10 Questions with ... Bruce Clark

NAME:Bruce Clark TITLE:PD / Research Director for Bristol Broadcasting STATION:WTZR & WZJO MARKET:Johnson City-Bristol-Kingsport (#101) COMPANY:Bristol Broadcasting BORN:A long time ago RAISED:Nashville, TN

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started Top 40 in Nashville and worked in that format in Nashville, Memphis, Denver, Charleston. I have also programmed Country, AC, CHR, and Rock.

LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:

Gambling

FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:

I have been in this business my whole life. I'm not sure I bought any records....

FIRST CONCERT:

Beach Boys (I think)

FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:

I don't have one favorite

1. What is your favorite part of the job?

Winning.

2. What would an outsider find most surprising about the Johnson City market?

Probably the size of the market with close to 1/2 million in the metro.

3. What led to WZTR's success in Fall '06 Book?

Asking people what they wanted and then giving it to them.

4. What are you most proud of from the Fall '06 Book?

The dedication of the staff. They executed this format flawlessly and unselfishly by doing what radio people use to do by giving of their own personal time go out into the public, meet and talk to the fans of the music, and promote the radio station.

5. Could you give us a little insight into your on-air staff?

Seasoned professionals, who are very dedicated and have a strong understanding of both the music and the lifestyle.

6. What makes your station unique?

I think every station is unique. We turn back the hands of time in this business and try to have fun.

7. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?

Not sure we can say here. Seriously, computers. They help with not only doing the job but with the research to help us make the right decisions.

8. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

The one truth is asking the listeners what they want and then giving it to them. Jim Wesley from the old Cox Broadcasting asked me that once and the answer got me the job with his then Patterson Broadcasting.

9. Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?

Wish I had a better voice (not only the PD but also the night guy under my alter ego "Jackson Daniels." By the way Jackson had a 6.7 12+ and over a 15 share 18-34 (#1 in the market).

10. Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?

I have no one favorite, really, but I do think there is more room in this format than some see or experience because they only know what they have been told. It takes thinking outside the box and getting back to basics and operating from a simple premise: "Ask the listeners what they want, and then give it to them." I think too many of us try to over think and outthink the format and the listeners.

What are your hobbies?

What is a hobby? Ha ha... Ok, so most who know me know that travel (primarily to Vegas, and yes they know me by first name at Caesars and Harrah's) would be at the top of the list.