10 Questions with ... Beth Bacall

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Research department at WLOL/Minneapolis. Air shifts in the Twin Cities, on the Jersey Shore and in Rockford, IL. Spent time with The Second City in Chicago. On camera traffic reports on Fox 5's "Good Day New York." KRON-TV and middays on San Jose's Hot 97.7 and nights at KFRC. Nights at Young Country 93.3 in San Francisco. Rhythmic CHR KTU then late nights on New York's Jammin 105. WAWZ middays since 2003. Beth is also the author and publisher of She Prep, a daily service for on-air talent.

1) What was your first job in the industry?

Answering the request line at WLOL in Minneapolis; then it was on to the research department.

2) If you were just starting in radio today, and you knew what you know now, would you continue forward?

Absolutely! Personality makes radio and those who have it stand out and connect to the listener. For as much of a bad rap radio gets due to consolidation, there are more ways than ever now to promote and interact with your audience.

3) What is your favorite part of your job?

Connecting with the listener. Bringing an idea to life. Plugging in my headphones, knowing the board is all mine every day and putting on a show! Phones! Producing a compelling bit! Cranking up the monitor in the studio when something new comes out, meeting listeners, praying with listeners, personal appearances and cutting spots. I truly love it all.

4) And your least favorite part?

It's a tie between my commute and kitchen duty.

5) You are now a columnist for All Access with She Prep. Can you tell us how She Prep started and how it has changed with the times?

Even though we had other women on the Star 99.1 air staff within the demo, I was the only "working mom," so I prepared a weekly sheet to give a glimpse as to what the woman we were talking to might be doing; what time she'd rise to get the kids off to school, hot products, fashion, area happenings, etc. It eventually broadened and expanded into She Prep: the real deal on the 25- to 54-year old woman.

6) What does Christian radio need to do to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis?

Keep a steady buzz going on the air by knowing what's "really" happening on any given day, build awareness and stay community-minded.

7) Who are some of your favorite on-air personalities?

What a hard question. Here's a few: Shalia on KISS FM in New York, Maria Milito & Carol Miller on Q-104 in New York, Brant Hansen on WAY-FM, Elvis Duran on Z100 (and syndicated), "Broadway" Bill Lee on CBS-FM, NY, Talk Queen; Laura Ingraham and the legendary talents of Dan Ingram and Dr. Don Rose.

8) If you could have any other job outside radio or the music industry, what would it be?

On-camera television reporting or anything that has to do with the Food Network

9) If you could have any guest from any time past or present join you for a midday show, who would you have and why?

The witty and always sharp Colin Mochrie from "Whose Line Is It Anyway." It would be amazing to bounce ideas back and forth with this king of improv; he understands 'the rules," provides a "real" element, great characters, numerous camera angles and he's sooooo funny.

10) What music currently has your ear?

It changes often. Right now I am loving Sanctus Real, Kutless, Tenth Avenue North, Israel Houghton, Superchick and Skillet.

1) Do you read everything or nothing?

Everything I can get my hands on from the Bible to the newspaper. Yes, I still read an actual physical newspaper, "New York Post" and "New York Times" included.

2) Do you have any favorite magazines, books, or newspapers?

Magazines: Women's Health, Cooking Light, Real Simple, In Style, People and the Food Network Magazine.

3) Cat or dog person?

I own two cats that think they own me.

4) Describe your favorite meal.

A killer salad with a ton of vegetables and balsamic dressing with anything grilled: fish, steak, organic chicken, shrimp. Oh yeah, and beef bourguignon.

5) If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you and why?

A knife like Bear Grylls uses in "Man vs Wild," water and is a working iPhone too much to ask?