10 Questions with ... Corey Moran

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• WBSU/Brockport, NY (Yes I'm counting my college station)
• Clear Channel/Rochester, NY, board op/programming assistant
• WPXY/Rochester, NY/ Part-time/swing/promotions
• WKKF/Albany, NY, nights/APD
• WVHT/Virginia Beach, VA, nights

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

After catching the radio bug in college at my school's station (89.1 The Point), I landed one of those SUPER-fun part-time entry level jobs at Clear Channel/ Rochester, NY. I started out there as an overnight board operator. What college junior WOULDN'T want to spend their Friday and Saturday nights babysitting a cluster of seven radio stations? I'd like to thank my friends for all the drunk dials.

2) What led you to a career in radio?

I started doing it in college just for fun and ended up falling in love with it. It's really hard to picture myself doing anything else. I've had so many great experiences and met so many amazing people along the way. I also lucked out and had some pretty great people who've believed in me. Special thanks to Koz from my college station, Mike Danger from 98 PXY, Rob Dawes, Randy McCarten and most recently Paul McCoy and Michele Williams here in Virginia Beach. And a VERY special thanks to the program director, who told me I'd never make it on-air. That's been great motivation over the years.

3) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?

One word ... exciting! PPM started over the summer and it's been very interesting to see how that changed the game. There's a lot of great competition and I really enjoy the challenge that brings. It's also really cool that most of the time it's friendly rivalries.

4) What makes your station unique? How would you compare it to other stations you've worked at?

It's a really fun atmosphere and I like to think that translates into our shows and over the air. I've worked at stations before where the total feel of the building was like an insurance office. It's radio! It's supposed to be fun! And it's very fun to work here. We've got a lot of passionate and creative people on board and it's infectious.

5) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?

Absolutley! It's essential to wear as many hats as you can ... except fedoras, I'm sorry, you look stupid. But seriously, I do my on-air shift, production, some imaging and music scheduling. I assist our AMAZING promotions team, write copy (when sales is lazy), and pretty much anything else Paul McCoy asks me do. And no, Paul, I still refuse to pick up your laundry. Get an intern; that's what they're for.

6) What is your favorite part of the job?

I love the fact that every day is new and interesting. It's exciting to go into work each day and not really know what to expect. I feel sorry for people chained to a cubicle from 9-5 every day doing work they hate. I'm a fan of the "You'll never 'work' a day in your life if you're doing something you love" philosophy.

7) What's the coolest promotion you've been involved with recently?

Lady Gaga came to Charlottesville, VA about a month ago. We got a bunch of tickets, a big-ass bus, packed it with listeners and turned it into a big party. I'd just like to once again apologize to our driver for the mess ... things ended up getting a little crazy...

8) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

Growing up in Binghamton, NY, it was Star 105.7. I called the station once and when the DJ answered I got scared and hung up. Ironically, that is now one of my BIGGEST pet peeves.

9) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?

It's sort of linked, but when I was sitting on the beach for five months, I figured I should learn a new skill, so I blew a bunch of my severance money on mixing equipment. I've been at it for about a year-and-a-half now and it's a lot of fun and come in really handy. There are a lot of great bars and clubs in the area and it's been a pleasure being able to play at them.

10) What advice you would give people new to the business?

Find a way to get your foot in the door, make the most of every opportunity, and generally just work your ass off. Learn from EVERYONE around you. Just because you're a promotions intern doesn't mean you can't try to learn how to do some production or sit in on a show. If you're a sponge for knowledge and always willing to help out, people will take notice. That ... and NETWORK like crazy.

What ringtone do you have on your cell?

The Notre Dame fight song. I've been a fan all my life. It's been a rough few years...