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10 Questions with ... Russ Parr
January 27, 2009
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NAME:Russ ParrTITLE:Host, The Russ Parr Morning ShowCOMPANY:Radio OneBORN:San AntonioRAISED:Los Angeles
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
KLBS in Los Banos, CA. Influenced by Dr. Don Rose on KFRC in San Francisco. He had wild one-liners with bells and whistles
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"? And do you have a pet peeve?
I loved acting but realized I wasn't going to make enough money at it. Pet peeve is people with huge egos that haven't earned the right to have one.
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Yes, I played the game ... sometimes listening rather than talking helps.
4) One of the unique things about The Russ Parr Morning Show is that. for years, unlike most of your competitors, you ran your own board, which like Rick Dees, Scott Shannon and others claimed, gave you a measure of control that worked. Do you still do this and if not, why not?
Yes, I do it because it's all about timing. A lot of times when you're doing an improv show, you know when to get out and hit the jingle. I trust other people, but not as much as I trust myself. I still get off on a tightly executed show.
5) Another thing that we've observed is that The Russ Parr Morning Show is not just format competitive, but radio competitive? Would you agree with that premise?
Yes, because I feel everybody with a mic regardless of the format competes on content. If the content you're spewing is competitive you can do it on any format.
6) In addition to your radio duties, you also hosted "Get The Hookup" for TV-One, which was one of the most popular shows on the network. Does all this significantly impact the number of hours that you have available to enjoy your leisure time?
We don't tape anymore shows, so it's not a problem ... however, when I direct a movie it can be trying working 19 hours a day but I love it.
7) What are some of the other projects you're involved with that you would like to share with our readers?
I have a film called "Love For Sale," which hits the stores in late February. BET picked it up and should start airing it in May. I just finished another film, which is a comedy called "Something Like a Business."
8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
Remembering names ... it's a problem, especially when you get busted.
9) Do you feel there is an escalating demand and somewhat diminishing supply of great morning talent available today?
Syndication has really devoured a lot of prime spots and it is a concern when it comes to developing good morning talent.
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
Not many regrets. Other than I never really allowed my self to be marketed. I always felt promoting myself was a little too pretentious and self-serving, but in this day and age you have to market yourself to get noticed.
Bonus Questions
What would people who think they know Russ Parr be surprised to know about you?
I'm extremely shy.
You're still pretty passionate about music. How do you balance personal tastes with expectations of the audience?
It's not about me; you have to play stuff you don't like, but then again there are a lot of things I say that people don't like.
What's been your biggest disappointment in radio today?
The saturation of people who could care less about our craft and don't want to get better at it.
Who's going to train the next generation of Russ Parrs?
My current producer Al Payne, and the Gary Saunders and Elroy Smiths of the world.
How do you feel about Arbitron's PPM replacing the diary?
I don't think either method is scientific or accurate.
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