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10 Questions with ... Michael Bryan
October 24, 2006
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NAME:Michael BryanPOSITION:Program Director/AfternoonsSTATION:WNVZMARKET:NORFOLK-VIRGINIA BEACH (#41)COMPANY:EntercomBORN:GREENEVILLE, TN (The Year was 1978, "Night Fever" was the #1 Song)RAISED:GREENEVILLE, TN
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started in 1992 working for my Dad at Country WSMG-A/Greeneville, TN. We had so much fun doing literally "everything" there was to do at a radio station. That was a terrific start. Here is my career to this point, in order...
1992-1996 - WSMG-A, then WSMG-FM (We put on G103 in 1996, a terrific ride).
1996-2000 - College at East Tennessee State University - worked PT at WJCW/WQUT/WKOS and WAEZ/WXBQ over those 4 years.
2000 - WRQQ/Nashville - Nights/Imaging
2000-2002 - WNVZ/Norfolk - Middays/Imaging
2002-2003 - WEZB/New Orleans - APD/Middays/Imaging/
2003-2005 - WOZN & WSMW/Greensboro - PD
2006-Present - WNVZ/Norfolk - PDDo you get a discount from ATLAS VAN LINES for all the moves you've made?
Entercom does. I've been lucky enough to stay with the same company for most of my career even though there have been three different markets (and, Norfolk twice). The great thing about working for Entercom is that they really do give you the opportunity to learn and grow. In 6 years, I've gone from being a Midday guy to PD in some pretty big markets for a newbie. This company has been great to me and helped me every step along the way.
2. Please prioritize what you look at when contemplating a potential move.
Does it make sense for my family? (Financial Concerns, Proximity to home)
Is it a strategic career move? (Do I get to learn from another smart programmer, add more responsibility, dive into a situation I've yet to see, etc.)
Is it a format I either like, or would like to Program?
3. What initially got you interested in Radio and what was your first paid gig in Radio?
My dad has been in radio for over 30 years, so I really grew up in the business. He just has such a passion for doing it (from Play-By-Play to Sales to Programming, etc.) I just loved the radio from as early as I can remember, thanks to Dad. In 1992, you still had to have an FCC License and couldn't get one until you turned 14. The day I turned 14, I was working ... and I've never stopped.
4. What did you see as your biggest challenge when you accepted the job as PD at WNVZ?
Z104 is a truly legendary station. DON LONDON had been programming it for over 12 years when I took over for him. So, I guess the biggest challenge was not screwing up a good thing. Certainly I felt like there were things we could do to improve the product and maximize our potential or I wouldn't have accepted the job. But, it was rock solid. We're in a 'passionate maintenance' stage with WNVZ. Terrific personalities, a big format position and 25 years as Z104.
5. What secret about MICHAEL BRYAN will surprise even those that know you?
If it has to do with radio/computers/technology, I'm incredibly passionate, confident and enthusiastic. But, outside of work, I can tend to be pretty backwards in a lot situations. Oh, I'm a Country Music freak at heart. Apologies to 50 Cent.
6. What are you looking to hear as you hit “play” on an aircheck for a gig?
It's really different with each position I'm trying to fill. I'm looking for something unique. I want to be entertained. I want to feel like that person is actually speaking directly to me. I could easily give you a definitive list of the things I'm NOT looking for. But, most of the time, I "know" it when I "hear" it.
7. Who do you consider to be your mentor(s)?
There are really 4 mentors.
a) Dad - DARRELL BRYAN - My dad spent over 30 years in Small Town radio in East TENNESSEE. He led by example and continues to teach me things every time I talk to him. He really understands the way our business needs to run and I can't express just how good he really is at every aspect of the game. Plus, he's my dad... and we look just alike.
b) JOHN ROBERTS - Master of the Basics. "The Professor" JR is THE guy who gave me my first Programming Stripes of any kind. This guy taught me virtually everything I know about the basics of blocking and tackling. He also gave me the foundations of solid talent management. There really is a fine art to "finesse" and that I learned for JOHN ROBERTS. John's been down the road and has really helped steer my career offering sage advice and a real friendship.
c) BRIAN DOUGLAS - While John gave me my first APD role, I will forever be indebted to BRIAN DOUGLAS at ENTERCOM GREENSBORO for giving me my first PD title at WOZN (Then, The ZONE). I bugged BRIAN for over 3 months until he just couldn't deny me any longer. Honestly, BRIAN is one of the smartest radio minds in our business today. He goes about daily duties with such passion and ferocity and never tires. He's a great friend and advisor even today.
d) DON LONDON - Don hired me into ENTERCOM first in 2000 and back to Program Z104 in January of this year. Don leads by example. There's always a method and a plan. He's an easygoing guy that has kept me from imploding on more than one occasion. Smart, fierce competitor, passion to win. Pilot/Co-Pilot
8. Give me one line each on the members of your air staff and programming team?
NICK - Smart, passionate, incredible drive, terrific quarterback on the Z Morning Zoo. He's the definition of 'great morning guy.'
TRICIA - Intelligent, witty, beautiful, off-the-wall hilarious.
SHAGGY - My right hand. Shag is the most passionate and enthusiastic person I've ever been around. As MD, he knows his stuff and is a superstar on the air in our market.
NIKKI LANE - My left hand. Nikki recently earned APD Stripes and is incredibly important to what we do every day. She's truly come into her own and is gonna be a terrific PD one day soon.
ANNA - Hostess of Z104's "Panty-Free Night Show". Raw, uninhibited, enthusiastic, hilarious. She was a great find after a competitor didn't recognize her real talent and ability.
9. What has been your greatest accomplishment?
I really could tell you that I think I'm a great PD and I've worked in some cool markets and blah blah blah... but, that's not what's truly important. My wife RACHEL has really endured a tough life moving so many times and has always been right beside me cheering me on. Finding that person has really been my greatest accomplishment in life. Our 15-month-old daughter GRETA is such a wonderful addition to our lives. Learning to navigate parenthood is just so much more important than whether or not my Weekend Promotion gets on the air Wednesday or Thursday.
10. Let's say that you and your wife, RACHEL, are going to renew your vows with a reception to follow. You can pick any artist or group to be your "band". Who would it be? Keep in mind that they will be called upon to do a few traditional wedding reception favorites.
Outside of work, I'm really a country fan. I'd have to go with RASCAL FLATTS, KENNY CHESNEY or SARAH EVANS. RACHEL also loves REBA so I'm sure I'd be out voted. ;)
Bonus Questions
Bonus #1. Your VP/GM tells you that you've got an additional $100,000 in the programming budget for 2007. Where might you spend it?
$50k - Imaging Director and $50k - Web Developer/Content Manager. Or, I could just give it all to Shaggy.
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