10 Questions with ... Eric White

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

BA from San Francisco State University, Interned then hired at then Clear Channel in Williamsport, PA. Took a sales job until an on-air position opened up. Over the total of 12 years moved into nights, then worked up to PM Drive, to mornings while also learning how to be a programmer. Eventually became the SVP/Programming and oversaw operations there for 6 years. Ventured westward to my home state of California and spent 3 years as OM with Results Radio's Yuba City 3 station cluster. Arrived in Wilmington, NC on the heels of Hurricane Florence in the Fall of 2018 to lead Hot AC WILT for Sunrise Broadcasting. Added ALT Rock WRMR stripes in the Fall of 2019.

1. How did you first become interested in radio?

When I was about 8, I can remember road tripping with my parents and hearing the CBS Radio Drama hour (I think on KNX 1070) which played old radio shows like X Minus One and The Lone Ranger. Then, as a teenager living in the Bay Area I would make mix tapes of my favorite songs recorded off of Live 105 in SF. I didn't think about radio as a career path however, until college. I entered as a Cinema major, but quickly realized that wasn't for me. Thankfully, a friend of mine talked about how much fun it was working for the College Radio station. I was the guy at school who liked to lock himself into a world of music and lived in my headphones, so I thought maybe I should check out radio.

2. What is it like working for Sunrise Broadcasting?

It's been amazing. Top level talent, solid gear, and a team of people who like to win. I have a competitive heart, and having a group of people around me who also want to win is motivating.

3. You've been programming for over 15 years and recently added PD duties at WRMR. How does it feel to be programming an Alternative station?

It's been a great opportunity, and fun! I think as programmers we love new projects like digging into a new station, but when you get to also explore a format that's somewhat new to what you've been doing, it's even more exciting.

4. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?

Selfish. I play what I like. I like my stations and when I hear things I don't like, I make changes. I'm big on tempo and temperature flow within quarter hours. I also like to maintain the heart of a student. I'm always trying to learn and improve.

5. What is most important to you when deciding what new music to play on Modern Rock 98.7?

I guess go with my gut. I came up a rocker. I cut my teeth on Metallica as a kid and spent my formative years hanging around things that were loud (unmuffled race cars). So I'm partial to things that are fast and loud. I'll check my panel of stations and see what my peers are keyed into for some ideas, but mostly if I hear a song I like, I want to hear it on my station.

6. What is your favorite part of your job?

The music. I like getting lost in listening to music. All types.

7. You also program AC Sunny 103.7. How do you manage your time between the two stations?

Thankfully, I've had past experience with overseeing whole clusters, so it wasn't a big stress on me to take it on. I came across an article long ago about the 4 D's of handling email and they kind of apply to time management for everything. Do, Delegate, Delete or Defer. Sometimes you just have to grind things out and do them, other times you really have to delegate and let others help you get the job done.

8. What is a typical workday like for you?

Coffee. Coffee. Go to the station. Coffee. Check email. Grind logs. Promo Planning. Coffee. Lunch. Show prep. Coffee. On air PM Drive Sunny. Home. Family time. Coffee. PS4. Bed. (And maybe one more coffee.)

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

Ok, this is a test to see if you've been reading this. Umm... Coffee.

10. What would surprise people most about you?

It's generally a toss-up. Some are more surprised that I have a 5th degree Black Belt and others are more surprised that I've been 0 to 173mph in 7.38 seconds.

Your bio says, "Super Dad, Loving Husband, 3rd Generation Drag Racer, and 5th Degree Black Belt Ninja!

Seriously, all true! Yes, even the Ninja part!!" Explain. (Super Dad) I took my son to Las Vegas for his 8th birthday. (Loving Husband) Married 15 years this summer. (3rd Gen Drag Racer) I can show you my NHRA Competition License. (5th Degree Black Belt Ninja) I'm standing behind you right now.

What are weekends like for you with your son and wife?

Very chill. We like being lazy for the most part. We bum it up on the beach a lot. My son and I are fierce video gamers (ps4 tag: tachikage) We also love to cook. My wife and I will cook Thanksgiving dinner 4 times a year!

What are your favorite places to eat in the area?

I love Irish Pubs, so I'd say The Harp is one of my favs.

You grew up in Southern California. When did you leave L.A. and what are your top priorities when you get back home?

Born in Anaheim. Lived in Mission Viejo until 1991. Moved to Half Moon Bay near SF and lived there until 2003 when I left home for radio in PA. Anytime I visit Cali, there are at least 2 places I need to go. In-N-Out Burger and Tres Amigos Taqueria in HMB.

Rank your sports teams in order of passion.

I'm pretty dispassionate about sports. I'm into Drag Racing. So, dragsters and fast cars is my passion.

First record ever purchased?

Metallica, Ride the Lightning on cassette. Bought it at the Tanforan Mall in South SF. Asked my mom to put it in the car deck on our way home. Fight Fire With Fire begins to play with that nice little acoustic riff... My mom remarks, "This is really nice." She was so proud of her son picking something wholesome. So I asked her to turn it up. 42 seconds later, it kicks in and she kicks the cassette out of the deck and we don't speak for the rest of the way home.

First concert?

Metallica headlines Lollapalooza 1996.

Favorite band of all-time?

Metallica.

Favorite new band over the past year?

Not sure on that. How about I give you some current favorites you'll never hear on radio?? Wumpscut. ALEX. Gunship. Timecop1983.

Anything else you would like to add?

Bacon.