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10 Questions with ... Paul Cannell
December 6, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
KMNR (college radio). PD at KORX/Springfield, MO; MD/APD, KXUS/Springfield, MO; PD, KOCD/ Joplin, MO ; PD, KTUX/Shreveport, LA; PD, KOOJ/ Baton Rouge, LA; PD, WKLR/ Richmond, VA, Digital Content Director, WKBU/ New Orleans, LA; PD & Digital Managing Editor, KTUX/Shreveport, LA; PD, WMFX/Columbia, SC; and PD, WRMR/Wilmington, NC.
1. It's time to meet the new PD of WRMR. How did you first become interested in radio?
You can't grow up near St. Louis without being exposed to the KSHE monster. My older brother grew up on that station, and passed it along to me. He also bought me my first guitar for Christmas when I was seven. I blame him for my fixation on music. But I digress... I applied at the college radio station at Univ. of MO - Rolla. Eventually became Business Manager and MD. After college, I carried my resume and God-awful aircheck to a radio station outside of Springfield, MO (KORX). I scored the overnight gig, and 6 months later, I was promoted to MD. That sealed the deal, and I haven't looked back.
2. What led you from WMFX/Columbia to WRMR/Wilmington?
A very long tunnel that took me several months to dig... Basically, I have always, first and foremost, been a music fan. I love new music. I love hearing a new song for the first time, and knowing that I have to get it on the air NOW! That wasn't part of the equation at WMFX. Also, during my stay in Richmond, VA, I had the opportunity to visit The Outer Banks of North Carolina on occasion, and fell in love with the area. So, when the position in Wilmington opened up - let's see...an Alternative station...on the beach? Yes, please...
3. Your roots in Rock radio. How does it feel to be working in the Alternative format?
I love it! While Active Rock has been my wheelhouse, I've always made sure to expose myself to all genres of music. You'd be surprised at my Bluegrass collection. I'm loving all the different textures and sounds of the Alternative format - from Green Day to Group love to The Revivalists to Bishop Briggs to.... It's like a musical six course dinner. With dessert.
4. What's it like working for Sunrise Broadcasting and how does it compare to working at the big ownership groups?
Every company has its' little quirks, and I can say that because I've worked for them all! Well...almost all. Clear Channel/iHeart/Cox/Entercom/TSM/Alpha...all great companies with amazing talent. I've found that the "big" companies are more structured, sometimes with several levels of bureaucracy to deal with on a day-to-day basis. Here, you're still held responsible for results, but you have near complete autonomy to succeed or fail on your own.
5. Give us the 411 on WRMR, 98.7 Coastal Carolina's Modern Rock.
It's the House That Ross (Mahoney) Built. I swear his ghost still wanders the halls. Ross and Zack (McHugh) put a lot of TLC into this radio station, and I don't see any reason to change the track it's on - straight ahead alt, with a lean to the pop side. Reggae, ska, and the whole surf/skateboard thing are HUGE in Wilmington, so they play a big part in the music. Coming from the rock side of the fence, I'm not afraid of guitars, but here, I have to be careful not to let myself get carried away. The biggest change at 'RMR will be the on-air staff...since there wasn't one when I got here!
6. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?
Handsome and debonair. No, seriously, I believe having a great team is a priority, so first and foremost, I like to surround myself with people that are smarter and more talented than I am. People who love what they're doing, and actually care about the people they work with. People who can spot and fix minor problems before I'm even aware of them. People I can trust to understand and implement the plan I have for the station. Then I let them do their job.
7. What is your favorite part of your job?
How can I have just one favorite part? Who's your favorite child? I love the music; the people I work with; the fact that I can make a living doing what I love; and the people I meet because of this job.
8. How did you get the nickname Gonzo?
A guy that worked with me (Naked Jake, KTUX/Shreveport) told me my real name was too boring. He said "You're a Hunter S. Thompson junkie, why not something like "Gonzo"? Why not, indeed...
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Lunch
10. What would surprise people most about you?
I really have a full head of hair.
Bonus Questions
What do you enjoy doing on the weekends?
Hanging out with my dog, Dexter. Checking out a new movie. Smoking a cigar while sipping on Irish Whiskey. Now, I have to add being a beach bum to the list.
What are your hobbies?
I've been writing the Great American novel for ten years now. Someday, I'll finish it. Listening to music. Reading, painting (canvas, not houses), and beating around on a guitar occasionally.
First record ever purchased?
Led Zeppelin, Physical Graffiti
First concert?
Ted Nugent. In a cave. Seriously.
Favorite band of all-time?
Contemporary band would be Tool, but I always find myself going back to Zeppelin to recharge my soul.
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