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10 Questions with ... Paul Ladd
May 1, 2006
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NAME:Paul LaddTITLE:Director of Listener Follow-UpCOMPANY:World Christian BroadcastingFORMATS:Christian-oriented programming, presented magazine styleMARKET:Based out of Franklin, TennesseeLOCATION:Nashville, TN; transmitters are in AlaskaBORN:West Chester, PARAISED:Everywhere
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started in the business when I was attending community college in North Carolina. I continued working in the business at both paid and unpaid gigs until I graduated from Middle Tennessee State University. Since then, I've worked mostly in radio news, but have also been a TV anchor and newspaper/magazine writer. For two years, I worked for the Governor of Tennessee as a communications officer at the Department of Human Services.
1) What made you want to get into the radio business? Early mentors? First job?
I've always been into news and wanted to be one of the guys reporting it. When I was a kid, I'd play news.
My early mentors were my high school English teacher, Mrs. Johnson ("Mrs. J"); my high school journalism teacher, Mrs. Wilson, and the man who gave my first radio job, Jim Kelso.
My first job, other than the community college station, was as public affairs host for WISP/WQDW in Kinston, NC.
2) What do you think is the most important topic facing Radio right now? Why?
Keeping programming original and informative and also keeping good people.
(Why?) Without original, informative programming and good people to make it happen, a station can't set itself apart from all the other guys.
3) What does Christian Radio need to do in order to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis?
Be genuine, stick to practical, everyday issues and think about the people who are listening.
4) What are the biggest changes you would like to see happen in our industry?
More emphasis on creativity and the people who make that creativity happen. More emphasis on good broadcast writing. Less stock in what consultants say.
5) What are the greatest challenges you face in your position?
Talking to an international audience and responding to their comments in a timely, thoughtful manner.
6) What are the greatest rewards in your position?
Hearing from listeners who say our programs have made a positive difference in their lives; the opportunity to meet and interview a lot of interesting and (sometimes well-known) people.
7) What makes your company unique?
The fact that, as a non-profit station, we don't ask listeners for money. Ever. We don't have a bunch of dopey meetings because we'd rather do our jobs. Meetings around here are rare, usually short and always about something. Also, our diverse staff keeps the place interesting.
8) What is your favorite radio station? Who is your favorite personality?
KYW, Philadelphia (Want me to sing the jingle?)
My favorite radio personality is Sid Mark.
9) Who has had the biggest impact on these facets of your life: Personal, Professional and Spiritual? Why?
Personal - Family.
Professional -Chris Clark, Paul Randall Dickerson ("The Chief"), Larry Kane, Doug Poling. Each influenced either my decision to work in broadcasting or my work itself. They also have been kind enough to offer me good advice along the way and for that, I am fortunate.
Spiritual - The gang at WCB, because they are the real deal and show it through their lives.
10) Best advice for younger, less experienced future radio industry execs?
It's nice to know the technical and administrative stuff but it's more important to know your people and let them do their jobs. Remember to take time for those who are looking for career guidance. People helped us and we should help in return.
Bonus Questions
1) What book have you read that has touched you or taught you the most?
Home Among Strangers by Gary Holloway
2 ) What is your favorite quote?
"People in Hell want ice water, too, but that doesn't mean they're gonna get it." (My Mom said that a lot when my sister and I wanted anything as kids.)
3) What's in your CD player right now?
Frank Sinatra - The Main Event
Al Martino - Come Share the Wine
The John Lennon Collection
Third Eye Blind - Blue4) Do you have Musical Guilty Pleasures?
Abba (any of their stuff)
Lotta Love - Nicolette Larson -
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