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10 Questions with ... Michael McCoy
February 13, 2007
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NAME:Michael McCoyTITLE:PDSTATION:WNCI & WLZTMARKET:Columbus, OHOWNER:Clear Channel
Please outline your radio career so far:
I started at WNGZ in Watkins Glen, NY; eventually made my way to WTVR/Richmond, WPTE/Norfolk and WAFY/Frederick; then moved into programming at WMRV/Binghamton, WLAN/Lancaster and WHKF/Harrisburg, and now WNCI & WLZT/Columbus.
1) The average Top 40 station in a top 50 market is currently sitting in 7th place 12+ with a 4.3 share. WNCI is sitting in first place 12+ with an 8.2 share, the highest share in the top 50 markets. To what do you attribute this dominance?
Heritage. By the way, not bragging, but we are #1 25-54, too. OK, I'm bragging. I give the majority of credit to the best morning show in the industry: The WNCI Morning Zoo with Dave & Jimmy. Also, musically we are a little more adult and the music really set up well for us in the fourth quarter.
2) Give us a feel for your morning show. What do the players bring to the table?
Dave & Jimmy really complement each other very well. They've been together in one form or another for over 10 years. They understand that everything they do has to focus on the listener and have a "why" behind it. Along with co-host/newsperson Kelsey Webb, producer Chachi, and a yet-to-be-named stunt boy, I have never seen a group of people work harder and prepare more for a show than they do.
3) You're broadcasting with 175,000 watts of power. Isn't that illegal?
I'd like 250,000. Can you work that out for me?
4) What other duties do you handle for Clear Channel beyond the day-to-day stuff at 'NCI?
I program Soft AC WLZT and brand-manage a handful of properties.
5) What is your favorite part of the job?
I love working with air talent -- getting people fired up about doing the job!
6) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?
LeBlanc & Carr
7) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I love Yankee baseball. OK, maybe they wouldn't be surprised. JT?
8) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
WAAL/Binghamton. It went from AOR to CHR to Classic Hits and still maintained its position as a premier radio station. Not to mention it kept its name and a lot of the same staff!
9) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
It's a helluva lot of fun! Even with the BS you have to put up with sometimes, it's still fun to go to work every day and try to figure out the best way to make your brand stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.
10) What is the current state of the radio "talent pool"?
Shallower than it used to be, but they are still there if you know where to look -- or if you are willing to give talent a chance to grow.
Bonus Questions
What ringtone do you have on your cell?
Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar On Me" and Night Ranger's "You Can Still Rock In America." I'm old school.
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