(June 6, 2012) You’re reading through the list of qualifications for a job opening, feeling good, sure that it would be a good fit for you – and then there is one required skill listed with which you don’t have experience. You’re heart sinks because it probably means your application won’t get far, but sometimes you get lucky and find an employer willing to take a chance. That’s what happened for STAA client John Thayer. KVHT/KVTK Radio in Yankton/Vermillion, South Dakota, has hired Thayer as Sports Director.
The position includes play-by-play duties and a daily sports talk show on ESPN 1570.
While Thayer has considerable play-by-play experience, he hasn’t hosted a sports talk show since college.
“I am looking forward to my first attempt at sports talk on a commercial radio station,” Thayer explains.
“I feel that I have been passed on opportunities because a sports talk show has not been on my resume. Now someone is taking a chance on me and I am very excited. It is also a chance to get involved with D1 sports (University of South Dakota) by hosting a local pregame show and a post game call-in show.”
When station ownership needed assistance filling their Sports Director opening, they turned to STAA. The job was never posted publicly in the STAA forums. Instead, it was shared only with STAA Premiere members, including Thayer.
“I want to thank STAA for their service. A couple of months ago I was contemplating canceling my STAA account to save a little money. If I had done that I would not have this opportunity.”
“Mr. Fuller (Owner and President of Five Star Communications) found my Talent Page and, to my understanding, contacted STAA CEO Jon Chelesnik and then contacted me. The few extra dollars was definitely worth it!”
Except for a year in Colorado, Thayer has spent his entire career working in Nebraska. The new job offers Thayer the chance to live in a new state and reach a larger audience.
“I am definitely looking forward to new challenges. I have never had some of the responsibilities that are going to be asked of me. It is also a step up in market size with the station reaching Sioux Falls and the Sioux City, IA area.”
(Visit John’s STAA Talent Page).
1 Comment.
Good for you, John!!!!!!!!!!!!I am sure you will not let the station down. Sorry you are farther away from family, but it’s really not that far anyway.