(May 14, 2012) As a broadcaster, the key to conducting a great interview is to listen to your subject. STAA client Marc Ryan has proved that listening can also be the key to unlocking your next job. Ryan has accepted a job as Morning Drive host on Atlanta’s Sports and Entertainment Radio Network, 1100 AM in Atlanta, GA.
The job at 1100 was not officially listed anywhere. Instead, Ryan uncovered the opportunity after a friend who works at 1100 AM told him the station was looking to increase its sports presence.
“They had already signed up former Atlanta Brave and Atlanta Falcon, Brian Jordan, to host their Afternoon Drive sports show, and I sensed there might be a morning drive opening with the change to the format 1100 was making,” Ryan says. “I asked my contact about it, he asked me to send my materials, and I was very honored when the GM of 1100 called me the same day and told me I sounded like a “national caliber” host to him. Things fell into place after that.”
In addition to the responsibility of carrying Morning Drive duties in a major market, Ryan will also handle sales for the show. Since accepting the position, Ryan has been working hard to create a new show that he hopes both the Atlanta audience and advertisers will buy.
“This is a very exciting venture for me because it provides the opportunity to build something from the ground up, “Marc Ryan’s Opening Drive,” in the major market of Atlanta. Additionally, in listening to the sports radio shows presently airing here, I’ve discovered a successful possible niche for my show – a thought-provoking alternative to the Atlanta sports radio norm.
“There’s something inherently motivating about completely controlling your own program. This is my baby, and she’ll be cared for and nurtured as you would anything you’re extremely fond of.”
Ryan was named Orlando’s Best Sports Show Host in 2009 by Orlando magazine as an evening host for ESPN 1080. For the past two and a half years, Ryan has served as Morning Drive host of “The Morning Wrap” on The Ticket Sports Network of stations in the Florida Panhandle.
When it comes to the job market, Ryan’s best advice to job hunters is to build good relationships and adopt an entrepreneurial spirit.
“I’ve always been a big believer in relationships, networking, and in creating your own opportunity. In other words, just because a position isn’t listed, doesn’t mean there isn’t opportunity there.”
(Visit Marc’s STAA Talent Page).