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10 Questions with ... Charley
November 29, 2005
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NAME:CharleyTITLE:APD/MDSTATION:WKZQMARKET:Myrtle Beach, SC (#164)COMPANY:Next MediaBORN:Washington, INRAISED:Washington, IN
LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:
Mortgage department of a bank and waiting tables
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
WRTB/ Washington, IN - after high school helping PD with reporting and promotions to get free tickets; many years later, interned at WRFX - Charlotte answering phones for the Alan Handleman show, board-op, etc.; WEND and did a little of everything - weekends, overnights, morning show producer, nights; then moved to WKZQ in 2001 as MD/APD.
FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:
Hmmm ... not sure but something cheesy - I was a little girl in the `80s remember?
FIRST CONCERT:
Rick Springfield - Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet Tour!!!
FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:
Ok, I could be cool and say some obscure indie band, but I'm not cool and I'm being honest here... Bon Jovi!
1. How did you become interested in radio?
I grew up with music in my house, and always loved all aspects of it, but I have no musical talent myself. I always wanted to do something in the business, but radio was not my first choice - I thought I wanted to work for a record company, but I never quite got to the cities with the record companies. When a friend who worked at WRFX suggested that I apply for a job (thank you Tommy Barrett), I thought I would do promotions or something. They told me I had a voice to be on air, and the rest is history.
2. What part of your job do you like best?
Definitely working with bands and discovering new ones. We are lucky to have a House Of Blues in Myrtle Beach, so I get to see a lot of bands as they are just getting their first tours, and many of them come thru more than once opening for different headliners. It's so gratifying for me to see a band grow over time and actually become friends with them as they gain success. Oh, and free tickets and CDs, that's pretty cool too. ha
3. What is your biggest challenge?
Convincing record labels that even though we are market #164, we have over 3 million visitors here over the summer who are from your big markets and they listen to us while they are here, so WE ARE IMPORTANT! Also, trying to do great promotions on the budget of Market #164; 50 cents doesn't buy many coozies.
4. How would you describe the music on WKZQ?
We are a rock-leaning Alternative. To use a cheesy description, "We're an Alternative station that's not afraid to rock." Shinedown, Fall Out Boy, Killers, Gorillaz, Nine Inch Nails, Foo Fighters, and Disturbed are all at the top of our playlist right now. And we're also giving love to bands like Thousand Foot Krutch, Coheed & Cambria, The Strokes, and H.I.M.
5. What would surprise people most about the station?
The professionalism of this station and its staff. We may be in a small market, but we handle more concerts than many stations in larger markets, and we have lots of tourists in all summer long, so we can't sound like we just signed on yesterday. Everyone on our staff definitely has their sh*t together and could go to a larger market tomorrow.
6. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Coffee, more sleep, and the occasional beer or ten
7. Besides WKZQ, what is your favorite station and why?
WEND because they're my peeps and I love them, WRZX in Indy (I listen when I go home to the Hoosier state), and WXTB in Tampa - when I find myself enjoying listening to a station's jocks and their music, I know it's a good station.
8. What's the best concert you've been to this year and what made it so great?
That's so hard to say just one. Shinedown (I've seen then five times so far, I think?) - they are just amazing live - Brent Smith can sing no wrong in my book. Silvertide - they bring back all things that were great about sleazy `80s rock bands. My Chemical Romance - they understand how to put on a show. When I leave a concert liking a band better because of it, that's always a good thing.
9. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
I will never make any money in this business. Oh, I mean, DON'T BURN BRIDGES! You never know who you will end up working with again, or may need on your side.
10. Biggest career highlight?
Getting nominated for the 2005 R&R Small Market Alternative Radio Station of the Year
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Playing with my dogs, riding my Motorcycle, watching sports (NASCAR & NFL) and drinking beer (that can be a hobby, right?).
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