10 Questions with ... Tod Tucker

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Programmed KZFM/Corpus Christi, KRUF/Shreveport, KHTT and KBEZ/Tulsa. On the air at: KEYS and KZFM/Corpus Christi, KRYS/Corpus Christi, KITE/Corpus Christi, KJ-103/Oklahoma City, KTST/Oklahoma City, Kiss 98.5/Houston, KRBE/Houston, KALC/Denver, KRUF/Shreveport, KHTT/Tulsa, KRMG/Tulsa

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

I began studying PPM last year while I was still programming. I stepped it up after leaving KHTT and KBEZ, because Tulsa is a diary market. While PPM is still a "work in progress," it re-enforces what I learned early in my career. Set appointments with listeners, HITS, short compelling breaks, and guerilla warfare on the streets. NEVER let a competitor outshine you at a neutral event. People have too many options; to listen to a jock blather about B.S. PPM gauges when they "hit the button" and go elsewhere!

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

I spend part of the day as if it were a normal workday. I schedule fake logs, look at Mediabase, write promos/imaging, and listen to radio.

3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

I started doing radio commercials when I was eight, and did my first solo air shift on KEYS/Corpus Christi when I was 14. I was full-time nights when I was 17. I've never done anything else. I would burn the fries!

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

I've been blessed ... and only on the beach twice in my long career. This eight-month stretch (not working full-time) has been the longest. The recession has had an impact for sure!

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

All Access (of course), and the radio company websites.

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

I've been amazed at the fact that SVPPs respond -- and respond quickly. They have their plates full ... and they've been amazing! Those are the kind of people I want to work for! I'm not going to name names, because it would appear that I'm kissing butt, but you know who you are! Thank you!

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

I'm a second-generation radio guy, and my dad taught me to be flexible ... able to do any format, any shift, any job. He had no idea when he gave me that advice how consolidated radio would become! It was prophetic advice. I do what I love ... and I love what I do! One thing that's not as common as it once was ... passion. I still have the passion!

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

Absolutely! I love "iheartradio!" I also listen to Broadway Bill Lee on CBS-FM from time to time on my iPhone.

9) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Wow! Too many to name. Being the first to play Lady Gaga, and then getting a Mediabase plaque, and having her recognize me in her meet-and-greet in Atlanta was pretty huge. Bringing Justin Bieber in to Tulsa for his first live concert. (He threw up backstage). And, finally, having Jason Derulo present me with the first mic he sang "Whatcha Say" live on, because we were the first at KHTT to play that single. That was a touching moment!

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

I miss creating "magic." I love fun, energetic radio! I also miss being a "wild man" on the air. There's nothing I don't miss about it. I'm ready for action!

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

Nelly "Just A Dream," Far East Movement "Like A G6," Wiz Khalifa "Black and Yellow."