10 Questions with ... Dave Russell

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• WARM/York-Lancaster, Program Director/Air Talent 2007-2009
• WLEV/Allentown, Program Director/Air Talent/Production 2004-2007
• WCTO/Allentown, Program Director/Air Talent 2003-2004
• WEZQ/Bangor, Program Director/Air Talent 1999-2003
• WSBA/York, Asst PD/Promotions Director/Sports Anchor/Air Talent 1988-1999

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

Realizing that finding myself on the beach is due to a really horrible economy. There is nothing I could have done to prevent what happened. Many talented individuals find themselves in the same position as I am. I have been doing some part-time air and production work for WCAT/Harrisburg and that has helped me stay motivated greatly. I've also picked up part-time air work at WMGS/Wilkes-Barre, WIOV/Lancaster and WQXA/Harrisburg. I believe the next great opportunity is just around the corner, even if it seems that this is one long corner at times...

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

I have been reading plenty of industry and non-industry material, listening to plenty of radio around the world via the Internet, and, most importantly, spending more time with my wife Diane and Italian greyhounds John Boy & Bambi.

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 have been most discouraged by seeing what has happened to many others in the industry. Although the publicly-traded companies want to grow shareholder value, it should not come at the expense of serving their listeners and advertising clients well. By some of the moves of others, it would appear that is forgotten at times. I have been encouraged when reading about the community efforts of other radio stations.

4) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?

Most definitely. I absolutely love our industry and believe we can remain viable for many years to come as long as we're willing to adapt to the changing technology.

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

The current one-year span I'm on, after years of continuous employment.

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

It is about networking. The more people you can let know your circumstances, the sooner the next opportunity will appear. Of course, the listings on "All Access" is my favorite bookmark right now.

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

On-air program director at an AC, Country, or Classic Hits radio station.

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

It's mixed. I have had some really great conversations with people and I have also not heard from many of the places I've applied to. However, having been the one doing the hiring in the past, I also realize people are wearing many hats and are receiving well over 100 applications at times. I never take it personally if I don't hear from someone.

9) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

This was really a "team accomplishment"... raising close to $300,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital while at WCTO/Allentown in 2004. I have to mention the team members -- Ken Anderson, Kitty McVay, Sam Malone, Lee Ann Taylor, Dave Dillon, Jeff Austin, Kate Swann, Buddah, Zippy, Maudeanie, and our promotions team led by Julie Hummel. You all ROCKED!!

10) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?

Remembering every day you work in this business is really a gift. It really is. Never take that for granted.

Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?

"The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. It doesn't get more inspirational than that -- unless you go straight to the source material.