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10 Questions with ... Jeff DeBoer
September 15, 2009
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NAME:Jeff DeBoerLAST WITH:KROG/Medford, ORPHONE:(541) 261-0791EMAIL:radiojay37@yahoo.com
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
I started doing weekends at KQTP(Q103)/Topeka, KS while in college. After graduation, I went to KCHZ/Kansas City for weekends/overnights. Made my way back to KQTP/Topeka for full-time nights. Format changed after about three months, and I headed to nights at KNRQ/Eugene, OR. Downsized to part-time and eventually I headed down I-5 to KROG/Medford, OR where I've done just about everything, including afternoons, middays, mornings, imaging, Music Director, and Program Director.
1) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I've gotten more reading done these last few months than I have during any period of my life ... and I've been working on learning web design.
2) 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.
A little of both, actually. The industry is in a very tough place right now, and it has yet to find it's footing in the new media landscape. We, as an industry, are going to have to re-examine how we do things and what we offer to our listeners and advertisers. We need to focus on those things that we can do better than other forms of media and offer listeners things they can't get anywhere else.
3) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?
I would absolutely love to if the industry will have me!
4) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
Well, All Access, of course, but also through people I know in the industry. I've also put together a resume/demo website (jeffontheair.wordpress.com) and I've been trying to get that seen by as many people as possible, so feel free to pass it around.
5) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I'm just itching to get back on the air. I'd love to find a station that isn't afraid to take some chances and try new ideas.
6) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I like to think that one of my biggest strengths is that I can do a lot of different things. I'm versatile on-the-air; I can do imaging, production, music scheduling, etc. I've got experience in many different areas.
7) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
For sure. I've spent a lot of time listening online to stations all over the country. There are some very good stations and talented people all over the place.
8) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
I miss the interaction with listeners and the new music. I don't miss getting up before the sun (I was doing mornings most recently).
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?
That would be tough because I was doing A LOT for considerably little money. But many of us are these days.
10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
If this is what you really want to do, then go for it and do whatever you can to get your foot in the door. BUT ... have a back-up plan. It's a tough industry to be in right now, so be able to do something other than radio.
Bonus Questions
Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?
YES! Read "The Buzzard: Inside the Glory Days of WMMS and Cleveland Rock Radio: A Memoir" by John Gorman and Tom Feran. It's an awesome read about one of the greatest Rock stations of all time. I absolutely loved it!
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