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10 Questions with ... Anne Williams
September 17, 2012
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1. How did you become interested in radio?
I started listening regularly before I went to elementary school. Just loved it.
2. With WNRN being so diverse, how would you describe the music on the station?
We focus no matter what the genre, it's about new music. We play older songs too, but our focus in our daily routine is about screening, adding and promoting new music.
3. Tell us about your daily show.
Acoustic Sunrise is weekdays, 5:30-10a, with occasional live interviews at 9a. The original idea was to mix world, blues, Celtic, bluegrass along with folk and lighter pop. With the emergence of the Americana format, I focus more on the core artists of that group than on what would be called "folk" now plus core Triple A artists. Uniquely, this morning drive is a place where we premiere many new artists.
4. What has been your biggest career highlight?
Some interviews have been highlights: Avett Brothers, Chris Funk of the Decemberists, Blitzen Trapper and Sparrow Quartet with Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn, among others.
5. In what ways has your job changed over the past year?
I am now Acting GM for the second time.
6. What is your biggest challenge at a community station?
Communicating with the all the different factions of WNRN: staff, volunteers and board. With the leadership change, we have put in place new ideas in promotions, fundraisers and day-to-day routines. Getting everyone on board has been a challenge, but the good news is that all the new ideas have worked, so now even the skeptics are somewhat supportive.
7. What do you view as the most important issue facing public radio today?
To stay relevant to its listeners. It is important to keep up with all the social media and to give listeners a sense that they are a part of what is happening. WNRN has a whole YouTube channel of videos from our interviews, we use Facebook and Twitter, post Instagram pictures, and try to bring the bands that we play into the studio to play live when they are in town. We also try to be supportive of local musicians.
8. What is the best advice you would give to young programmers/promotion people?
Volunteer where you want to work and get experience you can either apply there in a real job, or take with you to your next place of work.
9. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Make sure that you play one song out of three that everyone can sing along to.
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ...
... Coffee, walking my dogs and listening to music.
Bonus Questions
Last non-industry job:
Dunkin Donuts, Kinkos
First record ever purchased:
Queen, Night at the Opera
First concert:
Cheap Trick
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
Taking care of my girls, watching Daily Show and reading.
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