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10 Questions with ... Kannon
January 20, 2009
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NAME:KannonPOSITION:APD/MD/afternoons/Open House Party SundaySTATION:WRDWMARKET:Philadelphia, PACOMPANY:BeasleyBORN:Raleigh, NCRAISED:Raleigh, NC
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
WFTK-A/Butner, NC
WRDU/Raleigh, NC
WJBQ/Portland, ME
SUPERADIO NETWORKS (mix show DJ and music director)
WBTS (95.5 The Beat)/Atlanta, GA
WRDW (Wired 96.5) Philadelphia, PA1. Why Radio?
It's amazing how your answer to this question changes so much as time goes on. I love the "immediacy" to this medium. It truly is the pulse of what's happening RIGHT NOW, this moment. Relating to what's on the listeners minds now, and providing the soundtrack to those moments.
2. You're not a rookie in the business anymore. What really gets you excited about your gig?
There's nothing better than putting a product you're proud of together, then seeing people gravitate to it and love it. I love the art of the business, but the competitive DNA in my blood sure does love to beat the competition. There's no better felling in the world than winning.
3. What have you found to be one of the great things about living and working in Philadelphia?
This is a city of substance. it makes radio really fun when you live in a city that has a defined culture and "vibe." This is a city of underdogs, sports, and real-ness. If it's fake, plastic, and corny, forget about it. Plus, they have a Fogo-de-Chao that makes any city worthwhile.
4. What aspect of your game would you most like to see improve in 2009?
I absolutely vow and pledge to return more phone calls, even to the record people that only talk to you when they want to work a record!! haha
5. How are you enjoying your MD duties?
It's great because I work with a smart PD with an open mind! Leo and I really work as a great team when it comes to finding the right balance of music that makes Wired special.
6. What animal best describes you and why?
Damn! You really got into these questions, Pete!
A cat...aggressive and territorial but can also be loving and even cuddly.
7. Who do you consider to be your mentor(s)?
First is and always will be John Garabedian. He certainly doesn't do things "status quo" knows how to create the kind of radio that gets people excited. Listening to Open House Party when I was a kid is what got me interested in radio to begin with. Having the oppertunity to host the Sunday Open House Party now is like a dream-come-true, if there ever was one. I learned the importance of creating "fans" instead of "listeners" from John. That's an important lesson.
8. You've been working in a PPM market for awhile now. What's the biggest adjustment that you've made with PPM?
A lot of the same philosophies we learned when we got into radio are the same ones that work in PPM. The difference is if we don't follow those "rules" now we see a direct, immediate result. Cutting down clutter and stream-lining presentation is more important than ever. That DOES NOT mean stripping the station of all personality and "stickiness." We have put a real emphasis on moving heavy content to our incredible new www.wired965.com . Our out-of-the-box, dependable web man Michael Lucia has helped us put together something sleek and interactive with the centerpieces being "Wired TV" and the new 'Studio 96," a modern lounge complete with a bar right in the station where celebrities will do interviews and intimate performances for listeners. If I seem excited, I am.
9. What do you think is your biggest asset you could bring to a PD gig?
I believe a good PD is a compassionate leader who is respected, understands the big picture, and has the ability to empower others. I strive to be that kind of person.
10. What's your highlight of the Phillies winning the World Series?
Wow!!! I've never seen an entire city lose its mind quite the way this city did. We got to broadcast from the victory parade down Broad Street, then join the team for the celebration at Citizen's Bank Park. I can't describe the excitement of putting these people and their passion on the air.
Bonus Questions
What secret about you may surprise even your close friends?
I don't like eggs. Especially hard-bolied eggs. There's not a person in the world that can look me in the eye and tell me, "hard-boiled eggs don't smell like doo-doo."
Hypothetically...you're getting married on Saturday. What singer or group would you like to perform at your reception?
That's not SO hypothetical because I'm getting married April 4th! My fiancé, Diana, and I were talking about this the other night at dinner, and we decided the perfect party/ reception band would be Black Eyed Peas. Even Grandma and Grandpa would be down with some Peas. We may have had a few glasses of wine, but that still sounds cool. Black Eyed Peas.
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