10 Questions with ... Tony Hayes

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• Morning show host -- WLYT/Charlotte '97-08
• Mornings, middays, swing -- WPCH/Atlanta '91-'98
• PD -- WZGC/Atlanta '88-'91
• MD/middays -- WZLX/Boston '84-'88

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

I'm a firm believer it keeping it positive. Anger/resentment is such a wasted emotion in all aspects of life, but especially when you are searching for a new opportunity If I spend so much time looking back and looking forward, I miss all the good stuff from today.

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

I've been doing traffic reports through Roads Traffic for WBT-WLNK in Charlotte and some fill-in news anchoring for WBT. I appreciate the opportunity that they have given me to stay in the business part-time. Outside of that, improving the golf game and spending time with the wife. I'm really trying to do all the things that you don't get to do when you are working 24/7.

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.

It's real easy to get discouraged when you don't get a call back, or lose out on something you interviewed for, but you just have to keep going. From the outside I can say that there are HUGE opportunities now for radio! I've had the chance to listen as a "listener" would and realize there are a few things that I was doing right and a few things that I would do differently. It's all part of the learning process, and the learning process continues every day throughout the career.

4) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

Absolutely! It's all I've ever done since high school. I can't really see myself doing anything else. I still have a passion for the business!

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

This time. Two-and-a-half years.

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

An on-air position that tests my skills and also provides a new learning experience. You're never too old to learn something new.

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

I can say that out of all the packages that I have sent out, I may have heard from 15% of those contacted. I realize that PDs are being stretched to the max for time, so anytime that someone gets back to me, it's a bonus because I know they really don't have the time.

8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

I've always been proud that when I was programming WZGC that we sent our morning show over to Berlin when "The Wall" came down. It was a gamble, but it paid off with some great radio. We were one of only two radio stations in the U.S. that broadcast from that historic event.

9) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?

Yes, I would.

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

I've been "on the beach" three times and each time it's a new learning experience. I can say that I will NEVER take for granted the opportunity that has been given to me.

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

5.