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10 Questions with ... Greg Williams
November 13, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Top 40 KLEO/Wichita, Top 40 KEYN/Wichita, Country KCBQ/San Diego, Top 40 KKRD/Wichita, Top 40/Rhythmic KDGS/Wichita
1. If I hadn't gotten started in Radio_____ . Could you fill in the blank?
I'd probably be in government or politics, right now.
2. What do you think would surprise a newcomer to Wichita visiting from New York or Los Angeles for the first time?
The city is beautiful, clean, and has tremendous diversity. Also, in a market where country radio is huge, KDGS is the biggest contemporary music brand in the market. The market has a bunch of tremendous radio professionals, so the overall quality of radio in this market is amazing. Wichita the largest city in the state of Kansas with over 550,000 people in city and surrounding communities. It is a very "family" oriented community with people who would do anything to help anyone. You won't find that kind of Midwest generosity in too many places.
3. Are we going to be referring to you as "Dr. Greg Williams" in the not too distant future?
Not anytime soon! I see you have been doing your homework. As you know, I am a person who LOVES to learn! I love history and politics. I did some graduate work on a Public Administration degree. But honestly I was painfully bored with it. So who knows. When I am finish playing all day for a living, a college lecture hall looks like a TON of fun! LOL!
4. What made you decide to work on your Masters degree?
Like I said, I have a passion in seeking greater knowledge. I am going to finish my master's degree (in something! lol). I absolutely believe that knowledge is something that no one should ever stop reaching for. Frankly, we have a traffic jam of new things we are learning in our industry right now that makes our jobs very exciting. We are managing multi platforms, creating and developing a new implementation of our business model, and growing digital platforms that are virtually changing on a daily basis. It is all so exciting and a tremendous adrenaline rush! Gotta love what we do.
5. You're a huge sports fan. Is this NFL season working your last good nerve?
I have given up on the KC Chiefs. They are still my team, but I am resigned to our fate. We need a GM, a new coach, and at the rate we are going, new owners may not be a bad option, either. As you know, I am a HUGE college basketball fan. Frankly, I love college basketball more than anything. In Kansas, basketball is king. My number one team is the Wichita State Shockers. It's been a great two year run for Wichita State. They won the NIT two years ago, and went to the NCAA last year. I think that this year is shaping up to be another 20 win season. KU is always great, and K-State looks like they may be playing for the BCS National Championship in college football. So, with all of this, who has time to be frustrated with the Chiefs?
6. What's your favorite song on the station right now?
That's a tough one! I would have to say Miguel "Adorn", Wiz Khalifa "Remember Me", and Juicy J "Bandz A Make Her Dance"
7. What's your favorite thing about programming?
I love coming to work every day and there is always something new. I am a music guy, so music will always be number one with me, however, creating promotions with little or no budget is a challenge that I relish. Finally, I have a tremendous staff. They work hard 24/7. They have bought into the vision. They know I am demanding, but like me, they hate to lose. My favorite quote is from Vincent Lombardi..."Winning is not a sometime thing: it's an all the time thing. You don't win once in a while; you don't do the right thing once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing." I absolutely believe that if everyone on the team does their job and takes ownership for what we all need to do to win, then the rest will take care of itself.
8. You've been programming in the market for a long time. What has changed the most about radio in your market since you've been there?
No question it has to be the multi platforms that we have to manage. Digital and social media. Understanding how we effectively use these tools to expand our brand. Teaching talent that the listener has more control now than ever, and the reality that we are not the biggest thing in their universe. Many in our business have failed to understand that we are not the stars, they listeners are. Sadly, too many in our industry fail to realize this and have allowed their egos to remember or understand this key relationship that as talent and broadcasters we need to grow and develop with our audience, all the while using every opportunity to make them feel special and important while we play the music they love.
9. Who were some of your mentors in radio?
Wow, I have had a bunch of tremendous radio professionals that I have incredible respect for. They include Bob McKay, Bob Mitchell, Jack Oliver, Tom Calacocci, John Candelaria, R Dub, Jackie Wise, Cat Thomas, Barry McKay, and Bill Pasha. Each one of these people have held a special place in helping me grow and become a better programmer. I hope the learning never stops
10. Do you have someone on your staff that is responsible for keeping up the station's web site?
Yes, we have a full time webmaster. She does an incredible job. She understands our format, and she understands the lifestyle of our audience. This is very important.
Bonus Questions
When it's time for a special date night dinner, what's your go to restaurant?
Hands down it would have to be Larkspur. It's a tremendous restaurant in downtown Wichita. I have my favorite server there. He knows where I love to sit, and he even knows what I love to order.
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