10 Questions with ... Reed Phillips

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Interning for KRBZ, (actually, the 3rd intern hired at the birth of The Buzz) at Entercom KC... Student staff at KTBG in KC, overnights at KFKF/KC, nights at WNWN/Battle Creek, literally EVERY shift at WFGS/Murray, KY, Operations Manager/mornings at WJLI, afternoons at 103.3 The Bridge, and a bunch of other things to keep the stations winning. Also, WJLI Rock 98.3 & WRIK River Country 97.5.

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1. How did you become interested in radio?

I always loved listening to radio as a kid, even getting up at 5am just to catch the beginning of the "Boomer & The Dave" morning show in KC. In 1996 I won a prize pack from Mix 93.3 (KMXV) and when I went to pick it up, there was something about even standing in the lobby that made me want to be a part of this business. (BTW, that prize was a pair of tix to the premier of "Kingpin," free pass for bowling and a station t-shirt.)

2. What led to the launch of 103.3 The Bridge?

The Alternative format is something that has never been in this market, the closest being an Active Rock a few years back that is no longer. I think it was my passion for the format that helped sell it to the boss. Also, there is a younger and progressive set of the public that is beginning to gain more control over the "traditional" Country / Classic Rock / Oldies that has been the mainstay in the region for a long time.

3. Give us the 411 on 103.3 The Bridge, West Kentucky's Only Alternative.

It's modeled after what I love in the format, always being different. It's ALTERNATIVE, not Active Rock, so there's heavy doses of new music mixed in with what helped make the format. Some of the Currents now include; Arkells, Cold War Kids, K. Flay, In the Valley Below, Bishop Brigs, Phoenix, Borns, & Manchester Orchestra.

4. What is the station's coverage area?

The coverage area is a good chunk of Western Kentucky, with the largest town being Paducah and Southern Illinois with the big town being Metropolis (home of Superman).

5. Tell us about the family-owned Stratemeyer Media.

Literally the company came about in the early '80s when the 3 Stratemeyer boys wanted to get into radio. Their dad Eugene (RIP) was able to help them start the organization. They're pretty hands off, because not only do they own the stations, but they're continuing the family farm in Metropolis. They love radio, knowing and understanding the impact it can have, but farming has been in their blood a lot longer.

6. What sorts of things make 103.3 The Bridge unique from other Alternative stations?

In an area that doesn't have an expectation (of what "Alternative" is) to meet, I get to take chances on new music which is always fun.

7. How do you go about your new music discovery process and what is most important to you when deciding what new music to play on the station?

Honestly, AllAccess is a great source, and I think the record folks know it. But I'm also paying attention to what my favorite Alt stations are doing... always watching socials... and there's a couple of early finders of The Bridge, who "get it", and we'll chat about what they might have found. I know that last one seems odd, but it gives me listeners for life and advocates for the station. Plus if it doesn't pass my personal "Bebop Test," it won't be added.

8. What is a typical day like for you working with Rock, Country, and Alternative stations?

In a word, Crazy. I start the day 5-9 on Classic Rock, take a breather for some breakfast, then dive into any production / emails / promotions / etc. In that I'll have my headphones in, listening to the latest that Country and Alternative have to offer. Then I'll hop on 103.3 The Bridge to drive folks home. I'll make my way home, do some other stuff, and show prep for the next day. Wash, rinse, repeat... yet it's never the same.

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

Caffeine and working internet.

10. What would surprise people most about you?

I have not seen some very popular movie franchises like; Rocky, Rambo, Star Wars, Jaws, and Godfather.

You have two new babies, an Alt station and a baby girl. What are weekends like for you?

On Sat & Sun mornings when Baby C wakes up by 6:30a we go into my office and let my wife sleep. She's very well behaved and so she doesn't mind listening to new music with me.

What are your hobbies?

Obviously radio. My wife gives me hell, because on our travels (usually back to KC) she'll stop the radio at a random frequency and I'll be able to give her some sort of history of the station. Besides that I love following my sports teams (Royals, Chiefs, Sporting KC, and the Predators). We used to attend at least 6 Preds games a season, up until last year, for obvious reasons. But at some point this kid is going to have to take up sports, right? I also never have grown up and love TMNT, comic books, and things like that. BTW, I mostly stoked for the new Justice League movie for the Cyborg character.

Last non-industry job?

Well, there was a six month timeframe we call "the sabbatical" in the office, where I worked for Nielsen...on the TV side. Besides that, it was when I was P/T at KFKF, working at Target. I went in for my 90 day evaluation and gave them my 2 week notice b/c I had just been hired at WNWN full-time. They actually tried to talk me out of it, telling me it was big move from KC to Battle Creek. Really?!

First record ever purchased?

I couldn't tell you, but I can tell you the 1st CDs I was ever gifted (Christmas) were Billy Joel - River Of Dreams and Super Hits Of The '60s.

First concert?

I want to say there was a Beach Boys show in my youth at the theme park Worlds Of Fun, but my first concert experience was Hootie & The Blowfish at Sandstone Amphitheater. At the time it was surprising to me, but there was pot being smoked and un-related (I think) I watched a car drive through the parking lot with the back door open while someone held their head out puking.

Favorite band of all-time?

I don't think that can be answered with a single answer because different songs have different meanings. Some of my artists whom I will ALWAYS buy their new music are; Hootie & The Blowfish, Barenaked Ladies, Beach Boys, Something Corporate (or whatever Andrew is doing), Nickelback, Green Day, Weezer, Fall Out Boy, Sister Hazel, Alt-J, R.E.M., (newly added K.Flay, Bishop Briggs and Meg Myers).