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10 Questions with ... Elliot Segal
May 2, 2017
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Spent the early part of my career as a morning show producer bouncing back and forth between John Lander and Scott Shannon before transitioning to a co-host and now host. I have worked at 93Q in Houston, Pirate Radio in Los Angeles, Eagle 106 in Philadelphia, Z100 in New York, and DC/101 in Washington, DC.
1. Years ago you told me John Lander got you interested in radio growing up listening to KKBQ in Houston. What do you remember most about listening to Lander and how did you get your first gig on the Q-Morning Zoo?
The thing that always stood out to me about Lander's show was it did everything. As a young teenager I did not understand it then, I just liked it. But, understanding radio now, his show did everything. It was funny. It was informative. It had fun promotions. It interviewed music, movie, TV, sports, and news stars. It was not just Houston, it was my area. And, it was passionate. It always seemed to me that they enjoyed doing the show as much as I enjoyed listening to it. That is the biggest thing that I try to do now, convey that I am having as much fun doing this as I can. And, no matter what the tone is, I love what I do.
2. Let's flash forward about 20 years. How did Elliot In The Morning come to fruition on DC101?
The short story is that I had been at Z-100 for years. I was there with Lander. I was there through the revolving door of guest hosts. I was there with Steve Cochran. Somehow, I survived the transition from Steve Kingston to Tom Poleman. Poleman put Elvis and I together to host the Zoo and, I can tell you, I had a great time. But, after several years, two things were clear: I still wanted to host my own show one day, and while I loved Top 40, I needed to do something different. And, Z-100 needed me to do something different. So Poleman and I went to dinner and had the first of many great conversations about what to do. We agreed it was time for me to move on and 9 months later I moved to DC. DC/101 was not doing well at all, so, in hindsight, I think they may have felt like they had nothing to lose in giving me a shot. It also helped me that Poleman was going to oversee the DC market.
3. How would you describe your morning show. Give us the 411 on yourself and the cast?
The show is me, Diane, Tyler and Kayleigh. And I think I would describe the show as being a little bit of everything, variety. It is very current events based. Very phone interactive. We'll also have bands play in the studio, interview people in the news, bring in comics, interview authors, talk to local celebrities. But, more than anything, it is the world through the eyes of 4 people with their own points of view and personal experiences. There is no story or event that we cannot cover from the most serious to the most juvenile.
4. What is your show prep routine and how much time does your crew spend together outside of the morning show?
I know it's fashionable to say "I don't prep." But, this show preps like crazy. Everyone on the show preps throughout the day in their own way. Everything from news, to entertainment, current events, personal interests, etc. Prepping for interviews, whether that means watching screeners, reading entire books, or sorting through other stories. I've always felt like it is being prepared that gives me the ability to take conversations in multiple directions. It allows me to include several points of view and represent multiple sides of a conversation. Don't confuse being prepared with being scripted. And, clearly only a portion of things get used every day. Being prepared also allows me to totally ditch my roadmap for the day if things to start "feel" different during the show.
Me personally, I am up at 2:00am and roll into the station around 3:00. I'll read and prep and lay out the show until we go on. After the show, there may be a meeting or two, but then it is back to working on the next day, the next week and the next month. Leave the station at 2:00 in the afternoon. Get some family time. And continue to keep up with what is going on in the world, which is usually another 2-3 hours of prep throughout the rest of the day.
5. What is your favorite part of the show?
Not sure I have a favorite part of the show. I still get nervous every day, but I like that feeling. I also like when you can feel the phones explode with people wanting to get on the air and share.
6. What would surprise people most about Elliot In The Morning?
This is a tough one, because I don't know what most of the industry thinks about the show. I guess the first thing that comes to mind is that I have had PDs and GMs and corporate people that I really do get along with.
7. You've had some controversial morning show bits over the year. How have you managed to move the needle and walk the line?
I think that being able to manage walking the line, moving the needle, and remaining employed has to do with really understanding the audience and having the company know that there is a difference between pushing the envelope and smashing it. Earning the trust of the audience comes with time and integrity. With management, I think they understand that I understand what I'm doing. And why I'm doing it.
8. What is the Elliot In The Morning syndication process?
The syndication process is very easy with WRXL in Richmond. We've been on for well over a decade and I don't just treat it, or any station I have been on, like an affiliate. But the process is simple. They know how long each stopset is and that time has to be filled. Then, it's one show. I'm not a fan of pre-recorded segments of having certain segments not air in favor of local breaks or music. I like to think we do one show and it is inclusive for everyone listening. Granted, it's also likely the biggest reason I don't have significant syndication. I do talk to WRXL/Richmond regularly and make sure that Richmond news and information is part of my daily prep. The same has always been true no matter where the show has aired.... but that's a whole other story.
9. What annoys you most during the morning show?
Bombing on a bit.
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Interacting with people.
Bonus Questions
What are weekends like for you?
I have two sons (12 and 10). So weekends usually revolve around their activities and then spending time with my wife and friends.
What are your hobbies?
Hockey! Both my kids play. I still play most weekends. We watch a lot of it. We're definitely all Washington Capitals fans... but we keep a rooting interest in the Montreal Canadiens.
Last non-industry job?
I was helping to stock a WalMart in Houston before it opened. I would work overnight from 11p-5a, helping stock the store and then go off to high school. They were not going to keep me on when the store opened, so thank God that Lander hired me.
First record ever purchased?
I think the first full length record I bought was "Back In Black" by AC/DC. "Moving Pictures" by Rush was a very close second.
First concert?
The Texas Jam at the Astrodome. Great line up: Point Blank, Joan Jett And The Black Hearts, Sammy Hagar, Santana, and Journey.
Favorite band of all-time?
Soul Asylum
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