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10 Questions with ... Charlie Morgan
September 15, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- 1985-2006: Susquehannah Radio Country WFMS/Indianapolis - On air/PD/VP/GM
- 2007-2009: IMS Productions - President/CEO
- 2009-Present: Emmis Communications - Sr. VP/Market Manager/Indianapolis
1) Charlie, congratulations on assuming the role of CRS President. You're already pretty busy with a day job as Sr. VP/Market Manager for Emmis/Indianapolis. What made you take on this added responsibility?
When I reflect on the 30+ years I have enjoyed in Country Radio, much of what I know, who I know, and have been able to do can be traced to things I've learned, people I've met, or ideas I have been exposed to at CRS. How can I not try to repay some of that by helping continue to insure the future success of such an important organization? Besides, my employees are glad I have something to distract me!
2) You stepped off the CRS Board for a few years but then returned. How had the organization evolved during your time away?
My time away coincided with some of the toughest years that Country Radio and The Country Music Industry have faced, so I guess my timing was pretty good, in hindsight! By the time I got back, there had been a significant recognition by the board that we, collectively, had to make sure that we had the right people, resources and strategy in place to make the event so valuable that you HAVE to come, no matter how tough the economy is. The Board made difficult decisions and today, we are seeing the event not just survive, but thrive as a result.
3) So, Mr. President, give us a quick state of CRS address. The Country format has never been healthier. Does CRS reflect that current success?
The energy around CRS and the format cannot be separated. Where once there was gloom and doom in the halls of the Convention Center, the energy and enthusiasm has returned to the highest levels I can recall in many years. People who have been away have returned. New people are discovering the event for the first time. Our partners in the record business are putting on amazing showcases of the talent in our industry and everyone feeds off that energy.
4) Year after year, CRS attendees walk away with strong praise for the agenda. We know this is planned months in advance, so how do you guys stay on top of current trends so the curriculum stays so relevant?
The way this event's content comes together is one of the most amazing things about CRS. For more than six months, a dedicated group of VOLUNTEERS from all parts of our industry work to identify and develop the topics that will be most relevant to our attendees. Then they challenge themselves to put the most compelling panelists in place to speak to those topics. We leave spaces in the agenda for "breaking hot topics" that get filled in closer to the event to insure that we are as relevant as we can be. Our staff works closely, especially Sheree Latham to meet deadlines and timelines and handle all of the logistics of gathering all of this talent for three days. It is like an orchestra that never gets to rehearse but all magically comes together for one special show!
5) You're one of the few radio executives out there who started on the air and progressed through the programming ranks. What advantage has this background provided you in your current role?
Wait, there's an advantage to this path? Who knew!?! I hope that people would say the advantage is that I have a true passion for broadcasting, broadcasters, music and the special relationship a radio station can have with a listener which helps guide my decisions every day that maybe someone who never worked on the product side does not possess.
6) It's also interesting that you formerly ran Cumulus WFMS before joining Emmis' WLHK. What's it like to suddenly compete with a station you helped build - and that you lived and breathed for so many years.
My 23 years at WFMS were amazing and when I left, I was grateful for the more than two decades I enjoyed there. I assumed I would never be able to experience such a magical ride again. In fact, I felt like I had already had way more than my fair share of spectacular highs in the business. Fast forward six years and I can tell you I have never had more fun than I have in the four years here at Emmis and with HANK. Much of that has to do with the group of people I get to work with every day.
7) You also have former WFMS PD Bob Richards with you at Emmis. This seems like a strong partnership and a deep personal friendship. Can you talk about that?
On the Friday of my first week at Emmis, my Ops Manager came into my office, closed the door and said he had just been offered an amazing opportunity back in the city he was from. He had to take it. I agreed. He couldn't pass up that opportunity. I called Bob that day only to learn that his non-compete expired THAT DAY! If that isn't a sign that we are supposed to always work together, what is? Not only is Bob a remarkable radio programmer and manager, he is one of the finest men I know and one of my longest and dearest friends (even though he will tell you that I did not hire him the first time I interviewed him back at WFMS 20 years ago!). That's what I meant when I said that much of what makes this so special is the people I get to work with.
8) As WLHK has gradually increased its share, WFMS has held its own. The net effect is a larger Country audience and one of the best markets in the US for the format. What makes Indy such a big market for Country?
I think three decades of WFMS' success has exposed multiple generations to country music as the mainstream music format in Indianapolis. When you combine that with two stations working hard to gain listeners and the fantastic depth of talent that country music is enjoying, you get the huge share the format enjoys!
9) You actually stepped away from day-to-day radio between WFMS and WLHK. Did that time off give you a different perspective on the radio business?
It did. It made me recognize that radio is not as "life or death" in the consumer's daily life as it felt like it was to me when I was working in it. It has helped provide good perspective to me now that I am back in the business.
10) You've done what is called "marrying the market" in our business. Can you ever imagine working anywhere other than Indy?
There have definitely been times when I considered opportunities in other markets, very seriously. But when you are working for great companies like Susquehanna or Emmis, it takes a very unique opportunity to make it worth leaving. I think I have been so blessed in working for two such fantastic companies that it is as much about the company as it is the city. Now, after 34 years of working in Indy, the relationships I have developed make it even harder to ever imagine working somewhere else. Just another way I have cheated the radio gods, my parents, my wife's parents, our siblings and extended families all live here.
Bonus Questions
1. I'm coming to Indy during the football season. What are the chances you can spiff me with Colts tickets?
Pretty good! We are the Broadcast Home of the Colts so we have a pretty sweet suite! Just don't ask for the game on October 20th when Peyton Manning returns.
2. Were you aware that John Dillinger is buried at Crown Hill Cemetery Indy and if so, have you visited his gravesite?
Dillinger's getaway car is on display in the airport! We all know the Dillinger connection and in 4th grade, I think, I did a gravestone etching of his tombstone at Crown Hill Cemetery.
3. Is it true you are a wine snob?
"Snob" is such a harsh term! I'm not saying it isn't true, just that it is harsh.
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