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10 Questions with ... Scott Free
July 12, 2022
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started as an intern/part-timer at WKSE (Kiss 98.5)/Buffalo very early 90’s
Morning producer/co-host of “The Mamma in the Morning Show” West Palm Beach
Mornings at Jammin 92.3 Cleveland.
Also did work in Detroit, Erie, PA,
PD of WQSM-FM Fayetteville, NY. PD WWCK Flint and finally for 17 years in Elmira/Corning, NY
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
Let’s say, for time sake it started in 1989-90 in Buffalo, NY at WKSE. It was awe inspiring; a busy building, people all moving to a collective goal of being the best. Standing on the inside of WKSE and seeing how radio was run in those days, you didn’t lose the personal feeling of “this is magic happening in front of my eyes.”
2. What led you to a career in radio?
My 16 year co-host Ally Payne said “say it’s me.” For real, I was fresh out of high school and had no clue what I was going to do, then I met Mike McGowan at a car remote at a mall, broadcasting live for the “Big Parking Lot Sale!” Upon meeting Mike, I asked him, “How do you do this job? Do you need any special education… skill…etc.?” Mike’s reply “Do you have any unique talents?” I said “Yes! I do impressions!” Mike, of course, asked who and at the time classic WWE was huge, I said “Hulk Hogan, Macho Man Randy Savage” next thing you know I was on air doing both of their impressions helping hype the live event. After that I was invited to become an intern in the Production Department with Rich Vanslyke the Production Director at the time. The rest is history.
3. You’ve been programming and doing mornings for WINK 106 for 17 years now. What have a couple of memorable highlights been?
My 16 year co-host Ally Payne said “say it’s me”
The Scott and Ally Show has been blessed to be the number one rated show in this market the entire time we have hosted. We also, thanks to 7 Mountains Media have been added as the morning show on sister stations Magic FM and Jamz…3 stations, with the hope of growing even more.
As for WINK overall, we have always worked to be a “big sounding” station. Over the years we have given away cars, large cash prizes, and trips. Things that smaller markets don’t always have the greatest success executing.
Finally, having been in this market for so long…going to events or just to a store, people just want to talk to you. Although hearing “I have grown up listening to you” and you are looking at a mom of 3 now, is rewarding yet jarring feeling.
4. Ally Payne has been co-hosting for 16 of those years, how does the morning show jump start the station’s broadcast day?
First thing to know, Ally and I have truly become brother and sister and the chemistry is honestly the launching pad of the show. We strive to always evolve and stay fresh…no time to coast.
5. Last year the show was added to all of the company’s other Upstate New York properties. How’s that part of it all been going?
That’s partially true. With the confidence of 7 Mountains Media, we were for a brief period on all the Elmira/Corning signals, but Ally and I are attempting to reach a show goal of going syndicated and in doing so, we asked if we could stay on the stations that have a female demographic lean with format similarities. We know we can’t be everything to everyone; think of it like, we love pizza but if it’s the only meal you get, it might not stay as exciting. For now, we are on 3 of the stations in Elmira and it’s good practice for the future.
6. Who would be an ideal “dream guest” to come visit with you guys for an interview?
Ally said “Will Arnett she loves his humor and he ain’t bad to look at and the voice of an angel”
Me: Patrick Stewart…we are both Baldly going where no man has gone before.
7. How did navigating the pandemic make you a better programmer?
Doing the morning show live the entire pandemic in studio, we realized how much people used radio, and their friends on it, as support. Overall as stations we tried to give folks some joy, compassion and hope while trying to balance information and entertainment. That time forced you to just be “real.”
8. Tis the season—have we heard the ‘Song of Summer 2022’ yet?
Beyonce “Break My Soul” and if it was the summer of 1985 I would say Kate Bush…errr I mean 2022?
9. What was your favorite station(s) to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?
Growing up in Buffalo NY, I was totally catching on to radio in the early days of Kiss 98.5. The best part was being able to work with some of these folks too! Rocky Allen, Boom Cannon, Sam Malone, Maria Todd, Janet Snyder, Beth Ann McBride, Mark Richards, Mike McGowan, Kidd Kelly, Dave Universal, Dave Gillen and I know there are more, but those were the days!
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
Great another list lol! I have been blessed to have a number of people in all markets be or become a mentor in some way. I can’t start naming names because I will either take up too much space or forget someone. Let’s do it like this, the managers around you that make you feel both important, heard and want YOU to succeed. The owners that know what live and local can really be and the success it can produce, but don’t think of you as a number. Also, the talent around you that work to be the best they can be, because they still share the dream, vision and passion. I guess the mentors are still arriving and are not just from the past.
Bonus Questions
With the venue of your choice at your disposal and an unlimited budget, which 3-5 acts would you pull together for a station event?
Did you see last year’s Super Bowl Halftime show!?! Give me a few hours of that!
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