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10 Questions with ... Brock Whaley
April 18, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Tampa and Florida in the progressive/underground FM days. Then KAZY/Denver and WMET/Chicago. Decades at KPOI/Honolulu. Cox Radio/Atlanta. Yowali Radio/Kandahar. Then Televisiual in Limerick, Ireland, and now WWNU/Columbia.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
A crystal set and the arrival of the Beatles.
2. Before you came to WWNU, you were doing something with the Army and NATO, I believe. Tell us about that.
I managed a radio station in Kandahar, Afghanistan where we taught young men and women how to do radio in the Western fashion. Especially news ... who, what, where and when. Afghan broadcasting had always been under the control of whatever government was in power, or favored the government position. It was very successful, and performed a great public service such as promoting a drive for polio eradication. Quite the adventure, and remember, no two sitar records in a row.
3. How did you end up at WWNU?
I got a call from Dave Benson our VP/Programming. The mix of radio and online news was quite intriguing.
4. As someone new to Triple A, what "outside" insight can you give to us about the format?
It will speak to you one-on-one and to an intelligent fan with passion for the music. It will introduce you to new artists by name, and accomplish this without "laser bursts" and meaningless, repetitious deep-voiced liners.
5. Not only is Hometown Media Columbia radio stations, but it also an online newspaper. Tell us about the synergy.
We are one. We work hand in hand and side by side to provide local information centered on Columbia. What is different is we do this without opinion. Just facts ... our audience can make up their own minds.
6. What new music are you most excited about?
Leon Bridges! Man, that cat has got it!
7. Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?
The quiz programs on BBC radio 4, and college radio where you never know what you might hear.
8. What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?
Where does a young man or women get a chance to give it a shot? We used to put folks on overnights and weekends. Now those are in the box, so to speak. With all the other media choices out there, reading liner cards at 95% of the other radio formats is not a very creative outlet now, is it?
9. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
It's what comes out of the speaker that counts!
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ...
... A kiss from my Honey.
Bonus Questions
Last non-industry job:
TV shop in junior high. I did quite a job with antennas.
First record ever purchased:
Chubby Checker The Twist LP
First concert:
James Brown
Favorite band of all-time:
I'm Triple A, so three: The Stones, Joni, and Costello
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
Watching the BBC satirical news shows like" Have I Got News For You" and "Mock The Week." They're up on YouTube. Smart, snarky, and spot on.
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