-
10 Questions with ... Daisy Davis
October 10, 2006
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:Daisy DavisTITLE:Operations ManagerSTATION:WPHI, WRNB, WPPZMARKET:PahiledlephiaCOMPANY:Radio OneBORN:ChicagoRAISED:Chicago
Please outline your radio career so far:
A graduate of Illinois State University. MD/APD WBMX Chicago Operations Manager of Clear Channel Radio-Norfolk WOWI-FM, WSVY, WBHH and WJCD. APD WDAS-FM, PD WDAS-AM, President of Daze Communications (Consultancy), Consulted WHUR, Washington, presently Operations Manager WPHI, WRNB, WPPZ, Philadelphia.
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
I started out as a sales assistant and later moved to programming. One of my earliest radio
influences was Lee Michaels.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
To be honest, the defining moment was probably when I got involved in programming. I never had a lifelong dream like most people to be in radio. I always wanted to be in the media, but it wasn't until I got into programming that I realized "this is what I want to do."
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
As crazy as it sounds, yes. I absolutely love what I do. It's a lot of work, but at the end of the day I can still say this is the best job ever. It's rewarding in so many ways; especially when I help my employees achieve their goals.
4) What was the first record/CD you purchased?
"Too Hot to Handle" by Heatwave
5) If you are wearing more hats this year than last, what area is suffering and how are you handling that?
Unfortunately we have all become multi-tasked. My motto now is I'm trying to "keep up" because I honestly don't believe I "catch up." I don't know if there is a specific area that suffers at any time, it just comes down to what's most important at the time. If I do see an area really suffering, I just make time to take care of it. It's a juggling act, but somebody's gotta do it.
6) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?
In a word, "consolidation." Why? Because it has led to so many other changes in radio.
7) What do you like best about your job? Least?
I like the fact that I can help people grow and I also have a hand in making this work environment the best experience that they will have in radio. I know you can't make everyone happy, but people want to feel good about coming to work. I hope I help with that. The least thing has to be letting someone go. I always give people a fair chance and it's always a last resort for me. In other words, they've hung themselves.
8) What do you plan to do different this year, regarding work, family, or both?
Actually I don't plan on doing anything different. I've finally figured out how to balance work and still have a life. Hector Hannibal, a friend of mine, always said it's "smart work" not "hard work" and I've finally figured out how to do that.
9) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same? Elaborate.
For me music is still the same as it was since around 90. If you listen to a song from the late 90's and a song from today, you basically can't tell the difference in the sound. The only thing that's slightly different is that there was a re-introduction to R&B; or what we now call neo-soul. That went away for a while. Other than that I don't think that the styles have changed that much.
10) If you could add any one full-time position to your budget with no questions asked, what would it be?
I just need more time to do more things better.
-
-