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10 Questions with ... Justin Bryant
May 6, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- 1993-2002, WPXY/Rochester, NY (everything including APD/MD)
- 2002-2006, WWYL/Binghamton, NY (PD/MD/afternoons)
- 2006-2007, WBHT/Wilkes-Barre,PA (PD/middays)
- 2009-2011, WVBX, WWUZ, WNTX/Fredericksburg, VA (PD/MD)
- 2013-Present, WMGB/Macon, GA
1) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
There's a wide variety of formats in Macon including several Urban, Urban AC and Rhythmic radio competitors in addition to two Country stations and two ACs. It provides a unique situation being the only Mainstream Top 40 in the market when we're all sharing cume to varying degrees.
2) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?
Absolutely, I'm responsible for it all here. I love the work! Scheduling music, writing imaging, air shift, etc. is all on me with Kraddick in mornings, Otto Mation in middays, and Adam Bomb at night while I do afternoons.
3) What is your favorite part of the job?
After 21 years, I still enjoy being able to interact with the audience on the air and in person while hearing their thoughts on what we do, whether it's the music we play, the contests we do, or the events we're at.
4) What is the most challenging part of the job?
Time management! It's a fun challenge every day to make sure that everything is done and handled properly with programming, social media, promotions and sales.
5) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I was once skinny and played sports.
6) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
There are two ... one in the format and one who isn't. Dave Ryan at KDWB/Minneapolis, simply because he's entertaining and easily connects with the audience. It has nothing to do with the fact my cousin (Steve-O) has been his Exec. Producer for almost a decade. Dave would be #1 in any market he worked in. Outside of Top 40, I enjoy Jim Rome. I love sports and he does the kind of show that you simply can't afford to miss.
7) What music do you listen to when you're not working?
A little Hip-Hop, a little Country, but mostly Sports Talk radio!
8) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
Radio keeps evolving in so many areas, which keeps the business challenging for everyone involved. I love being a part of shaping entertainment for our listeners every day.
9) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Top 40 is a format that goes in cycles and it's been awesome to see the change from 1993 (Janet Jackson) to 2003 (Britney) to 2014 (Katy Perry) in terms of female Pop artists ... and from New Kids to N'Sync to One Direction. I could write a book to show how it's all evolved.
10) What advice you would give people new to the business?
Become as versatile across as many aspects of your station as you can. Learn to do imaging, production, music scheduling, etc.
Bonus Questions
What's the best sweeper/liner you've ever heard?
While in Binghamton, NY programming Wild 104 vs. CC-owned heritage Mainstream Top 40 WMRV (Star 105.7), we positioned them as an "old music station" and we were the "new hit music station." A year into the battle, one of the Star Wars movies came out, which led to a series of "Wild 104 is the musical force of the Southern Tier and we'll blow up the Death Star 105.7" sweepers and promos for a few weeks. Four months later, they flipped formats and didn't return for 10 years.
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