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10 Questions with ... Helen Little
October 17, 2006
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NAME:Helen LittleTITLE:PDSTATION:WWPRMARKET:New YorkCOMPANY:Clear ChannelBORN:Salisbury, NC, February 3RAISED:Salisbury, NC
Please outline your radio career so far:
I came to Power from Radio One in Philadelphia, where I has served as cluster programmer for Top 40/Rhythmic WPHI (100.3 The Beat), Urban AC WRNB (The New 107.9) and Black Gospel WWPZ (Praise 103.9). What's not on the resume is that I sold vacuum cleaners and encyclopedias door-to-door to support my radio habit in the early days.
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
WCHL/Chapel Hill, NC -- overnights. Early influences: Kitty Kinnon, female jock on Rock WKZL/Greensboro, NC, and my first PD, Phil Hawkins.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
I was a Psychology major in college, and my plan was to research sleep and dreams. The classes were hard and didn't hold my interest, so my advisor asked me what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I was 18, so the only thing I could think of was I wanted to have fun. Radio seemed like it would be fun. I loved music, and I didn't want a job where I had to wear pantyhose!
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Absolutely!!!
4) How do you feel about the PPM eventually replacing the diary?
I like the idea of the opportunity to find out what people are actually listening to and hearing. I think the diary method is antiquated.
5) How you feel about your developing morning show? We all expect that Power will evolve under your direction. What are your initial feelings regarding the station's potential, and what adjustments, if any, do you feel need to be made with the station musically at this time?
I feel great about our morning show! Egypt and Ashy have a great sense of determination, natural talent, coupled with a strong desire to win. I've got one of the best producers in the business with Sarah O'Connor. She's really PD material and, best of all, knows how to win. Adjustments are minor ones. Some of the adjustments are in each individual embracing the basics and embracing success. In regard to potential, we have so much room to do great things. Musically -- play the biggest hits in the format, know the audience, and make them the reason that we do what we do.
6) What is going to happen to the training of tomorrow's talent and programmers if the current trend continues? How do you feel about syndication and voicetracking?
There are pros and cons for both. It lessens the workload for multitasking PDs. But it can limit what you do locally with clients and listeners. Syndication and voicetracking are the times we live in. I accept that. In regard to tomorrow's talent, I've found if someone really wants something, they will find a way to get it. That's how tomorrow's talent has to be in order to thrive. If you and I have information we can pass along to them, that is another way we all participate in the continuation of their success as well.
7) Having been on both sides of the industry in an executive capacity, when you look at the business in general, what concerns you the most?
Often we don't remind ourselves that it is a business. However, I'm the kind of person who doesn't focus on things that may be viewed as concerns or issues. I know they exist but try not to let them paralyze me, and I move on to the next thing that will help me get beyond those concerns or issues.
8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
Procrastination. How long did it take me to get [my answers] back to you? LOL!
9) New York is constantly changing, and, with its large ethnic population and taste for freshness, the competition is fierce. Given those factors, how would you describe your current music philosophy?
Play the hits.
10) As you look back over your career, any regrets? Missed opportunities?
I wish I'd bought the apartment I was living in on Central Park 10 years ago when I was working at WBLS. It was $125,000. Now it's worth close to a million.
Bonus Questions
What's been your biggest disappointment in radio today?
That we didn't set the pace for changes on the technological front.
How did you get your present job?
The people who hired me believed me to be a good programmer and manager. I'd worked with Tom Poleman and Rob Williams before, so we all knew each other.
What is your biggest challenge working at this station?
Living in a 367-square-foot studio! Tiny -- but it's cute! There's very little room for shoes though. My office is bigger than my apartment!
What do you do with a song you don't like?
It doesn't matter if I like it.
What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you? The worst?
Best: Do unto to others as you would have others do unto you. Worst: Act more like a girly girl, because I'm too intimidating. Whatever!
What's the best liner you've ever heard?
I've heard too many in my life to begin to sort through them all.
Describe your favorite meal?
That's tough. I like all different kinds of food, and there's so much variety. Soul food, Japanese, Senegalese, Indian, Cuban, Mexican, and more.
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