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10 Questions with ... Dan 'Kennedy' Baisden
July 15, 2008
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POSITION:Director of Contemporary FormatsMARKET:Lima, OHOWNER:Maverick Media
Please outline your radio career so far:
1999-2004: Coshocton Broadcasting (On-Air/Promotions)
2004-2005: Clear Channel Radio - Sandusky Ohio (Promotions Director)
2005: WQIO-WMVO/Mount Vernon, OH - APD
2005-2006: WQHY-WDOC/Pikeville KY - OM
2006: WAZY-WLFF/Lafayette IN - OM
2006-Presen:t WWSR-WDOH/Lima, OH - PDI've had the opportunity to work in some of the most diverse markets in the entire country all within three states. I was once told that I could write a book. I'm not certain that's my priority ... in all, it's an experience everywhere I go. Mostly working in contemporary brands, it takes a lot of dedication to make great radio happen every day. Honestly, I work for a tremendous company and have one of the best consultants on my side. My stations are on the up and I have a great team to help meet goals each time.
1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
"Can Elijah churn the butter? We have it for sale on the radio today." I actually began working at WKLM in Millersburg, OH (Amish capital of the world). I began working nights and then afternoons. Since the station only had a GM and News Director, I handled the random production and promotion duties. I guess you could say this was my first look at how a small-market PD works.
2) What led you to a career in radio?
I was never good at math ...LOL. Actually, I remember as a kid listening to Barb Adams and Lynn Kelly on WKDD in Akron, along with Brian Douglas at WKRQ and a few family influences. I remember wanting to be just like them. I was the kid who used to beg my mom to take me to the radio station every chance she could. Finally, my uncle brought me a WKDD T-shirt when I was 10 years old, and I decided radio was what I wanted to do. It's kinda funny now that I see a box of T-shirts and scratch my head on where to find room in my office.
3) What makes your station unique? How would you compare it to other stations you've worked at?
Star 92.1 was designed by an extensive research project. The station isn't your typical Top 40 by any means. My consultant and I dub the format "Hot ACHR," which is a blend of the top hits from both formats without the heavy Rhythmic titles that wander onto the Mainstream charts. For example, we stayed away from Usher "In this Club," but we were on OneRepublic "Stop and Stare" before most others.
Prior to programming Star 92.1, I worked for the heritage WAZY in Lafayette, which was Mainstream, but in Kentucky we had a similar situation to the current station. The format works well for a market that has a Rhythmic-leaning Top 40 and a gold-based AC on either side.
4) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?
I guess I enjoy wearing "hats." In every programming job, I served on the air, website administrator, promotions liason, etc. It's all part of working in a small market and I wouldn't trade it for the world. It's who I am and what I love to do.
5) What is your favorite part of the job?
Being part of this company. Maverick Media is a rare gem; it's growing and builds personal relationships with their employees. I come to work every day knowing that I can do great radio. That's important to not only myself, but my air staff and the listeners, too. Gary (our president) gives us all the tools to succeed and create a fun work atmosphere. It's being able to be creative on the fly, put together a sales proposal in 0.3 seconds and have time to schedule music all before 10:05. That's what drives me.
6) What is the most challenging part of the job?
The challenging part is what is around the corner. I don't mean the traffic office, but instead, how is the economy going to affect our station? I always say, treat this station like it's in New York City, but if the economy dictates we're in Nome, Alaska, then it gets challenging.
7) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
Wow, that's tough. There are plenty of people I would say I enjoy, but the entire staff from Q102 in Cincinnati; they consistently do an amazing job on-air and off-air ... along with Clayton from 94.9 The Sound and Jeremy Robinson on 96.3 KSCS.
8) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
Is there anything besides radio? Actually I am a certified Paranormal Investigator. It's actually quite a bit of fun.
9) What advice would you give people new to the business?
Get in this for the love of it. If not, you're going to get burned out. Radio is about the passion it gives you. And remember to have fun. It's not a stuffy business at all. Just remember to go in ... do your job ... and have fun.
10) What would you like to do to save radio from its "dying-industry" image?
Radio has gotten such a bad image because we have done it to ourselves. I remember growing up wanting to be behind the microphone so bad. I guess the pizazz isn't there for some people anymore. We have to keep it fresh, think on our feet and remember why we got in this business in the first place. If 3/4 of the radio industry did that ... we wouldn't be in this image crisis.
Bonus Questions
What's the best sweeper/liner you've ever heard?
99.9 The Carp, The low-budget bastard stepchild of Maverick Media, WDRK/Cornell.
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