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10 Questions with ... Britt Whitmire
November 24, 2009
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- WPNF Brevard, NC
- WXQR Jacksonville, NC
- WRHT-WRHD (The Hot FM)/Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville-Morehead City
- WKXB (Jammin 99.9)/Wilmington, NC
- WKZL/Greensboro-Winston Salem-High Point
- WZTK (FM Talk 101.1)/Greensboro-Winston Salem-High Point/Raleigh-Durham
1. How did you get your start in radio?
My mother was adamant that I pay for my POS car (1979 Buick Regal Turbo w/ Astroturf top; this was '86), so I looked for a job and couldn't find anything. Then I went to WPNF-AM (1,000 watts of pure power) in Brevard and found out that the basketball players who were working part-time there would soon have to quit due to b'ball practice. So, I got to spin jazz and big band records (some 78 RPMs) three hours a night a couple of nights a week. I worked my way up to afternoon drive after school and color commentary for high school football. I was a radio junkie before then, but I was REALLY hooked after that.
2. About what are you most passionate these days?
Cutting through the BS and having some optimism when so many people are screaming that the end of the country (and the world) is upon us.
3. You were in music radio for a long time before joining Brad (Krantz, another music radio refugee) in talk radio. What differences have you found in approaching a show for a talk station as opposed to a music station? Are there differences in topics, approach, show prep for a talk show as opposed to a music morning show like you did at KZL? Or is any radio just radio?
It's not that different, but the listeners are much smarter. We don't do much in the way of celebrity stuff. The "Robert Pattinson Update" really isn't part of our show.
4. You and Brad come at things from different political viewpoints. How do you manage it when things get heated? Do they get heated?
They do get heated, but it's important not to take things personally. You have to avoid getting personal or "piling on" when the listeners hit the other guy (Brad's still working on that one).
5. Who are your mentors, inspirations, and influences?
Brad would definitely be one and he has encouraged me many times over the years when my career wasn't going so well. I have enjoyed Steve Dahl for a number of years and I still listen to his podcasts. I try not to rip him off, but I realize that many of us do. I also used to enjoy the Don and Mike Show (WJFK/Washington), as it was the best copy of the Steve and Garry Show. I do some voices on our show, so I really enjoyed hearing Mike O'Meara's imitations. He's a master. I also think Brian Whitman, Anthony Cumia (Opie & Anthony), and Jim Ward (Stephanie Miller Show) do incredible voices.
6. What would surprise people most about you?
I'm a fairly shy person. Also, the first time I ever boarded a plane, I jumped out of it. I'm a pretty good cook.
7. Of what are you most proud?
I always think back to my career and I am always most proud of the times I helped people. Whether it was getting information to people in Eastern NC during a hurricane or raising money for the North Carolina Children's Hospital, I will never forget the times I was able to use my talents to help those who needed it.
8. What, and who, makes you laugh?
Larry David, Mitch Hedberg, Letterman, Brad Krantz, Steve Dahl, and my dogs.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _____________.
...a nap.
10. What's the best advice you've ever gotten? The worst?
Best: All you have is your name, your word, and your work (Mom)
Worst: Britt, don't ever tell the PD you only want to play 4 records an hour! (Consultant Mike Donovan, who knows more about radio than I ever will; love ya Mike) -
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