got my first radio job through Contemporary Christian music giant KCFO/Tulsa, OK. I started at the bottom and eventually landed in the afternoon news anchor chair. When the station cut the entire news department, I went across town to KRAV. Two months later KCFO offered me the afternoon-drive DJ position. I was there until the station sold and went with the new owners to KVOO.
In the meantime, I began to branch out and do a lot of voiceover work for TV. This led to an on-camera show with the Prevue Channel. I was with them for seven years until they sold to TV Guide.
I stayed at KVOO for 14 years and had the top-rated show numerous times, was featured on the cover of Oklahoma Spot and Tulsa People, and was seen in Billboard magazine. In 2001, I was laid off due to the economy. KXOJ hired me as a part-time/fill-in. A few months later KVOO wanted me back to voicetrack evenings. By then, I'd picked up WQFL voicetracking from my home studio. I was heard on three radio stations at the same time.
In 2003, KBEZ offered me the middays and an opportunity to work at just ONE station. I jumped at the chance! My show was again rated number one or two numerous times with our target demo. I loved every minute of working with the great folks at Renda. Then, the economy struck another blow and the midday position was cut AGAIN, leaving me without a job in May 2009.
1) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
The layoff came as such a huge surprise that I'm spending all my time working on my demo and aircheck. Oh, and I'm actually getting to go to lunch with friends for the first time in YEARS!
2) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?
I certainly PLAN to, but may have to pick up something else to tide my family and me over.
3) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
The last time it was just a few months before I landed a part-time gig. However, it was a full two years before I found full-time work again.
4) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
By taking a part-time position. I actually made pretty good money filling in and weekends. But it's nice to have benefits and a steady paycheck!
5) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
AllAccess.com, of COURSE!
6) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
The way the industry seems to be going with all the layoffs, I'd be happy voicetracking from my home studio. If I could get several tracking gigs, I'd be a stay-at-home mom again.
7) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
Oh definitely spending MORE time since TIME is in pretty large supply these days.
8) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?
I regret staying until 7:30 and 8 at night or dropping in on the weekends to work on promos, ads, prize sheets, etc. My family called me so many times wondering if I was living there! All that unpaid overtime for nothin'!
9) 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?
If it had full health benefits for my family, YES!
10) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?
I'll constantly update my resume and demo this time around. Hard work and great ratings lose out over CHEAP every time!
Bonus Questions
Great movies I've recently seen...
Oh no doubt about it, that's Star Trek! JJ Abrams has created such a thrilling action flick that is FUNNY and has heart. Even my 13-year-old daughter, who's NEVER seen an episode of Star Trek, LOVES it. We've been to see it THREE times now. The last time was to see if we could spot the Tribble.
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