-
10 Questions with ... Reid "On The Radio"
April 3, 2012
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- Promotions Intern/weekends/night show intern -WDCG/Raleigh, Jan 2007-April 2009;
- APD/MD/nights - WABB/Mobile, April 2009-November 2011;
- APD/nights - WHQC/Charlotte, November 2011-present
1) What led you to a career in radio?
I was going to UNC-Chapel Hill and needed an internship to graduate. I started as a promotions intern at CC/Raleigh, and one day I was putting prize sheets in the studio when Randi West asked me to go stand by one of the mics. We did a break and I was hooked from there!
2) How would you describe your first radio gig?
Amazing! I had some of the best teachers in the industry in Randi West, Geller and Brody at G105. It was a great environment and everyone was willing to give you tips and help you grow as a talent. I would ask Randi to aircheck me every single week and even though she was slammed, she would take 30 minutes to sit down and tell me how I could get better. Once I became a night show intern with Geller, I began to take all those things Randi had taught me in our airchecks to see how they were applied to a show and creating good content.
3) What is your favorite part of the job?
Being able to connect with the listeners. I look for things to talk about on my show that they can relate to and go "You know, I thought about that yesterday." That helps you become part of their life and routine because they feel like you are talking directly to them.
4) Could you give us a little insight into your on-air staff?
The Ace and TJ Show, Charlotte LEGENDS, hold down AM drive. They are some of the best people I have ever worked with. They take the time on the air and off to listen and interact with the listeners on an amazing level! They have weaved themselves into the Charlotte community through their show, as well as the local charity work they do with Ace and TJ's Grin Kids. Katie, from FLZ, does 10a-noon and is great at talking straight to the female listeners. She makes you feel like she's one of your girlfriends just hanging out, talking about what's going on in Hollywood or what your shoes say about you. Ryan Seacrest is on from noon-4p, followed by Boomer, our PD, who does PM drive and makes you feel like you're having a party in the car while you're in traffic. I do the night show from 7p-midnight and keep the party going that Boomer started at 4. I like to keep it very interactive between phones and engagement on Facebook. It's all about having fun here -- and I think you can feel that when you're listening.
5) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
Kane from Hot 99.5 in DC. He's innovative, entertaining and super-relatable. When you're listening, you really feel like it's a guy and his two friends hanging out -- and there just so happens to be a mic in the room. He presents material in a way that the listener can retain it very easily, and talk about it the rest of the day. He is also another great example of how we, as jocks, should connect with the listeners. Listening to him makes me strive to be the best jock I can be.
6) Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?
Jay-Z. He's an icon in the music industry, and an inspiration in creativity. I'm fascinated by the fact that when he comes up with a rhyme he doesn't write it down. It's just in his head and comes out when the time is right.
7) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
G105 in Raleigh. I grew up with it. My parents wouldn't let me listen to Bob and Madison, but eventually they broke down. It's crazy looking back because I used to change my oil and listen to Randi in the afternoon and Brody when he was doing nights. Back then I never would have dreamed that one day I would be working with them.
8) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
That we are making a difference in our listener's lives. During the last few days of my old station WABB, just seeing the thousands of comments, hearing the listener's stories, and even having people call me here in Charlotte just to say, "Thank you," meant the world to me. It's a true example of the impact we have on people's lives. Randi West said it best during an aircheck: "The goal is to be a complete stranger's best friend," and that has always stuck with me.
9) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
To give it 150% all the time, because you are in control of our own success. Do anything you can to learn and master your craft.
10) What advice you would give people new to the business?
Do ANYTHING you can. Stay late and soak up everything. Don't be scared to ask how things work. You never know where it can lead.
Bonus Questions
What was your last non-industry job?
A call center customer service rep at the American Institute of CPAs ... I basically got yelled at over the phone for eight hours a day. LOL
-
-