-
10 Questions with ... Sam Alex
February 3, 2009
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:Sam AlexPOSITION:APD/morning hostSTATION:WBWBMARKET:Bloomington, INOWNER:Artistic Media Partners
Please outline your radio career so far:
WBWB/Bloominton, IN - APD/mornings
WBWN/Bloomington, IL - weekends/fill-in
WIHN/Normal, IL - weekends/fill-in
WZZN/Chicago - intern
WZND/Campus Station, Illinois State University
WBNQ/Bloomington, IL, intern
WLIT/Chicago, IL, intern1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
The summer after high school, I interned at Clear Channel in Chicago, then went off to college where I would continue to work for free at any station that would let me. I loved every second of it. After 2.5 years, I got my first paycheck. This is great I thought; getting paid for what I love do.
2) What led you to a career in radio?
I always enjoyed singing and talking into the camera. It just made sense growing up to act in plays and be the MC for the variety shows and school assemblies. I can't carry a note, so in my junior year of high school I was cast as The Main Brain Vince Fontaine in "Grease." It was the only non-singing role, and when the females kept staring at me during rehearsals, I knew I found my calling. Then in my senior year I decided to join the Speech team instead of wrestling. Rather than getting pinned, I was winning radio speaking events.
3) What is your favorite part of the job?
Having a positive impact on someone's life. For example, it's always a great feeling giving back to the community, like with our recent Stuff-A-Bus promotion, where we collected new toys and clothes for those less fortunate. We really are making a difference. While on the air, I really enjoy giving the listeners the punch line ... make them the star!
4) What is the most challenging part of the job?
B97 is a member of the family for so many people in town. For over 30 years the station has been plugged into anything and everything Bloomington. One can never please everyone, but with such a diverse listening audience it's been an exciting challenge. We just keep it real and make everyone a member of the show ... such as Brady "'the 60 mailman" and Brittany "the sorority girl."
5) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
My college degree is to teach Special Education.
6) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
I take advantage of living so close to Indiana University. I attend guest lectures, music recitals, athletics events and 5-cent beer nights. I'm a wrestling coach at a local middle school and a fill-in PA Announcer for IU Athletics.
7) What music do you listen to when you're not working?
Country, Indie Rock, show tunes ... just about everything.
8) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Imagine you're speaking to one person. Ask yourself, "What's in it for him or her?" Look for the local angle. Don't just talk about the person who won big on The Price is Right. Dress it up. Play the show theme song, have a Bob Barker sound byte, call up the actual winner, etc.
9) What advice you would give people new to the business?
Never stop learning! Be the one who works the hardest and is always available. Treat others how you want to be treated. Don't say no to anything ... take out the trash, answer the phone and do it with enthusiasm. Be on time and have a great attitude! It's a team effort.
10) For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see"?
The international restaurants on 4th Street, IU Art Museum, Little 500, diving meets, Monroe County Library, Kinsey Institute and all the coffee houses.
-
-