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10 Questions with ... Shilynne Cole
October 2, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- Bachelor of Arts, Broadcast Journalism - Benedict College
- WWDM/Sumter/Columbia South Carolina, 1987-1989
- KQMQ/Honolulu, 1989-1991
- KIKI/Honolulu, 1991-1999
- WJMH/Greensboro, 1999-2004
- WQMG/Greensboro, 2004-Present
- WEAL-A/Greensboro, 2010-Present
1) Where and what was your first job in radio? Who are your mentors?
My first "Big" job in radio was at WWDM, back when it was located in Sumter, SC. The PD was Andre Carson. He was a great mentor who taught me a lot. I've been very fortunate to have learned from some great PDs -- Andre being one of them. Brian Douglas is another exceptional mentor.
2) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Yes.
3) Your station, WQMG, has been consistently number one in Greensboro. How competitive is the market and what, if anything, do you plan to do different that will continue that tradition going forward?
The market is very competitive. Going forward, I don't have any plans on making any drastic changes in the game plan -- just taking what I've been doing, fine tuning and continuing to forge ahead.
4) What do you think of the blurring of the formats (Urban/Urban AC/Top-40 Rhythmic) and the fine lines between them? Does that mean you're sharing the same artists and audience?
We most definitely share the same artists and audience. With Urban AC stations looking to broaden their audience by adding artists on the younger end of the spectrum, and Urban stations doing the same with more R&B artists, we end up sharing huge amounts of the demos and artists. The same can be said for Top 40/Rhythmic.
5) How important are morning shows in 2012. In PPM does it really matter if the morning show is live or syndicated as long as it is connecting with the audience?
Whether the show is live or syndicated, it is definitely important to connect with the audience. In the case of syndicated shows, they have the additional task of making sure the "local" aspect is prominent as well.
6) Because of callout research, are today's Urban AC programmers going to be even slower in adding and playing new music? And what is the maximum number of spins a record in power rotation could be expected to receive in a given week on WQMG?
That would depend on the programmer. For me, of course, callout weighs heavily, but a hit is a hit. A song in power rotation on WQMG generally gets 70 spins a week.
7) Do you think today's radio/record label relationship is in a good place where both have a better understanding of each other's goals? What would make it better?
It's in a place where we can accomplish what we need to in order for both sides to be successful, yes.
8) What are the most enjoyable facets of your job? Do you still enjoy doing an air shift?
The many components of my job work together to create what I enjoy doing, but being on-air is definitely still the one of the highlights of my day. It gives me a chance to personally connect with the listeners. I love what I do.
9) Given all the digital entertainment options for listeners these days, how important is it to stay more in touch with your audience's lifestyle habits?
We have to work that much harder to keep our finger on the pulse of what our listeners like ... stay ahead of the game and use our digital resources to do so.
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
I don't believe in regrets. Everything happens for a reason or a lesson you're supposed to learn. If you miss the opportunity, then it wasn't your blessing. You take the lesson and keep moving forward.
Bonus Questions
What the best piece of advice that someone has ever given you that you still use on a daily basis?
"Always trust your first instinct...about anything or anyone".
Describe your favorite meal?
Sushi ... any day of the week.
Most annoying thing people ask you:
"How long are you gonna be mad at me?"
What is your favorite book?
The Bible
Do you feel that Urban stations should be more careful not to blindly copy formats but tailor them specifically to the age and racial make-up of their own markets?
Each station is unique to that of their perspective market, audience, demo, region, and racial make-up. What works in Los Angeles may not always work in New Orleans, no matter the format. We have so many resources at our disposal to help us super serve our listeners. Your station should be unique to your particular market.
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