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10 Questions with ... Randi West
July 4, 2006
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NAME:Randi WestTITLE:PD/AfternoonsSTATION:WDCG (G105)MARKET:Raleigh, NCOWNER:Clear Channel
Please outline your radio career so far:
WYMG/Springfield, IL (Rock): Nights, Promotions Director, Mornings; worked about every shift at some point.
WLRW/Champaign, IL (Hot AC): Middays/MD
WVKS/Toledo: Middays/Promotions Director
WKFS/Cincinnati: Middays and Afternoons at one point
WVMX/Cincinnati (Hot AC): Mornings
WDCG/Raleigh: APD/PM Drive; currently PD/AfternoonsI've also voicetracked for 18 stations around the country including: WKSC/Chicago, WAKS/Cleveland, WKGS/Rochester, KKDM/Des Moines, WKST/Pittsburgh just to name a few.
1 How would you describe your first radio gig?
I was young and impressionable and worked at a Rock station, where there was constant chaos. But it was an amazing time that I will always remember. This business has really changed over the last 16 years.
2 What led you to a career in radio?
It was an accident. I was always interested in television, but after getting an internship in radio, I was hooked.
3 How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
The Raleigh market is a weird one. You have the southern mentality, so Country always does well here and then we have a huge Hispanic population. We are also in the center of the college universe with NC State, UNC, Duke, and more. There is a little something for everyone in this radio market.
4 Could you give us a little insight into your on air staff?
The morning show is bigger than life. Bob and the Showgram consistently amaze me with their content. Bob is entertaining and compelling and I learn something from him everyday. BT (Brian Thomas) is our midday guy who is from here and knows the area well, the afternoon girl, she just plains sucks! Brody does nights - he's my APD/MD and my right hand! He 'gets it' and is the only person I know that may work more than I do. Plus, I have an incredible Marketing Director, Carly Laskey. She has an important role in how the jocks are presenting our promotions and contests. All of them make me better and that's important for any team that works so closely together.
5 Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
Kane from 933 FLZ. It's not one specific thing about him ...it's all of him. He can make a very basic break into something compelling and interesting, he is a smart programmer but he also takes chances.
6 Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?
The late 80's and 90's. I came from a Rock background, so I was the Poison, Motley Crue girl. This was back when I didn't have very many responsibilities ... those were the days!!
7 Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
People watching. You can learn so much about people by watching them. What are they buying? What are they talking about? What are they wearing? WOW! Maybe I should change my answer to stalker!
8 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?
Podcasts give listeners the ability to do things on their terms. We are doing something similar with our "Showgram on Demand" feature. Podcasting gives those fans a chance to never miss their favorite things plus always have them at their fingertips, be it shows, concerts, or even events.
9 What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
The constant change. It's something new everyday. I know change is sometimes difficult for everyone involved, but it's also a necessity.
10 What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Tomorrow is another day.
Bonus Questions
What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I love to vacuum. Most people get home from work, change into something comfortable and turn on the TV, whereas I drop my purse and grab the vacuum. I'm currently seeking help ... I promise.
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