-
10 Questions with ... Bob Neumann
July 5, 2022
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started programming as a rock guy. It’s still my passion even though I haven’t programmed rock for a long time. I programmed WRXL Richmond, WLVQ Columbus, WNCX & WENZ & WMMS Cleveland (I flipped it to Active Rock), WWDC Washington DC ( I flipped it to Alternative in 1999)
Then I programmed Hot AC…how the hell did that happen? WRMF West Palm, WSJT Tampa and KHMX Houston.
I joined iHeart as SVP Savannah in 2016 then was promoted to the Georgia Area SVP in 2020. I responsible for the day to day programming on WAEV, 97.3 KISS FM, WQBT, 94.1 The Beat and WLVH, Love 101.1, as well as overseeing 45 stations in Georgia.
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
The calls were WYRD…i was a daytimer in Syracuse. I did 3pm til sign off. In the winter I was only on for about an hour and a half. I have always have been grateful to the GM, Sue Bahner, for giving me my first shot. At that point I had only college radio experience and really didn’t know how the real world of radio worked. She took a chance on me. I took that lesson about believing in young people and have done my best to pass the torch when I can.
2. What led you to a career in radio?
It was actually by listening to radio as a kid. I was always glued to it. I remember thinking, “These guys are having so much fun. I want to do that!”
3. You’re now about 6 years in to your tenure with iHeart. What’s it like to live and work in one of the most beautiful places in the country?
Yeah, Savannah doesn’t suck. It is beautiful here and the weather is excellent. The city has grown tremendously in new culture. You know, the city has always had tons of history and culture in that way. But there’s a progressive Mayor here now and a fantastic restaurant scene. Oh and music, we just got a major arena downtown that’s bringing in ‘A level’ acts. Right now it’s mostly country, urban and classic rock acts, but I’m hoping for pop shows eventually.
And working for iHeart is excellent. I’ve worked for many great companies. I find iHeart to be a very progressive, forward-thinking company. We’re always looking at what’s next. No rear view mirror thinking here. iHeart has so many assets, that even small market stations sound bigger than life.
4. You wear a lot of hats in the building. Any time management secrets to share?
Hire excellent people and let them do their jobs so you can effectively do yours. Find out how your people like to be managed. Paying attention to detail and being organized is essential. Think from the outside, not as a radio insider. Trust your gut.
5. Have the KISS jocks been back out in the community with their listeners?
Yes. We’ve been out. Right now we’re doing a big summer beach hit promotion.
6. Do you feel like we’re doing a good enough job finding and nurturing the next generation of radio stars?
I think we can always do better at this. And it’s up to us to make our stations so cool, that kids want to be part of the business. There are a lot of choices career wise, and more and more young people are starting their own businesses which is tough to compete with as well.
7. Tis the season—have we heard the Song of Summer 2022 yet?
I don’t know yet, but if I had to guess right now, I‘d put my money on Lizzo’s “About Damn Time.”
8. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Big brands win. Passion wins.
9. What was your favorite station(s) to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?
I grew up in Syracuse, listening to WNDR and WOLF and WHEN and WOUR. So, guys like Bob London, Peter Hirsch, Dale Edwards, Tom Starr, Sweet Dick Birch, Bud Bullou.
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
There’s a long list of people that have been kind enough to help me along and whom I’ve learned a lot from. Jon Coleman, Guy Zapoleon, Tom Barnes John Roberts, Mark Adams. I need to put Clare Shaffner on my list too. She was my GM in Richmond who taught me the importance of connecting with the community and giving back when I programmed WRXL.
Bonus Questions
If you had an unlimited budget, which 3-5 acts would you pull together for a cluster listener concert event?
Megan Thee Stallion, Jack Harlow, Post Malone, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa
-
-