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10 Questions with ... Ashley Weimer
May 19, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I always dreamed of being on the radio and heard that the best way was to get your foot in the door through an internship. I started interning for Renda Broadcasting in Jacksonville, FL in 2003. I was hired on as a part time Promotions Assistant and eventually moved into the Internet Marketing Director position. After a short break from radio I joined the Clear Channel Nashville team in 2008 as the Promotions Director for WSIX and WNRQ. In 2012 I was offered the opportunity to produce Billy & Karla in the morning on WSIX and couldn't pass it up. During this time I met my now fiancé through the "No Shave November" event that benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Upon exiting WSIX I moved down to the Chattanooga area; knowing that I didn't want to be out of radio I was offered the receptionist gig at Clear Channel Chattanooga and graciously accepted it! When the Promotions Director position opened up I immediately applied and was lucky enough to be given the job!
1) Ashley, congrats on the promotion at Clear Channel station WUSY /Chattanooga, TN! Can you tell us a little bit about how the new position as Promotions Director is going?
It's going GREAT! I was lucky to get to know everyone in the building while being the receptionist so it has been a very easy transition!
2) What exciting stuff do you have planned at WUSY for 2013?
We are really lucky to be centrally located between Knoxville, Nashville and Atlanta. Being a small market, a lot of tours don't stop here but we are still able to give our listeners great opportunities. Between my relationships with the promoters and a great on air staff that has great relationships with the labels we get to put together some pretty cool promotions!
3) How do you gather your ideas for promotions?
Do you look at any other stations for inspiration? I am constantly scanning the internet and other markets for cool ideas. As we all know there really aren't any NEW ideas but there is ALWAYS a way to make old ideas new and exciting for your listeners!
4) From your perspective, what are the top 3 things a radio station must do in order to stay ahead of their competition?
Once in a lifetime promotions and experiences, always staying a step ahead of your competition and establishing and maintaining relationships with key individuals in the market.
5) What are your career goals? Do you see yourself in promotion from here on out?
I've been absolutely blessed in my career up until this point and honestly I believe Chattanooga is where I belong. Now, if an amazing opportunity becomes available for either my soon-to-be husband or me we may see ourselves in another market.
6) What makes the listeners in Chattanooga unique from other markets in your opinion?
I tell you what, Chattanooga listeners are AWESOME! US101 is celebrating 30 years on the air this year and I can guarantee you that at least half of the listeners have been listening to WUSY the entire 30 years. Our listeners are VERY loyal and they treat us like family!
7) When was the first time you realized you wanted to make a career in radio?
I've always had a love of music but my "defining moment" was probably when I toured the WQIK studios in Jacksonville and met a guy that went by "Prize Hound". I developed a friendship with him and was able to learn A LOT about the ins and outs of radio and it was something that interested me.
8) How did you get your first radio job?
I did what everyone else does, email everyone on the "Contact Us" page and said "I'll do anything to work in radio, I'll make coffee, sweep the floors, WHATEVER!" Well of course I know now that doing that just frustrates everyone on the email. HAHA. Renda Broadcasting was crazy enough to allow me to intern for them and that was all it took!
9) What advice would you give to someone who wants to make a career in radio?
Contact the department you are interested in, see if you can come in a job shadow so that you know EXACTLY what is involved with it, and be willing to work hard.
10) What are some of your favorite artists in the Country format right now?
I've been a huge fan of Little Big Town for many years and I am so excited for their recent "BOOM" and success! I'm also really digging Tyler Farr, Jon Pardi and Charlie Worsham!
Bonus Questions
1) If we were to turn on your iPod right now, what would be playing?
Do you generally listen to Country, or a whole variety of things? You would probably hear Bruno Mars, Matthew West or Rick Huckaby. I definitely have an eclectic collection!
2) What is your favorite guilty pleasure television show?
Nashville and Army Wives
3) If you could trade places with any celebrity, who would it be and why?
My celebrity isn't necessarily everyone else's definition of "celebrity" but I would trade place with any military personnel who has been away from their family for any extended length of time. Their sacrifice is something that a lot of people take for granted and to give them time with their family would be a reward for all!
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