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10 Questions with ... Reid "On The Radio"
April 7, 2015
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- Intern: WDCG (G105)/Raleigh
- APD/MD/Nights: WABB/Mobile (RIP)
- APD/Nights: WHQC (Channel 96-1)/Charlotte
- PD/nights: WAEV (97.3 KissFM)/Savannah
1) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?
I've added a few more. At a station like this, where it's a one-man show, you have to be EVERYTHING. There's no one else to lean on, so it takes a lot of time management and multitasking to get things done.
2) What is your favorite part of the job?
Hands down being on the air and social media. I love the connection we have with the listeners. We live our lives on the radio, and learning about the people who are actually listening on a daily basis can only make us better at what we do. It's rewarding to know that what you say, even for the few seconds that the mic is on, can make a difference in someone's day ... that a blog/video you post on FB can cheer someone up or expose them to something they never would have gone looking for.
3) What is the most challenging part of the job?
Not having enough hours in the day. When you're wearing all these different hats, time management is key to making sure you get everything done that needs to be done.
4) What's the coolest promotion you've ever been involved with?
Race for The Ring. Boomer came up with it while I was in Charlotte. Think amazing race with a three-hour time limit all taking place on Twitter. Basically, qualifiers were given photos of landmarks in Uptown Charlotte. Once found, they took a selfie in front of the landmark and tweeted the picture tagging the station and using a specific hashtag. First person to get all their landmarks scored a diamond engagement ring. HUGE social media presence, and the chance for listeners to possibly pop the question if they won.
5) If you could add one full-time position to your budget right now, what would it be?
A Programming/Digital Assistant to help with loading imaging and seguing, plus manage social media on days where I have a full plate.
6) Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
Randi West, Geller, Chris Michaels (FM100), Boomer (WHQC) and Tommy Chuck. I don't feel that one contributed more than the others. They each helped equally. They took the skills the previous person had taught me and built on them. They helped me think of different ways to improve my air work, how to use all the tools available to make music decisions, and how to do a better job of incorporating digital (Web and social media). They are still mentors today and I can go to them for guidance on a number of topics.
7) What music do you listen to when you're not working?
Really, a little bit of everything. I like the new stuff from our format that we haven't made it to yet, but also find myself listening to a lot of Country.
8) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
The music, and more importantly, the listeners. They are the reason I get to do what I love, and get to be myself while I do it. Plus, where else could I talk THIS MUCH and not have people yell at me to shut up?
9) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Do everything and learn everything you can. Most importantly, BE YOU ... the same person on the air as you are off.
10) What advice you would give people new to the business?
See the previous answer. Make yourself available for anything and soak it all in like a sponge!
Bonus Questions
For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see"?
If you don't mind fighting the crowds, you HAVE to come for St. Patrick's Day! Second biggest St Pat's party in the country!
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