10 Questions with ... Riley Reed

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WDZY-AM PSA Show Host; Intern at WTVR; Promotions/Board Op/Producer WTVR, WRVQ, WRXL, WBTJ; WRXL Promotions Director/weekends/fill-in. Now mornings WWYY

1. How did you become interested in radio?

I always knew I wanted to be in the entertainment business and back in high school I was given the opportunity at Radio Disney WDZY (back when those still existed) back as a performer/ emcee. One day I was asked to host the on-air PSA show. It was a 30 minute interview show that aired at 6 AM on Sundays. It was pretty probably pretty boring to everyone else, but I was hooked.

2. How did you hook up with Fletcher at WRXL/Richmond and what was your biggest takeover from working with him?

After Radio Disney went dark, I got an internship at iHeartMedia Richmond working on the Hot AC morning show at WTVR and was introduced to Fletcher at WRXL. We clicked right away. He really taught me in the ins and outs of the business. He gave me my shot. He's always got me thinking about how I can improve the station's public image and how we look on social media. My wife sometimes calls me "Mini Fletcher." Mojo Rupp is also a big mentor to me. He and Fletcher have both helped me immensely.

3. What led you to Spin Radio?

Spin Radio was doing the same thing that WRXL had done, switching formats from Active Rock to Alternative. I saw how successful WRXL was in doing that, and I felt I could help Spin Radio achieve similar success. I love seeing how much the station has grown since I got here in 2015. It's been great working with my PD Bill Sheridan, APD Sal Palazzolo and the rest of the Spin Radio team, I really feel we're building something special here, something we can be proud of. Also the Lehigh Valley (Allentown/Bethlehem) is a pretty cool place. Right between NYC and Philly.

4. How would you describe your style on-air?

I definitely try to be the best friend who has some nerdy tendencies and can also sometimes be a smart ass. Kind of an instigator, like Eddie Haskell.

5. What is your show prep routine?

It's very fluid. I do prep for the next day's show in the afternoon usually when I get home, but I am always looking for content when I am on air. Being the morning drive guy I want to keep my audience as updated as possible on the latest music, pop culture and local news, so in a way my prep never ends.

6. What are the benchmarks of your 6a-1p Spin Radio weekday show?

I'd say listener interaction is my main benchmark. I just want to be entertaining and also throw some music facts and such out there too. Getting people to call or text in and say, "Hey, that's really funny what you were just talking about, you just made my morning." I have few different features on my show. I do a "Random Rant Of the Day" which gets a good reaction especially on Facebook. And my "Dummy Of The Day" segment gets some good reactions on Twitter. When I'm seeing a lot of comments on social media or getting a lot of texts or calls, that's when I know I've done a good show.

7. Tell us about hosting the station's new music show, Spin Forward and how the show is put together each week?

"Spin Forward" is great. I'm really excited to be doing that, both hosting and curating. One of my favorite things about the alt genre is discovering new music. I know our audience feels the same way. Sal and I come up with the playlists each week together. I hear some stuff that I want to throw in. He has some stuff. It's a collaborative effort. When we're picking songs too we like to think of how they go together with the other songs on that week's playlist.

8. What is a typical day workday like for you?

A typical day for me is I get into the studio at 4:30a, see what I may have missed overnight and start to prep for my show which starts at 6a. Being the social media coordinator as well, I am constantly updating twitter, Facebook, the station website doing contests on our Instagram and texting back and forth with listeners. For some reason they are afraid to pick up the phone to call, but they love texting us. Then whatever production or imaging needs to be done, get home walk the dog. Prep for tomorrow's show, rinse and repeat.

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

My Guayaki Yerba Mate! I don't drink pop or coffee, but I need my caffeine and that's where I get it. One can and I am good for the day. My phone is pretty important too.

10. What would surprise people most about you?

I am a Disney nerd... I am actually wearing my Powerline t shirt right now. I mean I worked for the mouse a la Radio Disney for a bit so people are always amazed that this alt guy worked for Disney.

What are weekends like for you?

When I am not at a car dealership or other remotes, I'm usually hanging out with my wife and my dog, Gunther. I also love going to the comic book store. I have gotten really into comics lately.

How will your Buffalo Bills finish the 2017 season?

Better than last year? Hopefully end the 17 year drought.

What are your hobbies?

Finding the next show to binge on Netflix, checking up on my Buffalo Bills and Sabres, collecting baseball caps especially minor league caps. I'm also getting really into comics. I love a good craft beer, definitely an IPA guy, a lot of great breweries in The Valley too, going to shows and festivals. We have some pretty cool ones here in the Lehigh Valley. Celtic Classic is my favorite. IronPigs Baseball is great too (Phillies Triple A affiliate) in the Spring & Summer. Then of course there's SLEEP.

First record ever purchased?

Ha-ha, the first record I purchased was actually a cassette Smashmouth Astro Lounge.

First concert?

Alice Cooper with my Dad. I grew up listening to classic rock with him and he used to go to shows without me, but this one he asked me to go with him. I was very excited. Probably shouldn't have worn a polo though. I stood out like a sore thumb.

Favorite band of all-time?

Always a tough one, but being a Virginian I gotta go with Dave Matthews Band. I know he's not technically from VA, but you're pretty much raised in VA on DMB. I love going to their shows in the summer, and even though I have seen them multiple times no show is the same. I love that. Also, Dave and I share the same birthday (January 9th).