10 Questions with ... Sean Kernick

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• Intern, KSYN-KXDG/Joplin, MO May 2003-November 2003
• Part-time, KSYN-KXDG/Joplin, MO December 2003-May 2004
• Full-time Overnights, KSYN-KXDG/Joplin, MO June 2004-June 2007
• Part-time, KKOW-KBZI/Pittsburg, KS November 2007-February 2008

I grew up listening to KSYN in Joplin, MO. One night in college, I was listening to the radio while I was studying. I heard the night jock talking about the radio station looking for interns. If anyone was interested, they should go their website to apply. I filled out the form online that night. Two weeks later, I started as an intern, doing everything from cutting banners to dubbing syndication to being the stunt boy for the night jock. A short six months later I was hired part-time. Another six months later, after I graduated, I was promoted to full-time as the overnight jock. I also produced "The Bob and Tom Show" and "The Kissin' Breakfast Club," oversaw the websites for the cluster, and all the weekend syndication. After being diagnosed as a diabetic, I left KSYN-KXDG. After four months on the beach, I filled in over the holidays at KKOW-KBZI, handling the midday all-request lunch hour on KBZI.

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

I'm currently working for the big blue box factory, but paging someone isn't the same as entertaining my listening audience and hitting the post.

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

This is it. I've had great interviews, but have yet to find someone willing to take that chance that I'm the person they need.

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

Networking. In this business, who you know is as important as what you can do. Everyone knows someone who knows someone.

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

All Access and my former radio friends.

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

Middays or afternoons on a Top 40/Hot AC with promotional responsibilities.

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

It's non-existent. I normally find out I didn't get the job reading the Net News on All Access.

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

I can wear a lot of hats and have no difficulty multi-tasking. As a live overnight jock, I was doing about 60 hours of work in a 30 hour week.

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

Not really sure. Let me think about it.

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

Be a sponge, learning as much as you can. Never say no to an opportunity.

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

In five years, hopefully at the same station/cluster that hires me, pulling middays or afternoons and coordinating promotions. In 10 years, at that same station as an MD/APD or PD.