10 Questions with ... Timothy W. Shelton

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• 2008 - March 2010 - WMGI/Terre Haute, IN - APD/morning host
• 2007 - 2008 - Oasis Radio Group, Fort Wayne/Indianapolis, IN - MD/on-air/prod.
• 2006 -2007 - WNOO/Chattanooga, TN - morning host
• 2005 - 2006 - WUHT/Birmingham, AL - morning host
• 2003 - 2005 - KJCS-KVL/ Lufkin, TX - Ops. Mgr
• 2001 - 2003-WLOV/Chattanooga, TN - PD/afternoon drive
• 1999 - 2001-KTCX/Beaumont, TX - nights
• 1997 - 1999-KKMY/Beaumont, TX - middays
• 1994 - 1997-KIXS/Victoria, TX - nights

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

Daily prayer and meditation keeps me grounded. I found out a long time ago that radio isn't who I am, it's what I do. Motivation is simple: I love what I do.

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

Yes, because it intrigues me. The explosion of new media has seemingly given the business a much-needed shot in the arm and more true broadcasters need to embrace the changes, so that the business doesn't get oversaturated with those who don't think they have to earn their spot.

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

Know what door you want to enter, make sure you have what it takes to enter that door, knock first to let people know you're out there and then KICK the SOB in!

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

Woke up early after a late shift, drove five hours for the face-to-face and back home just in time to start my night show.

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

Some level of management. It seems like a lot of people (who don't respect the business) have taken the fast track to oversee entire clusters. I don't "walk on water," but I do think that being in radio is a privilege that shouldn't be taken lightly.

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

I think the biggest surprise is that the smaller markets on average out-do the majors on salaries/benefits. Working in market #25 is good to say, but not if you are being paid less than market #200.

7) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?

I was once asked if I could "sound black" by a black interviewer. I leaned in and whispered, "I thought I already did." NEWSFLASH: Black announcers use the Queen's English!

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

By embracing change. I take the time to ask questions about technological breakthroughs, study the ins and outs of Social media's effect on the industry and work hard to adjust my presentation to fit into the PPM way of life.

9) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?

Yes. One of my biggest "issues" is that I am a work-aholic. I rarely take sick days, long weekends or unnecessary days off. It's the curse of loving what you do.

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

Three things: First, get a thick skin. The business has far more people who want to see you fail than succeed. Second, never stop learning your craft. The business changes daily. You need to keep up or you'll get left behind. Third, get a life. Don't let what you do overrun who you are.

Care to contribute a low-cost recipe to our "ON THE BEACH" cookbook?

Wish Sandwiches

2 slices of bread that you don't have

A big pile of wishes you've got

And light mayo

Put it all together and all you have is the mayo in your hand. Think about how that looks, then do the opposite.