10 Questions with ... "Big Stew" Sawyers

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started my career at the now-defunct WGNE (98 Frog)/Daytona Beach back in 1993, running American Country Countdown on CD! Then I moved to Orlando as a part-timer at Mix 105.1, before making the full-time jump back to Country music at a variety of stations, finally settling in at Country powerhouse WDJR/Dothan AL. I then took an APD/MD gig at the legendary WBAM/Montgomery AL before joining WKAK as PD.

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

I listen to radio everyday ... and do it as a listener. This has helped me get a grasp on what to do and what not to do as a programmer now.

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

Playing a lot of golf and checking out local sporting events. I am a Braves fanatic, so I try to get to as many games as I can.

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.

Radio has lost its "personality" and I am a firm believer that personality needs to come back to save radio from iPods, XM, podcasts, file sharing, etc! Make it fun for people to listen. Bring back big contesting if possible, and always think outside the box with the listener in mind!

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

Just be yourself and bring your best stuff to the table. Don't be afraid to sell yourself, and show someone how you can help the team!

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

I would like to find a Country PD or APD job in a rated market, probably doing afternoon drive! Preferably in the Southeast, but anyplace fun to live is awesome!

6) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied?

HORRIBLE! ABSOLUTLY HORRIBLE! No one takes the time to say thank you anymore!

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

Just be myself ... I want my work to speak for me! I think I am talented, I just need to find the right fit.

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

Probably more. I am not in "work" mode when I listen now. I listen for pleasure. It's amazing how bad some radio is formatically ... and when you are overly critical, you lose the fun!

9) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

I was able to work for WBAM and Bluewater Broadcasting in Montgomery, AL! Great bunch of people, just not the right time for me. Also, working on the air staff at WUSY/Chattanooga when they won CMA radio station of the year was a gas!

10) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?

The most: The actual work and the creativity. The least: The corporate "smoke and mirror show" that some radio stations put on!

What's your handicap now that you've had time to practice?

I am shooting about 90, which is the best I have ever shot! That's just the front 9!