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10 Questions with ... Dana Marshall
May 30, 2006
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NAME:Dana MarshallTITLE:PDSTATION:WAZYMARKET:Lafayette, INOWNER:Artistic Media Partners
Please outline your radio career so far:
Got my start in Kalamazoo at WKFR. Followed by radio gigs in South Bend, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Fort Myers, Bloomington and now Lafayette. Can you believe I've been doing this for 15 years? I still look 21.
1 How would you describe your first radio gig?
I started out interning for Dave Benson at WKFR. I thought I was on top of the world hanging out with Firehouse and Tesla in the 'KFR studios. Ah, the good ol' days.
2 What led you to a career in radio?
I used to slide on my 'hammer pants' and go to Club 103 at a Kalamazoo night club for teen night. I saw Jerry Balletta getting lots of attention from the girlies as he did his show live. It was a no brainer. I had to become a DJ.
3 How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
We are a tiny market with two CHR's, two Country, two Rock stations and more. It's a very competitive market. Being competitive as well as a college market (Purdue Boilermakers baby) allows us to be more cutting edge than most stations. We are a CHR mainstream that doesn't wait to see what's breaking on Mediabase. I was one of the first PD's in the country to play Saving Jane close to a year ago. Right now I'm helping a new artist by the name of Sally Anthony break through. She's awesome.
4 What is your favorite part of the job?
Being a part of music. If I ever get out of radio I will still be involved in music in one form or another.
5 Could you give us a little insight into your on air staff?
Honestly, we have a great team. There's night guy (Scotty Blades) who really steps up and does whatever it takes to push Z96-5 to the next level. If my morning team Gavin Todd and Stephanie Patterson ever leave - the market will go with them. Dana Marshall does afternoons. He's awesome ... and has great hair.
6 What music do you listen to when you're not working?
Freedy Johnston, Jack Johnson, Ani Defranco.
7 What's your take on the increase to $325,000 for violators of indecency rules?
Don't get me wrong - I'm a pretty foul guy off-air. But it's pretty easy to keep radio compelling and entertaining without being offensive. So, I couldn't care less about the increase.
8 In your opinion, what does the recent dip (14.5% Winter '04 to 14.1% Winter '05) in national Radio AQH figures represent?
With increased iPod usage, satellite radio and many broadcast companies so focused on cutting budgets, it's a miracle that radio is keeping it's head above water.
9 In a Bridge Ratings survey of 2400 podcast users in 10 markets, 60% of 12-24 year olds reported listening to a podcast within the past 30 days - an increase of 6% from April '05. What do you think of this relatively new medium and how it can be utilized to radio's advantage?
It's simple in my mind. All technology must be embraced by radio. Not seen as an enemy. Remember when the internet was going to end radio? Radio has to put its stamp on podcasting, myspace, cell texting...etc, just to stay relevant. Podcasting is yet another way to provide for your audience and your clients.
10 What advice you would give people new to the business?
WORK, WORK, WORK ... and then WORK. And don't feel stupid because you love your job more than all of your friends.
Bonus Questions
Name an artist (living or dead) you'd love to meet and why?
Prince ... he's a musical God. I own 72 of his CDs. Prince, if you're reading this, I'm pretty sure I paid for your purple house on Lake Minnatonka. Let's do lunch.
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