10 Questions with ... Chuck Charles

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Radio wasn’t even a career I was looking to get into. I had gotten my first degree in music and after dropping out of grad school, I went back to school for communications and ended up doing an internship at WIXX/Green Bay. The job just fit my personality. Outgoing, creative and I didn’t have to “act professional.” I could get paid to try and make people laugh. From there I have worked at WKSZ & WKZG/Appleton, WI, WZWZ/ Kokomo, IN and my most recent on-air job was at WVBO/Oshkosh, WI. I have learned so much in the industry including audio/video editing, social media management, marketing, promotions sales & even the financial side of the business.

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

When I first got let go, it was tough. I spent the last 3.5 years working full time in radio and it had become all I knew professionally. I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to transfer my skills from this industry to another one. I started my blog up again, my own podcast and decided I was going to work on my YouTube channel. I finally got on TikTok (dangerous) and have made weekly goals to try to keep up with trends and hone my craft just in case I ever got another on air opportunity.

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

During the pandemic, I’ve used a lot of my time at home to invest more into equipment and video side of things. I love making videos. It’s honestly one of my favorite things. As I said above, I’ve been on TikTok probably more than I should be, but that’s where most trends are starting and where a lot of the audience is these days.

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.

This one finally hit me at the beginning of the year. Instead of relying on the brand you’re a part of to separate or make you feel worthy, work on your brand as well. If there’s one thing I’ve been doing is keeping a list of ideas that I could bring to the table just in case the opportunity arises. I’ve always put the station’s brand before mine, and I always will because I don’t believe anyone should be bigger than the station, but I’ve really started to work on how I want to represent myself as a brand.

4. Do you plan on sticking with radio?

I would like to stick with radio. We all know how the money side of things work, but it’s a job I’ve really felt comfortable with and I feel like I am pretty good at. It’s the only job where I’ve been recognized winning a WBA award for my show and one for social media.

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

This is my current longest stretch on the beach. My last full time on air position was 15 months ago with my last on air job 8 months ago.

6. What's the best way to get your foot in the door?

It seems, to me, the best way to get your foot in the door is by working hard. Internships are huge. Once you get that, you do whatever it takes to prove you want that opportunity. There’s so much competition out there and you have to separate yourself. Especially in today’s oversaturated media world. But don’t underestimate hard work. Networking will always be a big plus. That seems to be the best way to make that next step past the door.

7. What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?

I’ve been looking at the Radio Peeps group on Facebook just as much as I have been using the All Access website.

8. What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?

I’m not sure if it’s crazy, but I uprooted my life and moved to Indiana where I knew no one and the only time I ever met my boss and GM was on video chat interviews.

9. What is the next job you'd like to obtain?

I would love another on air position. I would also like to learn how to be a music director, as I feel that is the one skill I am lacking. I know I can’t just obtain a position, but in the next one I get, I would like to be the backup.

10. Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?

I’m gonna say they’re about the same. I’ve never made a lot of money in the radio business. The benefits have always been pretty good, as far as I’m concerned, with the lack of salary being made up in other areas such as perks.