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10 Questions with ... Brian Figula 'Fig'
August 29, 2006
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NAME:Brian Figula 'Fig'TITLE:Program Director / Afternoon PersonalitySTATION:WWCK-FMMARKET:Flint, MichiganOWNER:Cumulus
Please outline your radio career so far:
1994-1999 WCRZ-WWBN-WFNT/Flint; Promotions/On-Air
2000-2002 WDBR/Springfield; MD/Nights
2002- 2005 WQAL/Cleveland; APD/Afternoons
2005 - Present WWCK/Flint; PD/Afternoons1 How would you describe your first radio gig?
I was in a Monkey Suit at WWBN-FM. I recall my foot getting caught in the escalator at Hudson's in the Genesee Valley Mall in Flint. I was also a Board Operator for an AM Talk station at $5.00 an hour; not bad back then.
2 What led you to a career in radio?
I hated plumbing and heating with my dad, thought radio was cool. Even the jocks who wore mullets got chicks.
3 What is your favorite part of the job?
The best part of my job is creating promotions for sales to generate revenue. I spent years in promotions, don't miss the pay, good Lord!
4 Could you give us a little insight into your on air staff?
CK 105.5's morning show is Mike & Stephanie. Mike is a Michigan radio vet who "gets radio," with on-air experience from WLS Chicago and morning experience from WIOG in Saginaw. Stephanie is from Flint. She loves her radio career and is by far the most active local media personality. Our midday talent, Scott Mansell, has been here over six years. His show is continuously highly rated with adult females. I do afternoons. Just Bob does nights and assists in programming. He's a HUGE asset to Cumulus, doing smokin' production and imaging, plus imaging for our sister station KCHZ in Kansas City, MO. I also have an incredible part-time staff of Lil Rock, DC, Nikki, Mandee Mandee and Jenny Boom.
5 What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
I loved listening to WWCK-FM. I remember Terry "The Motor Mouth" Young (who is now on XM 60's), Scott & Leroy in the morning and Ian "The Neon" Richards. I remember placing foil on antennas and connecting my TV antenna to my tuner to pick up Beau on WHYT in Detroit (now at WKQI). When I would visit my grandparents in Florida, I loved listening to Bubba The Love Sponge on WFLZ in Tampa.
6 Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
Besides watching Dawg the Bounty Hunter, I love traveling. I frequent NYC and Chicago. My family has a cabin in northern Michigan, so I'm all about skiing, tubing, fishing, canoeing, etc. I also enjoy calling Allan Fee's (WQAL) voice mail and leaving a simple, "What are you sayin'?"
7 What music do you listen to when you're not working?
'90s Alternative! My favorite band is the Smashing Pumpkins, and I'm all about the Beasties too. I catch myself listening to the '90s Alternative channel on AOL from time to time. I just bought an iPod and ripped in Bob Seger, old school Snoop, Metallica, Dayton Family and Lionel Richie.
8 What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
I'm a technology guy. I'm always open to learn new technology. CK 105.5 is launching our HD signal this year, so I'm always asking my engineer Dan Greer a million questions. Ask any engineer I've ever worked with, I'm a pain in the ass. I ask a lot of questions.
9 What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
It's hard work. Ask anyone. I work my ass off. It's my biggest strength and my biggest weakness.
10 What advice you would give people new to the business?
Work hard! This is not a 9 to 5 job, it's a lifestyle. Know the product, the market and the industry. Invest into your career, listen to other stations, camp in the production room, ask questions and get along with the business manger; they've got your paycheck.
Bonus Questions
What ringtone do you have on your cell?
It's a generic chime ringtone; those artists don't need any more money.
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