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10 Questions with ... Billy the Baby DJ
July 19, 2006
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NAME:Billy the Baby DJTITLE:Middays/Interm MDSTATION:KHTT (106.9 K-HITS)MARKET:TulsaOWNER:Renda Broadcasting
Please outline your radio career so far:
KHTT Tulsa 1998-2002 Swing
KMOQ Joplin 2002-2003 Mornings
WBTS Atlanta 2003-2004 Swing
KHTT Tulsa 2004-Present Middays and now Interm MD1 How would you describe your first radio gig?
I started out as a junior in high school as part of a work for credit program. I thought it would be fun being on the radio and interacting with the DJ's. Basically all I did was get coffee for Andy Barber (mornings at the time) and have the show prep ready when he got in around 4:30am. After my internship was up, Sean Phillips (PD at the time) decided that I would be good for the station and hired me for part-time on air and promotions. The rest is history!
2 What led you to a career in radio?
I have always loved everything about radio ... the jocks ... the music ... how it works ... everything!!! I remember back when I was 10, getting one of those mic's for Christmas - the one where you could make like you were on the radio. Ever since then, this is all I've wanted to do!
3 What is your favorite part of the job?
Being on the Radio. We jocks sometimes forget that we have the best job in the world. We get paid to listen to music, interact with listeners, and meet all sorts of famous and interesting people. Most people would kill to be us for a day. I remember that everyday!
4 Could you give us a little insight into your on air staff?
The Best Staff in radio (in my opinion). We are a rarity in radio. LIVE 24/7.
Carly, Stan, and Lunchbox in the Morning! Those three are a perfect fit. Stan is a good ol' boy from Henryetta, Oklahoma. He wears camouflage shorts, flannel shirts, and work boots to work and remotes! Carly is the ultimate girl's girl! Loves to gossip and tell Stan that he is wrong! Lunchbox is male ... 25 ... single ... 'nuff said!
I hold down middays. What I try to do during my show is not stop the music for ANY reason. I feel that if you stop the music for any reason, the average listener hears clutter and will change the station.
Tod Tucker is the PD, who also does afternoons. He brings excitement to the close of the day. You never know what to expect with him.
Nights ... OPEN!!!!
We have the best part timers in the radio world. They bring energy to the table! Plus, they will do ANYTHING to win. Mac, Justin, Crystal, The Groove Buddha, Hightower, and DJ CIVIL RIGHTZ ... THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!!!
5 Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
Good GOD!!! The one jock that I wish I had on staff would have to be Kannon from Wired 96.5 in Philly. We worked together in Atlanta. If you haven't heard his show, you should go check it out. He is funny, edgy, and BEST OF ALL ... REAL!!
6 What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
I was born and raised right here in tornado alley. Yes when the tornado sirens go off, I grab the video camera and look for the funnel cloud. And, yes, I am the one you will see after a nasty storm on CNN wearing a wifebeater wondering where my dog is and is my car around the corner -- in a tree!!! I grew up listening to the HOT NEW Z-104.5 and K-107 which is now 106.9 K-HITS! I still can't believe that I am working for the station I grew up listening to. INCREDIBLE!
7 What music do you listen to when you're not working?
Depends on my mood and how work was. If it was a bad day, I will listen to something that will clear my mind ... Rascal Flatts does the trick for me. A good day will call for something new ... I am really digging the Deep Side/R. Kelly track.
8 What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
The listeners. Knowing that for just a brief moment, I've made a listeners forget about bills or the traffic or the idiot on the freeway that's doing 45 in the fast lane ... that's when I've done my job.
9 What advice you would give people new to the business?
Be patient and pay your dues!!
10 What is the current state of the radio 'talent pool'?
It is rare to find someone who really gets "it." When you find a person that is passionate about radio ... hold on to that person!!!
Bonus Questions
What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I was engaged ... (my parents don't even know that).
(Ed. note: Uhh, now they do!) -
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