-
10 Questions with ... Bill Gamble
August 11, 2020
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. The New QYQ helps fill out our 'Wall of Rock' strategy. We have 95.7 The Lake, Classic Rock, Rock 107 WIRX, Mainstream Rock, and The New QYQ, Alternative. We have almost 60 years of rock covered.
-
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Currently General Manager Mid-West Family South Bend - WNSN, WQLQ, WZOC, WSBT and Director Of Content for our three rock stations in Benton Harbor -- WQYQ, WIRX, and WQLQ-HD2-W239CJ. Other notable stops; Q101/Chicago, US99 Chicago, Director of Programming CBS Radio Denver, Regional VP Emmis, National Program Director General Cinema Radio, WMAQ/Chicago.
1. You have programmed many different formats including Q101/Chicago back when Alternative really started to take off in the mid-90s. What led to the launch of Alternative 106.1 The New QYQ in Southwest Michigan?
There were lots of great songs that had zero radio exposure in Southwest Michigan and South Bend.
2. Tell us about the station’s position statement, The New Music Alternative. You described the station when you launched as, “The New QYQ isn’t your older brother’s Alternative station. If you’re looking for Pearl Jam and Nirvana, you’ll be disappointed. The New QYQ is about today and all the great new music being produced. The New QYQ’s playlist is a blend of New Rock, Indie Rock, Hip-Hop and Punk, with a dash of Pop and a few love songs mixed in." How current-based is the station and who is your target?
We're 65% current based. We're looking for people of all ages who are fans of music, especially new music. I expect the audience to be in their 20's and 30's.
3. What is the station's coverage area with your FM translator?
Our radio signal covers all of Southwest Michigan and most of South Bend. Our app takes care of the rest of the known universe.
4. How would you describe the radio landscape in St. Joseph and why do you feel The New QYQ will be successful?
The New QYQ helps fill out our "Wall of Rock" strategy. We have 95.7 The Lake, Classic Rock, Rock 107 WIRX, Mainstream Rock, and The New QYQ, Alternative. We have almost 60 years of rock covered.
5. Who is part of the team at The New QYQ?
Lots of people helped put this together, Zack East, Kristen Havens, Terry Green, Brock Havens, Alisa Kirby. Adam Rebolloso, Lorraine Day, Paul Layendecker and Dave Doetsch, President of Mid-West Family Southwest Michigan and South Bend.
6. How are you marketing the station?
Well, we're certainly not doing events right now. We'll use local television and spots on YouTube to introduce the station to the market.
7. How are you reminding your audience all the different ways they can listen to the station?
We are constantly reminding them, on-air, about our app, our Alexa skills, etc.
8. What may surprise people about the station
I hope how fresh & new it sounds. The goal is to sound like today.
9. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Hits work better than stiffs.
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Zoom
Bonus Questions
What are weekends like for you?
Better now that baseball is back, for at least a little while.
Favorite food?
Deep Dish (Chicago) Pizza
Favorite drink?
Ice, with gin.
Rank your sports teams in order of passion.
Chicago White Sox (World Series Champions 2021)
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bulls of the 90’sFirst record ever purchased?
I don't remember, but I'm sure it was an album from the discount bin at my local record store.
First concert?
Bob Seger
Favorite band of all-time?
Tie: The Doors, Coldplay, and Tom Petty
Anything else you would like to add?
Good to be in touch with you Shawn.
-
-