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10 Questions with ... Gary Young
August 16, 2005
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NAME:Gary YoungPOSITION:PDSTATION:WLVH/Love 101.1MARKET:SavannahCOMPANY:Clear ChannelBORN:Highland Park, Michigan in 1956RAISED:Motown, Detroit, Michigan
Please outline your career so far:
KOKY -- Little Rock/1977
WJLB -- Detroit/1978
KLAZ -- Little Rock/1980
KLPQ (country) -- Little Rock/1982
KAAY (The Mighty 1090) -- Little Rock/1983
KITT (Oldies) -- Shreveport/1984
WLUM -- Milwaukee/1986 (Music Director)
WCDX -- Richmond/1990 (Program Director)
WHJX -- Jacksonville/1992 (Program Director & morning show host)
WJBT -- Jacksonville/1993 (Program Director & morning show host)
WHUR -- Washington, D.C. 1994 (afternoon host)
WUSL -- Philadelphia/1995 (Program Director & afternoon host)
Philadelphia 76ers-1996-1999 (1st full time African American Public Address Announcer in the NBA)
WKKV -- Milwaukee/1999 (Program Director & afternoon host)
WLVH - Savannah/2001 (Program Director & afternoon host)1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
My first job in radio was board op/station mascot (The original Funk E. Chicken) at WDRQ in Detroit. My early influences were (WJLB) "The Big Soul Rocker" Claud Young, Donnie "The Lovebug" Simpson and Butterball Jr. (WCHB).
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment which made you realize "this is it"?
After watching people like Bill Bailey & China Jones (WDRQ), I became interested in the entertainment of radio. Doug Banks and I were board ops together and we both started working on airchecks and getting opinions and ideas. The #1 reason I went in the direction of radio was because of my love and passion for music in the 70's; we had REAL music with REAL singers!
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Absolutely! I truly enjoy my job. I enjoy interacting with my listeners and the artists I have met throughout my career who have become close friends.
4) Where do you see the industry and Arbitron five years from now? How much of a challenge is satellite radio, Internet radio?
I see listeners, the sampling of listeners, and the methodology changing a lot. I also see a surge in satellite radio. I see more usage of the cell phone and the many things that it can be used for, including station listening, etc. The internet is not so much a challenge as it is a useful tool for information that a listener can sit a read information about a subject and let it sink in along with the same information being passed on through radio. The internet also gives listeners an opportunity to become more active with their favorite station..
5) What's your take on radio currently? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same? Elaborate
I think radio is better and improving because of the tools we have to keep our stations competitive. Radio, at least on the Adult side, is back to letting songs become long lasting hits, eventually become oldies or old school. With the pattern in the past, I didn't see songs becoming classics because they moved on and off the charts so fast that listeners didn't fall in love with songs (they only heard the song, liked it, and then moved on to the next record). Now, once again, in the next 10 years we will have a new generation of Aretha Franklins, The Temptations, etc. to look back and say, "that was my jam back in ... "!
6) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Hard work and staying focused pays off and keeps you in the game.
7) What was the biggest transition you had to make in moving from several larger markets to Savannah?
Realizing that advertisers/buyers are still holding on to their prejudices. I had to learn my playing field first, then operate accordingly, to benefit my station and listeners the most. Sometimes those obstacles take time to go around or over, but they are only bumps in the road!
8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
Production, for sure. There was a time when I thought I was pretty good, but I don't have the time to create and produce spots like I use to. I have someone else to handle that, therefore I have not kept up to date on methods or equipment.
9) How well do you think today's urban broadcasters really understand Arbitron?
I don't think too many urban broadcasters really understand, they can only repeat what information is given to them. The Arbitron online classes could be very useful.
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
I wish I had actually been taught aspects of radio in the beginning of my career. I worked for some PD's who didn't want to teach, just give instructions. Regrets, none. I look back at my 30 something years and I feel very fortunate to have been in those situations. I know what it's like to be #1 in your market/demo. I feel very blessed to have been a part of the NBA and at the same time working at one of the top stations in the country. Regrets, none, blessed, yes!
Bonus Questions
What do you do with a song you don't like?
It depends. If there's a song I don't like but others are playing it, I'll bring some ladies into a room, let them listen to it, and get their opinion. A song I don't like, I try to give advice to the artist, like what I think is missing or might work better.
What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you? The worst?
The best piece of advice came early in my career from Bernie Miller, who said to be honest to people. If you don't feel their music, don't lead them on, be honest and respectful, they have a job to do just like you!
Describe your favorite meal?
Lobster at the Palm in Chicago!
What's your favorite fast food?
Burger King, Whopper with cheese!
Do you read.....everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What's your favorite reading material?
Autobiographies.
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