10 Questions with ... Nikki St. John

NAME:Nikki St. John LAST WITH:C-U Radio Group (WQQB-FM), Champaign, IL PHONE:(217) 419-5496 EMAIL:nikkistj1@aol.com WEB:www.myspace.com/nikkisaudio

Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...

I graduated from broadcasting school in St. Louis in '91 and got my first radio gig in a little town called Anna, IL, about 50 miles south of Carbondale. From there, I went to S/E Missouri, San Angelo, TX., Waterloo, IA., Champaign, IL., Wilmington, NC., and then back to Champaign again, where they eventually decided it would be better to go cheap than to go quality ... the dreaded BUDGET CUTS! ... and so here I sit with no gig, waiting for an offer from someone who really cares about their station(s)! I've done mornings for all but nine months of my time in the industry, but wouldn't knock an opportunity in the afternoons either, with a definite possibility of APD/PD stripes.

1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?

I simply realize that eventually someone will see what I can do and let me prove myself to them. It can be frustrating sometimes, though ... I know what I can do, but the object of the game is being able to convince someone else of that and then proving myself to them, but if I don't get a chance, I can't help them to achieve their goals.

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

I keep up with what's going on and definitely stay up on the "dirt," so I don't miss out on anything. I also record/edit/upload audio for a show prep website ... Sheet Happens Prep, with Jeff Andrews ... which I see as yet another good skill/asset I have for a potential employer. I'm a show-prep-aholic (if that's a word) and I love it!

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

Six months ... after I lost my job in Waterloo, IA, due to budgets ... I HOPE this doesn't go longer than that, but it's REALLY tough right now!

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

A great demo and even better follow-up and communication. If I could afford to, I'd just move to the area I wanted to work in and get on part-time until someone leaves ... or until I can find a really creative way to lure them off while I steal their position! ...just kidding ... not really...

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

Besides All Access, I check each individual company website, and a couple of other areas, which I won't reveal until after I get a gig. Sometimes a company won't post on All Access; they just post on their own site.

6) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?

One of the PDs at a job I wanted really started to show interest, so I sent him one of those scrolling marquee belt buckles and set the wording on it, so that he'd be reminded of me every time he wore it. I think he just set it on his desk with the rest of his swag! I think I'll send the next prospect a singing telegram!

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

I'm open to several things. I LOVE mornings, hosting and co-hosting, but I wouldn't mind taking a crack at management and/or afternoons, or maybe even a straight news gig. I've been a news director and am a very good writer as well.

8) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?

I'm actually seeing more and more companies wanting to hire below the "cost of living survival rate" and then expecting you to take on every responsibility in the book. I have a great passion for radio, but it's really too bad that some companies like to take advantage of that passion and expect an 18-plus-year seasoned veteran with a unique talent, to work for the same salary as an assistant manager at a gas station.

9) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

I'd have to say going from co-hosting to hosting a morning show. I was able to prove to myself that I could actually do it. Now, it doesn't matter to me ... host, co-host, whatever ... as long as it's mornings (or afternoons) and I have an equal role. My next accomplishment would probably be some sort of management position.

10) What do you miss most about radio?

The fun ... the listeners ... the craziness ... the paycheck...the free stuff ... sigh...

My favorite new diversion is...

Getting up early and listening to other morning shows, then analyzing. What are they doing right/wrong? How could I have done it differently? Looking for ideas to (eventually) steal, getting promotional ideas, that kind of stuff ... oh yeah ... and being able to stay up WAY past my bedtime!