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10 Questions with ... Doug 'Lazy' Williams
August 11, 2009
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NAME:Doug 'Lazy' WilliamsLAST WITH:Nights, KDND/107.9 The End, SacramentoPHONE:916-207-3684
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
I started at KSFM 102.5 back in the day when I was 16 years old (almost 15 years ago). I helped produce Mark S. Allen's morning show. From there, my "radio evolution" took me from a promotions tech to an overnight talent to eventually doing nights. In 1998 I left to help flip a station in Sac to Dance, but it never really took off. So, when KDND signed on in Sacramento, I basically dropped off a tape and resume every day until the PD gave in and hired me. I've done full-time mornings, afternoons, nights and was interim Imaging Director at KDND. I'm still doing weekends for them while I pursue my next programming opportunity.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I've reconnected with a lot of my previous co-workers who are out of work now, too. We network and keep each other updated with job ops.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
Well, the first thing I did was upgrade my Comcast subscription because I knew I was going to be having a lot of free time on my hands. I've been streaming stations in other markets to get ideas and hear other jocks presentations. I've also been playing the lottery a lot more ... you never know, right? LOL.
3) Some people get discouraged or enlightened with the business when they actually step out of it for a while. Tell us your observations from the outside.
I stepped out of my gig to pursue more opportunities and greater responsibilities in programming. I don't think anybody could have predicted how hard the economy was going to fall. It's been very hard to get back into the business, but when my next gig comes along I will have tremendously more appreciation for doing what I love for a living.
4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
This is my first time I've been "on the beach" in my radio career. I haven't been full time in nearly six months, but I've never been fired from a gig.
5) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
Of course, Allaccess.com. I've also been looking at markets I'd like to live in and sending packages to the PDs there ... just in case they're hiring ;)
6) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
It seems the PDs in big markets are much more likely to respond. I've heard from San Francisco and L.A., but not from gigs that I've applied for in waaaay smaller markets. It really feels good to get an e-mail back from a PD because you feel like you at least have a shot at the job and their posting wasn't just for EOE purposes.
7) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
I just recently got offered a gig to program a station in a smaller market. The offer was barely enough to afford an apartment, but the company wasn't even willing to negotiate salary. The OM suggested that I get a roommate, ride a bike to work and "think of it as a college experience." I really wanted the experience of programming, but you can't eat experience. I turned down the offer and they hired someone the next day. The surplus of unemployed radio people right now is definitely an advantage to some companies that are trying to spend as little as possible on their programming staff ... and I understand that. But, people do need to make enough to live.
8) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
Yes, but not terrestrial radio. I've been spending more time streaming stations in other markets. Some of the best jocks that I've heard, I've never heard of. It's great to hear them on the way up ... very creative and raw talent.
9) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
The most: I miss having a voice in the community and participating in community events. I also really miss having a creative outlet.
The least: stuffed-up 7-year-olds requesting Soulja Boy.
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?
Totally, if it were enough to live on. And if the position involved more responsibilities, that would give me more experience ... which is priceless. One of the first things I was taught in radio was: Don't do it to get rich, because you won't.
Bonus Questions
Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?
Besides US Weekly and Twitter (Twitter.com/douglazy), I don't really get into reading, but this book I got from my PD Dan Mason -- "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron -- is awesome. It helps you rediscover your creative self. Very deep and inspirational.
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