-
10 Questions with ... Tabatha Grammer
July 19, 2022
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
1996 - 98 College Radio WLCA/Godfrey IL.
1998 – 99 Board Op/News WIBV/Belleville, IL.
1998 – 02 Part-Time 101.1 The River WVRV/St. Louis, MO
2002 - 04 Middays/APD WKIB (CHR) and KBHI (Alternative)/Cape Girardeau, MO
2004 – 12 Afternoons/PD WLTO (CHR)/Lexington, KY
2012 – 16 Middays/PD/OM KKSW (CHR)/Lawrence, KS
2016 – Present Middays/PD KHTT (CHR)/Tulsa, OK
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
I started as a board op and did news for a local AM radio station. The studio was in the middle of a corn field. We ran the Art Bell Show overnights. It was a little weird being the only person in the building at 3a listening to people claiming to be possessed.
2. What led you to a career in radio?
I connected strongly with radio and music growing up. I brought my radio with me everywhere I went. Little did I know during my college years I could make a living doing what I loved. It just clicked.
3. You were bumped up to APD not long after arriving at K-Hits, and then eventually to the PD chair. You’d had prior programming experience, so it was not unfamiliar territory—what did it mean to you to be promoted up through the ranks internally?
It meant a lot. It was a great and humbling experience. I learned a lot about myself and others. Steve Hunter, Operations Manager, showed interest in me and my on-air and PD skills early on. We also had a very supportive staff.
4. How does the Chubbs & Kacy morning show set the table for the rest of your broadcast day?
Chubbs & Kacy are the anchor to 106.9 K-HITS. Tulsa loves waking up with them. Like most stations, the morning show sets the stage for the rest of the day. We also have a great team with “Austin in the Afternoon” and “Demko at night.”
106.9 K-HITS is one of the rare radio stations with a local staff. We also have the privilege to make decisions regarding music, promotions, sales in Tulsa. One of the many benefits of working for an Oklahoma based broadcaster like Griffin Media.
5. What does it mean to you to still be able to crack the mic every day on your midday show?
It reminds me daily why I love radio. I never want to lose that. It’s a connection with the station, the music, and the listeners. I call it my “therapy time.” It reminds me of why I wanted to get into radio.
6. Who would be an ideal “dream guest” to come in and plug-in across from you for an interview?
Paul McCartney. I would be so starstruck! Not sure what you could ask Paul that hasn’t been asked a million times before.
7. You’re the mother of five. What do your kids think about mom being on the radio, and what’s your secret to making it all work?
They think it’s cool. When my kids were in school, they loved it when I would drop them off in the station vehicle.
My secret is I love what I do both at work and home. Balance is the key. There are times when one part of your life will ask for more attention than the other. Know when it’s time to be flexible and when it’s time to be centered.
8. Tis the season—have we heard the ‘Song of Summer 2022’ yet?
Yes, Nicki Youre “Sunroof”. I loved that song from the first listen!
9. What was your favorite station(s) to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?
I grew up in St. Louis. My favorite stations included KHTR, K-SHE 95, KWK, Majic 108 and 105.7 The Point. I was all over the dial.
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
My OM and GM’s have all been amazing…Jeremie Hughes, Robert Lindsey, Tim Robisch, and my current OM Steve Hunter.
I’m so thankful to work and learn from the best in our industry!
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?
Venue - BOK in Tulsa – Post Malone, Lizzo, Harry Styles, Doja Cat and Ed Sheeran
-
-