-
10 Questions with ... Paul B. Walker, Jr.
October 18, 2005
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:Paul B. Walker, Jr.POSITION:General Manager/Chief OperatorSTATION:WTIR-AM 1300/Traveler Info RadioMARKET:Melbourne-Cocoa, FloridaCOMPANY:Rama Communications, Inc.BORN:Hartford, ConnecticutRAISED:All over Central & Eastern Connecticut
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I did a few weeks at a college radio station back in 2002. That same summer, I also appeared as "guest host" on an afternoon show at a local AM radio station in Connecticut. In October 2003, I became PD/MD of then Top 40 "Q1520AM" WQMA-AM 1520 in Marks, MS where I oversaw and programmed the station's flip to oldies.
Today, I'm the General Manager for Traveler Information Radio Network & WTIR-AM 1300 in Cocoa, Florida, which is owned by Rama Communications.
1. How did you get into radio?
I've been interested in radio since I was 11 years old or so. I think it started when my uncle told me about DX'ing and that started it all. Once I heard WOWO 1190 from Central Connecticut- I was absolutely amazed with radio and from then on, I knew that was what I wanted to be doing!
2. What are you passionate about?
I'm passionate about what I do, radio. It's a lot of fun for me and I wouldn't give it up for anything. I think what I'm most passionate about in my current job is the fact I can help listeners get around a traffic accident or stay dry during bad weather. Serving the listeners/community to the best of my ability is what I'm all about.
3. PD, engineer, manager, low power guru, voiceovers- you've taken on a lot of jobs in a short time. What's your long term goal- where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years?
Job? I consider it more along the lines of "getting paid to do what I love to do!" How many people can say that? But realistically...
I see myself being an Owner/operator of a small AM or FM radio station somewhere in the US in the next 2 years or so. I set a goal when I was 16 years old (I'm 22 now) that I would own a station before I'm 25. I fully expect that to happen.
In 10 or 20 years? MAYBE owning a few additional stations but I'd rather not think about getting that old just yet.
4. If you hadn't gone into radio, what would you be doing today?
You know what? That's a darned good question that I don't have an answer to!
I've tried to think about what I'd be doing if I wasn't in radio, but I can never figure it out. I've been "in" radio for too long and enjoy it too much to think about anything else!
5. As you look at ownership and as the business changes with tecnology and competition, what do you think the future holds for terrestrial radio? How do you expect it to change with the increased competition?
I think with the increased competition, terrestrial radio will get interesting as stations will have to compete for the almighty advertising dollar and Arbitron ratings. I would have to imagine things can only get better with increased competition. With phone companies, prices drop and service gets better. I have to figure that the same holds true with terrestrial radio and that it can only get better!
6. Who are your mentors and/or your inspirations?
Even though I only knew him for about 4 months, I would have to say one of my inspirations/mentors would be the late Steven Delay, former Chief Engineer for Rama Communications. Before his untimely death, he was always willing to share his knowledge with me concerning everything radio and be very patient when I asked him lots of questions.
I would like to think two of my high school teachers, Ms. Dart and Mr. Stanizzi would be mentors and inspirations. They encouraged me to be myself and follow my dreams. They were extremely supportive of me and were the best teachers I've ever had.
I have a lot of other people who have helped me or given me a little support along the way and if it weren't for them, I wouldn't be where I am today.
7. Of what are you most proud?
I don't have one specific thing I'm most prouf of. However, I'm glad that I can offer my assistance and advice to other broadcasters, especially Part 15 and LPFM people who are looking to start a new station. I like to see broadcasters making a difference in their community, and I'm PROUD to be able to assist in that!
8. What do you do for fun?
I love to just relax on the couch with my two cats, Mimi and Sweet Baby, while watching a good movie and chowin' down on a sweet snack. It's a nice way for me to relax without having to go anywhere.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _____________.
...a nice, cold soda and a good snack. It's a nice way to treat myself during the day.
10. What's the best advice you ever got? The worst?
I think the best advice/help I ever got would be from my radio friend Ira Littman. He once told me, "If you have a dream, go for it!"
I've never really gotten bad advice because I don't surround myself with someone who would give me negative advice.
-
-