Careers After College Radio
August 22, 2003

You love radio. You love music. How can you channel those interests into a full-time position that actually puts you on a solid career path?

Three professionals who attended the spring conference for the UC Radio Network sponsored by KALX 90.7 FM , the Cal campus radio station, offer their advice.

Career Center (CC): How did you get into your job? How did you prepare?

Neva Chonin (NC): After I graduated from college, I met an intern at the SF Bay Guardian who helped me get my foot in the door there. Initially I was a free lance writer, but then became a music writer and an arts editor at the Guardian. I eventually moved over to the SF Chronicle, first as a temp writer and now as a full-time Pop Music Critic for the paper. My internships with the Guardian were what launched me into the local music journalism scene. Although the internships were not paid, it was a great way for me to meet people in the business and build my resume. No one I know personally in music journalism went to journalism school to prepare for their careers. This is one reason I believe internships are key - think of them as an extension of school.

Nicole Sawaya (NS): I started off as a nontraditional college student who interned in broadcasting as I was pursuing my degree. I learned a lot through hands-on work and networking with people connected to the radio industry, which paid off because I became an independent producer at KQED while still in school. In that position I developed a substantial body of work - videos and audiotapes - that showcased my abilities to report on and produce stories. My first position after college was in public radio in a rural area of northern California where I was General Manager. I was then recruited by National Public Radio and went through a series of positions before landing my current job as General Manager of KALW FM. Whether you are interested in a career focused on public radio or commercial radio, be prepared to move if you're in the broadcasting industry.

Chris Applegren (CA): I first started at Lookout Records when I was 15 and have slowly climbed the ladder since then. My hook into the company was when I came onto a radio show that the then-owner was hosting. The contact I had with him led to my volunteering to take on miscellaneous office functions for the company, which then turned into paid internships with greater responsibility. After a short stint as a student at UC Berkeley, I switched to full-time work in radio and did much of my learning on the job. After several years I was promoted to Junior Manager and then rose to the top as President. Because I have had experience in practically every area of work at every level of the company, I really know what's going on and can make sound decisions for the business.

CC: What are the perks for your job? What are the challenges?

NC: A challenge for me is that writing seems to have become more corporatized. That is, music critics are not necessarily writing in a critical voice but are writing as if they are extensions of an artist's publicist. Also, there is some limitation to the style of writing one uses because the expectation is that you write short, punchy articles with easy vocabulary to appeal to a wide audience. On the flip side, I get to enjoy aspects of pop culture that I never thought I would (like attending a Britney Spears concert). Plus, I have the freedom to write on topics I truly care about, inform people about good music, and tap into various cultural music movements.

NS: The blessings of my job are that I get paid to problem solve, do in-depth news and music, meet amazing listeners and supporters, inspire young people through our programs, and make changes for the better. Especially in management, my challenges include needing a thick skin to withstand the grumbling that sometimes comes from staff about decisions I have to make, and then being fully accountable for those management decisions.

CA: The biggest perk is that I am constantly surrounded by music and art. My job is to facilitate and clarify the vision of an artist, to turn an idea or concept into a real product and promote the artist. Hand in hand with that is my biggest challenge, which is not to lose money because the company is ruled by commerce and sales. I need to assess what is feasible and what is functional. But if I can at least come out even or just a bit ahead to promote an artist I personally support and like, it's worth it.

CC: How much can one realistically expect to make in the industry? What are salary ranges?

NC: The freelance market is currently down, but during the average period, freelance writers will make around $30,000 at $0.25-3.00 per word in the mainstream press (alternative press typically pays $0.25-0.50 per word). Networking is useful to get into a salaried position where you can make $25,000-30,000 at a weekly publication; $40,000-60,000 if you are with a unionized paper; and $80,000-100,000 if you are in a senior editing position at a major publication.

NS: Freelancing in public radio pays $75-100 per minute, so you may need a safety net in the form of another job for additional income. The more established a reputation you build for yourself, the more money you can earn. Salaried jobs in more rural areas usually fall in the mid-range of $25,000-40,000. You can expect less than six figures but more than just a living wage if you're in a major market, such as New York City or San Francisco.

CA: At Lookout Records, the salaries range from $18,000-45,000, but we offer benefits, including retirement accounts and profit sharing, in addition to the great work environment.

CC: What advice can you offer on how to get the most out of an internship?

NC: Introduce yourself to everyone when you start your internship to get your name out. Then try to pitch stories and get your stories out. Remember, an internship is like an audition - you are always working to impress others, so be tenacious.

NS: To help you land internships, you should have professional business cards made and readily available at all times because you never know whose path you will cross. Also, wherever you intern, make sure you don't leave your position without taking a phone directory of the staff there. You'd be amazed how useful that can be for building your list of industry contacts.

CA: It is definitely worth trying to let people know what it is that you are capable of doing because each position you have might be a step up to your next career move.