10 Questions with ... Anthony Caiazzo

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

(Also have been Anthony Cruz in NYC, Philadelphia and Denver on-air)

I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. I have an Associate's Degree in Communications from SUNY Plattsburgh. During my stay at SUNY Plattsburgh I studied aboard for one semester in Liverpool, England. I started in 2000 at 103.5 WKTU as the producer for Diane Prior and "Broadway" Bill Lee. I also hosted my own Freestyle show on Sunday Mornings. Next, I moved over to Jammin 105.1 in September 2001 to become the morning show producer for George Wallace and Jeff Foxx. In March of 2002, Jammin flipped to Power 105.1. I retained my position as morning show producer with Ed Lover, Doctor Dre and Lisa G. In February 2003 I was named the Exec. morning show producer at Power 105.1 with Ed Lover and Monie Love. In June of 2004 I became The Executive morning show producer and APD at WPHI, 103.9 The Beat in Philadelphia, then returned to NYC to produce RuPaul and Brenda K. Starr on The New Mix 102.7FM. In 2006, I moved to Denver as the Executive morning show producer and Promotions Director for the Denver Radio Company, LLC. Recently, I was the Executive morning show producer and on-air personality for Brother Wease in Rochester, NY.

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

I have been in school for the past few months, taking a computer support specialist course ... and I just earned my Cisco IT Essentials certificate. I won't have to bother the IT guys when there is a computer issue in the studio.

2) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

Yes, radio is in my blood. I started out as a phone operator years ago and still have the same passion for radio as I did the first day. I started working at 'KTU/New York City. I miss being involved with the day-to-day operations of a radio station and look forward to my next challenge. I am a radio lifer.

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

I am open to many different areas as far as my next career move and job. I have been on-air, executive morning show producer, Promotions Director and APD. I can wear many hats at once and would love the opportunity to do so again real soon.

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

I am great at what I do. I have been an Executive morning show producer for some top-rated morning shows in New York City, Denver and Philadelphia. I have also been a Promotions Director and APD. You can ask any of my former employees or PDs and they will all tell you that I dedicate my life to the show and station I am with. I am on call 24/7, seven days a week, 52 weeks out of the year. I love this business and have the knowledge and experience to help any company, station or show.

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

Yes, I have been listening to the radio, whether its satellite or the local stations here in Rochester, NY. I love to listen, observe and either praise or be critical of what the DJ or Talk show host is doing. I have my PD hat on while I'm in the car, always thinking about the next great bit or promotion that a station could do and take advantage of.

6) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

One of my biggest career accomplishments was being able to go from a phone operator to a producer and hosting my own Sunday morning show within three months of being in the business back in 2000 at WKTU. I feel that my hard work and passion for radio helped me to advance in such a little amount of time. Also, the ability to work with some amazing talent, such as Ed Lover, RuPaul, George Wallace, Freddie Colon, etc.... I have been blessed.

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

I miss everything about being in the radio business. The pre-show, the show, making listeners happy, the promotions meetings, the events, everything! There is not one thing I don't miss.

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

The best advice I would give and have given to the rookies in the biz is to stay positive, work hard and love what you do. If you don't love radio, then you shouldn't be in the business.

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

I am fresh and ready for any new challenge. I will appreciate more than ever the radio business and will work harder and harder every day to make sure that I am better than I was when I was last in the biz.

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

In five or 10 years I hope to be a VP/Programming in a top market.

Uh oh ... now you're on your own for getting new music. Name your three most recent purchases since leaving the biz.

Lady Gaga, Eminem's new album and B.O.B. Ray!