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10 Questions with ... Alex Tear
April 25, 2006
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Please outline your radio career so far:
1988-89: WWLZ/Cadillac; Nights/Production Director
1989-90: WHZZ/Lansing; Afternoons/MD/Production Director
1990-91: WYSS/Sault Ste. Marie; Nights
1991-92: WKHQ/Charlevoix; PD/Afternoons
1992-93: WVIC/Lansing; Nights/Production Assistant
1993-95: WGRD/Grand Rapids/PD/MD/Afternoons
1995-97: WHYT/Detroit; MD/APD
1997-2005: WDRQ/Detroit; PD1 Now that the dust has settled, how's the new gig?
The dust has settled?! Things have been amazing. It's a great team, with great resources at multiple levels.
2 Other than several hundred miles, what separates Pittsburgh from Detroit?
A winning football team.
3 For anyone coming to town for the first time, what is one thing they should absolutely experience?
96.1 Kiss ... and the winning football team.
4 What's it like not having a direct Pop competitor?
We are still in direct competition for all the advertising revenue available 18-44! While in Detroit, it was McDonalds and Burger King facing off, in Pittsburgh we focus on the patrons that may visit Taco Bell, Arby's and KFC. To be honest, I really loved the direct competition. There was no other way. For over a decade we were in some sort of CHR battle every day, it really brought out the best in all of us. If you're on your game, there really isn't any battle you can't lose if you have the support needed.
5 How can we use the ever-increasing digital technologies to give radio listeners their entertainment fix?
Embrace all technology relevant to strengthen your radio station. HD, Streaming, Podcasting the Cell Phone ... your radio station can greatly benefit from these partnerships. CHR's target demo will demand it. If you want to survive, your station must have many brand outlets.
6 Most radio folk grew up fascinated with all things radio. What is your earliest 'radio memory' (a contest you won, calling to request a song, etc.)?
My earliest radio memory was hearing WHYT sign on. It was the launch of Mike Joseph's Hot Hits format. It was in the afternoon of September 15, 1982, the first song was "You Dropped A Bomb On Me" by the Gap Band. I knew right then and there this 10th grade roller rink DJ was going to work there.
7 What song (or act) stops you in your tracks these days?
Coldplay.
8 What fact about Alex would it surprise many people to know?
I just purchased my first home. (Must mean that I like this company!)
9 If not for broadcasting, what do you think you'd have as a career right now?
It's all about the K9's. I'm pretty sure I would be a business owner. I would either board and/or rescue dogs.
10 Upon WDRQ's format flip, you spent some time on the beach. Do you have some advice to offer any reader who may find themselves currently 'on vacation'?
Constantly build your relationships, even if you are in the best of situations. Solid relationships are timeless. Be fair, real and don't call upon people only when you need something. I was in a very fortunate position over the summer with a decent track record and many great industry friends. Divide your days, get into a routine. The AM should be staying connected to your industry, after lunch it's your time. Cherish the important things around you like family and friends - it's only radio.
Bonus Questions
What station from Top 40's past would you like to have programmed?
In October of 1995 I got lucky when Rick Gillette hired me to be his programming Wingman at the legendary WHYT. The station later morphed into another Motor City favorite, Alternative Planet 96.3 (WPLT), where Garett Michaels and I had a great run.
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