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10 Questions with ... Randy Shannon
January 1, 2008
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NAME:Randy ShannonTITLE:APD/MDSTATION:KWLI-FMMARKET:Denver, COCOMPANY:CBS RadioBORN:11/5/71 in Medford, WIRAISED:All over (Wisconsin, Canada, Kentucky)
Please outline your radio career so far:
I bumped around the state of Wisconsin doing any and all airshifts from '86-'91, then did mornings in Stevens Point, WI at WSPT, then over to Green Bay, WI for a year, down to Springfield, IL for my first programming gig at WYXY with Saga. I went back to Green Bay from '96-'06 as PD of WNCY and eventually Director of Country for Midwest Communications. I've been doing mornings with Jesse James and APD/MD duties at KWLI in Denver since June of '06.
1) Of all the skills that you've gained as a programmer, which area are you NOT as strong as you would like to be?
Like most programmers, I have always had trouble delegating. I know it's necessary to have other people share the load, but relinquishing the control and not having it done "your way" can be pretty scary, especially since your job's on the line if it's not right.
2) If you are wearing more hats today, than say last year, what area is suffering, and what are you doing about it?
To be honest, networking! I used to be so much better about getting on the phone or reaching out via email, but that time seems to be devoted to blogging or scouring the web for viral video or creating web graphics. I have a few friends in this business I try to talk to every few weeks, but I need to reach out more.
3) What do you think of National Contesting? Is it effective?
When I was programming against it, I would have said "no." But having done it myself, I can say I've seen it work! I guess you have to look at it like the lottery. People know that many people in different states are playing, but it doesn't stop them from trying if the prize is right.
4) What do you like best about your job? Least?
I love being able to connect with people that I've never met by relating life experiences on the air. To me there is no greater feeling than meeting a listener for the first time and having them recount something you mentioned in passing months ago. It's funny, but that is also what I consider to be the biggest challenge of my job. Radio is an appliance - like a toaster - and people don't pay attention to it unless the toast doesn't pop up. People are so busy, especially in an over communicated world, and getting them to notice you and what you're doing is not as easy as it used to be. I still love it though and still get excited going into work every day.
5) What can we be doing with our station's web sites to better our stations as a whole?
Access! I think being "all things to all people" on your website is unrealistic. However, you can present a visually exciting portal to artist information, videos, news, etc. I really like what many stations are doing with yes.com and iTunes giving people ready access to the music they love.
6) What do you plan to differently in the next year regarding work and family?
I've been trying to set a shut-off time each day. I attempt to set a time each day to be done with work and shut it off and focus on my family. We all have enough work to do to keep us working sun-up to sundown, but you need to make time for the family. My girls are 7 and 11 and they're not going to want me around forever. I figure I'd better get my time in while I can.
7) Who are your programming mentors?
I have always admired Kerry Wolfe at WMIL. I've always respected the way he runs his station, and I used to keep a close eye on what he was doing in Milwaukee. I have also learned a great deal working for Bill Gamble here in Denver. He has forgotten more about competitive programming than I ever hope to learn.
8) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as say, six months ago? Better than it was? Same? Elaborate please!
I think the format is right on target. We've got great songs by solid artists and great songwriting out of Nashville. The most difficult thing we face right now is trying to get the glut of new and unfamiliar artists to be familiar! There are so many new faces out there that I think many are getting lost in the shuffle.
9) If you could add any one full-time position to your budget, with no questions asked, what would it be?
Smoothie-Runner!
10) Favorite artist that you have met?
Brad Paisley is the coolest guy ever! He's the whole package - great songwriter, great singer, talented musician, and all around great guy. I hope to have a chance to share a cigar and a bottle of Yoo-Hoo sometime soon.
Bonus Questions
1) Do you read anything and everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What's your favorite reading material?
I'm a book reader myself. I love everything from mysteries by authors like Jeffrey Deaver to young adult fiction. I'm a big Harry Potter fan.
2) Do you have Musical Guilty Pleasures?
I love Euro-Pop from the '80s! I'm a huge Erasure fan. I also like Depeche Mode, New Order, etc.
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