10 Questions with ... Bill Dunn

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started out as a member of the road crew for the radio stations in our cluster. I moved up to Assistant Promotions Director within a few months. When our promotions director left, I took over the department. I was working on air part-time on WPDH and WRRV as well. I was offered a full-time position on-air at WRRV and jumped at the chance. It's almost nine years later, and I still look forward to going to work everyday.

1. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

I grew up listening to Radio 104 in Hartford. Jake and Beth in the morning at first, then Dee Snyder took over. I also listened to WCCC.

2. What stands out the most from your first job in radio?

Before I got into radio, I knew I wanted to work with music but I wasn't sure in what capacity. What stands out most is the fact that I knew on day one that radio was for me.

3. How has your job changed in the past year?

My main focus has always been the on-air product. But in the last year or so in an attempt to make myself more valuable, I've taken on a larger role with the production dept. Our cluster is the home of Army Black Knights sports, so I voice quite a bit of production for them as well as the recent re-launch of our AM station to True Oldies.

4. Describe your typical day of multi-tasking with WRRV, WDPH, and your recent venture into voiceovers?

My day starts out with tons of show prep. Hosting middays on WRRV and nights on WPDH, I need to be ready to cover 10 hours a day on the air with interesting content. While I'm on the air my main focus is interacting with the listeners and keeping them engaged.

When my show wraps at 3, I head into another studio to take care of any station production that needs to get done. After that it's time to schedule music. Then I start returning calls and see what's happening with my colleagues at the labels. After working the phones for a while it's time to handle any freelance VO work that is on my plate. I specialize in corporate videos, e-learning and message on hold systems. I've also been fine tuning my radio and TV imaging skills as well. Having a studio set-up at the house allows me to get a lot of work done at home too.

5. How would you describe the music and imaging on WRRV?

WRRV is a modern rock station. We do our best to give the audience a little bit of everything. From the new Jack Johnson to the heavier stuff and everything in between, we've got it covered.

The imaging is aggressive but accessible. We try not to go over the top with 20 second sweeps or anything. We keep it tight. Playing as much music as possible is the ultimate goal.

6. How do you stay connected with your audience?

Of course it's important to be out at charity events, shows, bars, and other lifestyle appearances that our listeners frequent. But now more than ever, it's important to stay connected via the internet/social networking sites. WRRV has also gone visual too. We have a lot of great content up at YouTube.

7. What would shock people the most about WRRV?

Despite targeting the 18-34 crowd, we do really well with people 35+.

8. What recent promotion has caused the most excitement with your listeners?

The WRRV Beach Party -- We took to the airwaves to qualify people for a trip to Jamaica. Then we threw a HUGE party at the Civic Center here in town with live music, a tiki bar and full boardwalk with beach games. People had a blast, and at the end of the night a listener won a trip for two to Jamaica. Our Halloween party is also a huge event for us every year.

9. What would surprise people most about you?

I'm a little bit of a hippy. I enjoy Phish and the Dead...but I do shower. Sometimes.

10. If you could work anywhere, what would your dream job be?

My house. I'm in the process of fully completing my home studio and would love to send audio all over the country from Bill Dunn HQ. But in reality, I'm currently working in an ideal location. I'm 90 minutes from NYC, two hours away my hometown, and close enough to the ocean that I can take a day trip to the beach if I wanted. I find myself working for a great company, Cumulus and hope to be part of the team for a long time. Eventually I'd like to move to a bigger market, Cumulus has many great rock stations.

When you're away from work, what are you music listening habits to the radio, iPod, online, etc.?

I'm almost never away from work. I'm constantly monitoring other stations in the market for promotions, music direction, and talent changes. It's imperative to stay one step ahead of the competition. But in those rare moments that I am away from the business, I'll throw some Pearl Jam on the iPod and fire up the Xbox 360 for a few.