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10 Questions with ... Chalmer Harper
July 13, 2009
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NAME:Chalmer HarperTITLE:PD/MDSTATION:KWND 88.3 The WindMARKET:Springfield, MOCOMPANY:Radio Training NetworkBORN:Knoxville, TN, Jan. 10, 1980RAISED:Cleveland and Chattanooga, TN
Brief Career Synopsis:
1998-2002, WEHC/Emory, VA (General Manager), 2001-2008, WCQR/Johnson City, TN (PD), 2008-Present, KWND/Springfield, MO (PD)
1) What was your first job in the industry? Did you have any mentors early on?
First job: Intern for WAY-FM Nashville's "Doug & Karla" as Chalm-bacca The Wookie Intern! Mentors: Doug Griffin (The Fish/Nashville) and Jason Sharp (while at WCQR)
2) What has been your favorite promotion at your station?
The Ozarks Community Stimulus Package in May/June 09. We partnered with seven Credit Unions to present two free financial seminars, hosted by local churches, to help the community learn sound financial principles in these tough times. One of the seminars featured MoneyTalks News, Stacy Johnson. The Grand Prize was $4000 in US Savings Bonds given to a family.
3) What does your show prep include?
Keeping my eyes and ears open as I live my life. From parenting struggles to watching TV, anything and everything that I am involved in becomes my prep.
4) Who is your favorite on-air personality NOT at your station?
"Click and Clack," The Tappit Brothers
5) What does Christian radio need to do to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis?
Throw out religion and focus on relationship.
6) What are the greatest challenges in your position/job?
Balancing all the hats I wear.
7) And what are the greatest rewards in your position/job?
Meeting a listener face-to-face and hearing his or her story.
8) If you were just starting in radio today, and you knew what you know now, would you continue forward?
By all means! We're not doomed, because nothing replaces connection between two human beings. We're in the connection business.
9) If you could have any other job outside radio, what would it be?
Own a coffee company: to share with the world God's greatest gift in the beverage department.
10) Any favorite or funny artist run-ins? Highlights from a promotion or interview?
When I was a teenager, I went to a Third Day Concert in Knoxville. It was the "Conspiracy Number 5" tour. Mark Lee ended up getting on top of a speaker and was playing the amazing solo over my head. So as I'm looking up, watching him play his heart out, a LARGE bead of sweat fell from Mark's hair into my eye! I've been a fan ever since. [wink]
When I was an intern in Nashville, I worked in a movie theater to make some cash. It was the old (no longer there) Nipper's Corner Regal Cinema. The employees told me that some of the Christian artists would come there. One day Michael Tait came in. I was a bit star struck and the guy who was taking his order was talking with him and asked, "Now, what's your name?' I answered for Michael with a quick "Michael Tait" as I served him popcorn. He was very gracious but a bit weirded out by me. So he smiled and said, "Yes. That's me." And then quickly made his way to the theater, checking to make sure I (the crazed fan) didn't follow. [smile]
I got the chance to play "Find You Waiting" on stage with DecembeRadio twice! I will never forget that. The guys of Mikeschair made a special trip to Springfield to hang out with my family. My wife and I had a great time with them, but my son Jay really thought he had five new big brothers. They were so good to him and that means so much to me.
Bonus Questions
1) Do you read everything or nothing? Do you have any favorite magazines, books, newspapers?
Don't read a whole lot. I'm an audio guy. I like to listen. Favorite magazine would be "Relevant" and favorite book "Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal" by Christopher Moore.
2) What music is in your CD player/on your iPod right now?
Recently revisited "Welcome to the Rock N' Roll Worship Circus," The Benjamin Gate CDs, and Michael Jackson's "Thriller (25th Anniversary Edition)"
3) Cat or dog person?
Yes
4) Describe your favorite meal.
Cootie Brown's Caribbean Pizza (Johnson City, TN)! Or going to a Hibachi Scallops and Shrimp, complete with several rounds of sushi.
5) If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you and why?
1. Clean Underwear
2. Endless supply of coffee beans
3. Guitar -
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