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10 Questions with ... Carmen Brown
March 3, 2008
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NAME:Carmen BrownTITLE:PD/Co-host 'The Morning Cruise'STATION:WJIS The JOY FM NetworkMARKET:Tampa/SarasotaCOMPANY:Radio Training Network (RTN)BORN:February 27th in AlabamaRAISED:Jacksonville, Alabama
Brief Career Synopsis:
Started at Q105 in Tampa and did mornings for eight years. Joined The JOY FM in June 2004 and have been here ever since!
1) What was your first job in the industry? Did you have any mentors early on?
My first job was producer for a morning show in Tampa at a Country station. I was producer for about a week and then became part of the show. Interestingly, I found out I was pregnant with my youngest daughter my FIRST day on the job, so from the start my life provided show prep and content! My radio start was very unconventional in that I actually got my start doing mornings. I credit Ken Cooper with introducing me to the radio world and teaching me morning radio. That was the springboard for learning all the other areas: promotions, programming, etc.
2) How do you prep for "The Morning Cruise" each day? What kind of challenges do you face, if any?
I wake up! Just kidding. I'm evangelistic about life being show prep. Of course, you have to plan for your show and Dave, Bill and I are constantly communicating about ideas, where to go with an artist interview or any late-breaking news or event. We "decompress" at the end of each show, chill out in the studio and talk about the next day. We have a couple of morning show meetings each week and have a general outline of what we want to do. Of course, we leave room for "life."
If we have challenges, they're usually technical. Which drives me nuts because an engineer or IT person, I am NOT! [Smile]
3) What has been your favorite feature/spoof in the past year on the morning show?
That's tough. I love all of our artist interviews; I think our biggest strength is our interviews. If a question sounds the least bit typical, we won't ask it. My favorites would have to be Matthew West's "Foot Fungus" song after we made him do a "compelling content" break. Or when I had an issue of "Austin Monthly" sent overnight in time for our Chris Tomlin interview. Chris was included in this particular edition as one of Austin's Most Eligible Bachelors. The expression on his face when I pulled it out was priceless! Two other notables are the montages that we put together that told the Easter and Christmas stories. They were pretty powerful.
4) Who is your favorite on-air personality NOT at your station?
Locally, Dave McKay. He does afternoons at WQYK in Tampa. He's a genius. I think Glenn Beck is brilliant. I don't necessarily agree with everything either one of them say but both are exceptional communicators.
5) What does Christian radio need to do to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis?
We need to frame our content in a compelling way and make sure we reflect the right camera-angle. We need to be real. [Smile] As you can see, I'm not a fan of "buzz words." Bottom line is the people that had the most problems with Jesus were the religious people. I think when we learn that entertaining folks and ministering to folks are not mutually exclusive, we'll make significant strides.
Don't shy away from something because someone might not like it. If you like "American Idol," talk about it even if someone calls to tell you that Simon is the devil. And don't worry about where the camera angle is! Talk about it how you would talk about it with your co-workers, family or friends. And then if the next break is about what touched you from your Beth Moore bible study last night, then talk about that! If the break is 90 seconds or four minutes, take the time that it takes to tell the story. Valerie Gellar says it best, "Tell the truth, make it matter, take risks and never be boring."
6) What are the greatest challenges in your position/job?
It'd be a toss-up between working too many hours and trying to balance home and work . OR having listeners send you music hoping that you will add their song or get them a record deal.
7) And what are the greatest rewards in your position/job?
To hear someone say that we made them feel something. That we made them laugh, cry, think, feel connected or encouraged and not alone. When I see the fruit of the community that we're building.
8) If you were just starting in radio today, and you knew what you know now, would you continue forward?
Yes! And why? It's my passion. Music transcends words. It moves you. I always want to be associated with something that powerful. And when you marry doing what you love with doing what you love for Jesus, it doesn't get any better than this!
9) If you could have any other job outside radio, what would it be?
A sideline reporter for the NFL or an anchor at ESPN
10) Any favorite or funny artist run-ins? Highlights from a promotion or interview?
See #3
Bonus Questions
1) Do you read everything or nothing? Do you have any favorite magazines, books, newspapers?
Everything. Favorite book is hands down, "Same Kind of Different As Me" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. If you haven't read it, don't tell me unless you want a copy and a deadline! I love anything by Beth Moore.
2) What music is in your CD player/on your iPod right now?
Needtobreathe, Matthew West, David Crowder Band and a burned (and bought) copy of several songs by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová (recommended by one of our CCM artist). I also have a compilation of many upcoming releases. I like for our MD to hand me all the new stuff with no titles or artists and I listen for several days on my commute.
3) Cat or dog person?
Neither! My uncle was a vet and I grew up with goats in the house. Really.
4) Describe your favorite meal.
The Ruprict (the vegetarian nachos) from Moe's with a big coke if I'm in an unhealthy mood. Salmon and asparagus if I'm needing to fit into a certain dress or pair of pants!
5) What is your favorite quote?
"It's easier to ask forgiveness than permission!" I hope Jeff doesn't read this. [Smile]
6) If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you and why?
A cell phone, my bible and Beth Moore bible studies (does that count as two?) and pictures of my family.
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