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10 Questions with ... Chris Novello
December 5, 2006
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NAME:Chris NovelloTITLE:PDSTATION:WBRUMARKET:Providence, RI (#38)COMPANY:Brown Broadcasting Inc (Independent!!!)BORN:1983RAISED:Miami, FL
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
All WBRU, all the time: Co-Head of Promotions, Production Director, jock, MD, and now PD. Outside of WBRU, I've done freelance imaging aplenty.
LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:
I used to build adapters that let people connect Super Nintendo controllers to computers, and I sold them online.
FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:
A blank CD-R in 1995, I think. I believe it cost at least $15, maybe $20
FIRST CONCERT:
Dave Matthews Band at Coral Sky in West Palm Beach
FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:
Radiohead. Such a safe answer, but mine is not for the sake of safety or posture.
1. What led you back to WBRU?
An amazing opportunity fell into my lap, and an unwavering love for the staff, corporate culture, and mission statement sealed the deal.
2. How did you first become interested in radio?
I accidentally went on a tour of WBRU and realized it'd be fun as hell and that I'd have a business card at age 19. I never really cared for radio in Miami in the 90s - the only time I ever listened was when I'd travel north and could pick up WPBZ. For the most part though, I tracked new music down myself on the internet via messages boards and web pages, pre-Napster.
3. In your first book as PD, the station had one of its best books ever. Why?
-An incredible staff
-Demo's attention span increased over the summer with regard to alternative music (poor cell phone reception? Huh.)
-Arbitron sample fluctuations
-Gnarls Barkley and The Raconteurs
4. What are you most proud of from the Summer '06 Book?
We ran for office. We did a "Vote WBRU" imaging promotion, and never mentioned exactly what we were running for. We had "campaign stops" and brought patriotic-color-schemed WBRU bumper stickers to hot-zips. We ran Station IDs from local politicians and had sweepers that said things like "Vote yes on Proposition 95.5!"
We also made cardboard "Vote WBRU" lawn stand-ups and put them all over the state (including off-ramps coming off the highway). Rita Cidre, my GM, brainstormed the idea, and the whole station had a field day with the implementation.
I'm also proud of having a Netflix account and finally buffing up on my Hitchcock.
5. In what ways has WBRU changed since you taken over as PD?
Although my first priority is obviously programming music that my audience will enjoy, I also try to play more music that my staff believes in. I'm not talking random deep cuts or myspace finds - it's not like TV On The Radio is really a secret or anything - unless you have no ears or can't click a mouse.
Also, I aim more for Persons 18-34, whereas we previously aimed for Men. Buckcherry - Crazy Bitch was a smash, and never touched my airwaves. I'll gladly turn down hits if they alienate/offend a good chunk of my audience and employees. Other tidbits: Friday afternoon drive is now a 2 person show. We have prod to frontsell/backsell currents. Less nu-metal, more early-grunge second singles.
6. What is your biggest challenge programming a student-run Commercial Alternative station?
Doing my best to ensure my unpaid staff is motivated and happy. It's tough when the employees at a commercial radio station, who receive no paycheck or course credit, find mass media increasingly unimportant. To work somewhere for free, one must really believe in the institution. I do my best to serve the students and build an institution that they value and respect, while remaining commercially viable and professional enough to have a quality headquarters to learn in and bring resources to.
7. What would surprise people most about the 'BRU?
We pick every third add by navigating a Ouija board with a shot glass.
8. What would surprise people most about you?
I do own closed-toed shoes, and am even wearing them now.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Visiting www.digg.com 15 times.
10. What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
Something ethically sound that involves music. Maybe even something that aims toward identity deconstruction, one-ness, and spreading compassion.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
-Producing/Analogue Gear/Singing/Songwriting
-Deconstruction/Consciousness mapping
-Post-Ringu, slow-burn Asian horror movies
-Gingerbread.
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