10 Questions with ... Marcus Osborne

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I've had a pretty diverse media career here in the San Francisco Bay Area. I've written film and music reviews for the Oakland Tribune. I've been a reporter for another local newspaper. I spent a couple of years on our SF CBS-TV affiliate doing celebrity interviews and movie reviews. But obviously radio has been my bread and butter. I was a producer at KNBR 680, producer and sidekick for The Renel In The Morning Show at 98.1 KISS FM, and did the same thing at the Chuy In The Morning Show at 106 KMEL. I was a cast member on the Sarah and No Name show at Alice@97.3, I've written blogs and I've recently launched an online company. And of course I helped create the "Y'all-Turnative Morning Show" at 95.7 The Wolf. I've been pretty lucky to have worked with some of the best.

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

It's not in my DNA to get too down about anything. Plus, I know that I'm great at what I do, so I'm prepared for the right opportunity when it presents itself. Just a matter of time, you know?

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

Working on finding affiliates for my new online entertainment network. It's all original video content; the shows are about seven minutes long, targeting women, and the stuff is, if I do say so myself, very strong. It's a great way to build that online audience.

3) Do you plan on sticking with the radio industry?

Absolutely. I'm a muti-media guy, so radio, TV, print, online media ... not only is it what I'm best at, I simply just love it too much to stay away.

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

Oh man, I've got such a great network of friends and colleagues ... folks who are always filling me in on the latest openings. That really is the best way to make connections. Company websites are pretty good, as well as All Access's job listings! But nothing beats having a personal connection.

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

One where I'm in a position to truly build that on-air gig into a great multimedia brand. Blogging and original audio/video content are the way to go ... and I LOVE it! So many opportunities exist online and I still think radio hasn't figured out how to truly maximize that outlet. The possibilities are endless!

6) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)

To be honest, it hasn't been great. It's been a little disappointing. It's rare that PDs, GMs and O's actually respond -- with even a form letter. I auditioned three times for one gig ... and never heard back from the PD. The station eventually went with a syndicated show.

7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Creating a Progressive Country morning show in San Francisco. A gay guy, a black guy, a Jewish guy and a California blonde woman (not the start of a raunchy joke) in a typically conservative format. It was the brainchild of myself and another Bay Area air talent, Gill Alexander. We loved that show! It launched very strong and generated a ton of buzz.

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

I miss the day-to-day action the most. Radio is the most personal medium. It's especially great when you run live as opposed to voicetracking, interacting with listeners on the phones and at events... the opportunity to push the creative envelope every day. I do NOT miss aircheck meetings!

9) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?

I'd say be open to change and keep expanding your skill set. Consolidation has turned a lot of folks into super-multi-taskers. You can't be just one thing anymore, that's for sure.

10) Where do you see yourself in five years? 10 years?

In five years I just want to be able to say I'm employed! In 10 years, I'll be the male "Oprah" ... without dating John Tesh!

What great movies have you recently seen?

Well, I've actually been reviewing movies for almost 10 years, so I LOVE this question! Just saw "When You're Strange," a documentary on Jim Morrison and The Doors, and it was phenomenal. "Green Zone" with Matt Damon was very good, and I really got a kick out of "The Crazies!"