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10 Questions with ... Brian Dumont
July 8, 2013
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1. Brief history, synopsis.....
Born and raised in and around Lansing, MI. BA in radio/tv broadcasting from Spring Arbor University, 1994. Married 19 years to Jennifer. 3 kids... Daniel (18), B'Elanna (14) and David (13). B'Elanna is named after a Klingon character from Star Trek Voyager.
2. What was it that made you "catch the bug" for radio? When did you realize that it was what you wanted to do for a living?
When I was in elementary school, at a donut shop on the way home from church one Sunday night, my family and I met the owner of a new ccm radio station that was about to sign on in our community. I was introduced to artists like Petra, Amy Grant, Imperials and David Meece and quickly recognized the positive influence that kind of music had in my life. I've been hooked ever since. Later in high schoool I was introduced to SAU's radio station and a Christian rock program they aired. I signed up for more information at a career fair and the rest is history.
3. What's the most successful on-air bit/break you've ever been part of?
There are two I would like to share. The first was November 12, 1993 during my college radio days. I was hosting the morning drive program. My co-host/news guy asked his afternoon counterpart (who happened to be my girlfriend) to fill in for him because he "wasn't feeling well," but it was actually a rouse to get her in the studio with me so I could propose to here on the air. She said yes and we were married the next year. In all of my days in radio, I have never received more phone calls in a shift than that morning.
Only slightly less memorable, a few years back I was interviewing KJ-52 at a music festival and offered to provide a "low quality beat box" for him if he would free style rap. He accepted the offer and it was a big hit.
4. With the advent of "instant everything".....what do you do to show prep? How do you prepare?
My co-host and I usually talk the day before to come up with a loose plan for our content. There are also a few benchmarks that require minimal reseach (e.g. day in history, Bible trivia, etc.). Otherwise I scan a few different news sites for current events and post questions on our facebook page to generate interaction from listeners. If I'm inspired and have time I might put together a more involved bit that requires production in advance.
5. Who are two people that you look to as mentors/leaders? What is it about them that grabs & keeps your attention?
Stephen Marshall, recording artist/producer and Music Minister at my church. In addition to being constant source of encouragement he has a way of approaching any subject from a biblical perspective and with a positive attitude.
Kevin Berry, senior pastor at my church. Again, with the encouragement. He was my youth pastor when I was in junior high and is now the senior pastor. The man is a never ending compliment to everyone he meets.
6. What do you believe is the single greatest factor in building audience share/cume? Why do you believe it's that important?
In theory, it would be playing the more songs that more people want to hear (or at least the ones responding to surveys), but honestly I think meeting people's spiritual needs is more important and is not always reflected in the numbers.
7. How do you combat the iPod/satellite/online option listeners have today? What are the steps to compete?
We're still working on that one. We regularly promote the fact that we're local and relevent to local communities. We also offer live streaming via our website and mobile phone browsers.
8. Radio 101....in 101 words or less, how would you guide/instruct/advise a radio programmer/air talent who wants to get better at their craft?
I would say first make sure this is absolutely what you want to do for your career. Are you doing it because your passion drives you and it would kill you if you couldn't do this for a living? If so, then your instincts will guide you to improve. Find those with more experience and success and emulate what they do. If radio ain't "it" for you, then find out what is and go after that. And in general, have a servant's heart, a teachable attitude and an ever-increasing desire to draw closer to Jesus. Everything else will fall into place.
9. Most embarrassing moment on air?
In college I was reading a news story about the Siemens Corporation. When I got to the word "Siemens" my immature brain went to the word "semen" and it's meaning. I almost started laughing hysterically at the notion. Luckily I was able to contain an outburst, but I couldn't finish the report. Looking back there was no logical explanation for my reaction, but I was certainly embarrased.
10. You've got one last live break on air....and then the radio will go silent. What do you say, and why?
I would play "He won't let you go" by The Kry and follow up with this:
It doesn't matter who you are or what you've done in this life. The only thing that matters is where you stand with Jesus. The Bible says all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. It says if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us. It says Jesus is the way the truth and the life and that no one comes to the Father accept through him. If you don't know Jesus as your personal savior but you would like to, I invite you to pray this prayer with me: "Father in Jesus' name, I know that I am a sinner. I'm sorry for my sins and ask you to forgive me. Come into my heart, make me a new creature and I will live for you. Thank you, in Jesus' name, amen." That's it. You are free. Make sure you tell somebody about your decision. Get plugged in to a good chuch and into God's word. I have to go now. If I don't see you before then I'll see you in heaven.
Bonus Questions
1. Favorite cereal
Count Chocula
2. Favorite cartoon character
"Springer" the Autobot warrior from the original 1986 animated Transformers movie. Nothing against Optimus Prime or any of the others, but Springer was a stud. He would say cool things like, "I've got better things to do tonight than die!" as he was loading a grenede into a rocket launcher and firing it at the Decepticons. Plus he had an awesome sword and could transform into a car AND a helicopter. Could Prime do that? No, I don't think so.
3. Favorite fast food choice?
Wendy's - spicy chicken go wrap
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