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10 Questions with ... Chris Crowley
November 16, 2021
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. Because what we do is a craft that's ever-changing, ever-evolving. You have to be willing to evolve with it or get left behind. It doesn't matter if you're a talent, a talent coach, or a programmer - it still applies. To me, the 12 most dangerous words in the English language are, ‘We do it this way because we've always done it that way.’ Sure, there may be a good reason to do things the same way, but there are a thousand ways to get something done; let's find the best way and go from there.
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Anchorage -- KKLV (now KBRJ) 1990-1991, KGOT 1991-1994, KASH 1994-1998; Eugene OR -- KKTT 1998-2001, KNRQ/KUJZ 2001-2004; Detroit -- Jacobs Media 2004-2007; Ft Myers, FL -- WARO 2007-2009; Rochester NY -- WCMF/WROC 2010-2017; Portland, OR -- KGON 2017-2018; Buffalo -- WYRK/WMSX/WBUF 2018-2021 and Charlotte & Raleigh – WEND/WRFX/WRDU October 2021-present.
1. How did you first become interested in radio?
When I was a kid, my parental units always listened to the radio; it was ever-present in my life. And I'm sure, like millions of other kids my age, I would pretend to be the DJ trying to introduce songs into my little portable tape deck. But in between my Jr. and Sr. years in high school, I was looking for a job, and there was a classified ad for a traffic director (continuity), and I thought, "how hard can it be?" So I drove to the station and put in my application. As I talked with the receptionist (a few years before consolidation), the owner/G.M. (Patricia Harpel) walked out of her office and asked to speak with me. I was 17 and thought I had done something wrong! In her office, she asked why I wanted the job (I just needed a part-time job, and it sounded interesting enough), and as we talked, she asked if I ever thought about being a DJ? I told her no way; I could never do that. She told me the job I was asking about would be too much when I went back to school, but I should try this for two weeks. Then, if I didn't like it, she'd find something else for me to do. That was it. Once I was allowed to go on-air, I was hooked. I still don't know what Mrs. Harpel heard that made her do that, but I'm so grateful she did.
2. After 3 ½ years at Townsquare/Buffalo, what led you to your new job as PD of Alternative & Classic Rock brands in Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham?
Blind luck? I had actually given my notice in Buffalo. After the whole pandemic fire drill, I was burnt out and needed a break. In addition, my female parental unit (aka my mother, as we call her at the aforementioned black site) had a stroke the previous December, so I wanted to spend some time with the parents before figuring out my next step. But, as it turned out, life had other plans for me in the long run. Through friends of friends, I got hooked up with A.J. here in Charlotte, who, interestingly enough, I used to work across the street from in Rochester. And here I am, fortunate enough to be added to A.J.'s amazingly talented team.
3. What has surprised you the most in your first month on the job about the four stations -- Alternative WEND (106.5 The End), Classic Rock WRFX (99.7 The Fox)/Charlotte, and Classic Rock WRDU/Raleigh?
How genuine, down to earth and collaborative everyone here is. And it's not just lip service - everyone wants to put out the best product possible and works together to make it happen. There's no pride of ownership with ideas - it's about making something as good as it can be.
4. Tell us about managing your big, syndicated morning show, Woody & Wilcox.
Those guys are great, as are Chelsea and Cool Beans. Fun fact, Woody & Wilcox worked with a lot of the same people I did in Anchorage - Mark Murphy, and Scott and Stu at KGOT, among others. And, as it turns out, I went to the same high school as Wilcox's wife - Robert Service High School. Small world! But the show is excellent, and they put a lot of time and effort into what they do. Also, it's interesting working with them locally since they're syndicated from the WEND studio and do local segments within the show. They're undoubtedly talented and have a lot to offer. They've got a bright future ahead of them, that's for sure.
5. Let's shift to 106.5 The End in Charlotte. Give us the 411 on the station.
The End is a heritage brand, not just in Charlotte but in the Alternative world itself. It's always leaned a little more to the rock side of things, and that's just Charlotte. That's what the brand has been and is to the listeners - it's all about trying to find that balance in the new music that's out there - not leaning too far one way or the other.
6. What makes each station unique?
That's what I'm in the process of figuring out! With stations in two markets, I'm just getting to understand Charlotte and the people. While Raleigh is just a few hours down the road, the people and the areas are very different, so I'm still in the process of finding things out. I don't even know what I don't know yet.
7. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?
Solid, focused, tenacious, and a student of the craft. Because what we do is a craft that's ever-changing, ever-evolving. You have to be willing to evolve with it or get left behind. It doesn't matter if you're a talent, a talent coach, or a programmer - it still applies. To me, the 12 most dangerous words in the English language are, "We do it this way because we've always done it that way." Sure, there may be a good reason to do things the same way, but there are a thousand ways to get something done; let's find the best way and go from there.
8. You have programmed multiple formats throughout your career. We first met about 20 years ago when you were programming Alternative KNRQ/Eugene. What has been your biggest takeaway from programming so many different formats starting with Country in your hometown of Anchorage, Alaska 30 years ago?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer for anything. Coming up in the business, I looked to my early PD's & GM's like Mark Murphy (KGOT in Anchorage) & Bill Bradley (Eugene) and tried to model myself after them and how they handled themselves. And what I learned was it all comes down to people. The people on the air and the people listening. You can be the most creative or buttoned-down programmer, but your programming comes off as clinical, sterile, and disassociated if you can't connect with anyone (especially the talent you're trying to coach).
9. What is your favorite part of your job?
Working with talent, and that "Aha!" moment. That moment when all the things you've been working on finally come together for them. When all the dots connect, and the thoughts and ideas you've been talking & pontificating about all make sense. It's those moments that make everything worth it.
10. What would surprise people most about you?
That I'm generally a positive person (just not on blood tests or my bank accounts). My normal "look" tends to make people think I'm overly serious or annoyed - but that's just my face! I really do have a face for radio...in so many ways LOL
Bonus Questions
What are weekends like for you?
When the weather's nice, it would be hard to drag me off of a golf course - and that's the one time/place I refuse to take my phone. That's the only time I have to disconnect, although it doesn't help my 14 handicap. If I'm not golfing, my fiance and I are probably out on a bike ride or hike. Or I'm tinkering on a project around the house.
Favorite food?
Sushi
Favorite drink?
Sweet Tea - unfortunately, I can't drink anymore. But I'm finding I don't miss it. At all.
How often do you get back home and what are your top priorities when you get back to Alaska?
I don't - I've been back to Anchorage once since I left in 1998, and that was 2006. I'll probably never go back - my family moved away before I did, and all of my close friends have since moved back to the lower 48.
Rank your sports teams in order of passion.
Oregon Ducks. That's it - I've never really been a "sports" person.
First record ever purchased?
KISS - Destroyer. On 8-track!
First concert?
Metallica, Sullivan Arena in May of 1989. They blew out a stack halfway through the show - had to stop, replace it, and then started up again.
Favorite band of all-time?
On the advice of counsel, I invoke my fifth amendment privilege against self-incrimination and respectfully decline to answer your question…
Favorite new band over the past year?
Giovannie And The Hired Guns
Anything else you would like to add?
Add? No one said this was going to include math...math are hard!
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