-
10 Questions with ... Mark Grantin
March 24, 2008
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:Mark GrantinTITLE:Program DirectorSTATIONS:WBULMARKET:Lexington, KYCOMPANY:Clear ChannelBORN:October 3rdRAISED:Menasha, Wisconsin
Please outline your radio career so far:
Program Director at WBUL/Lexington, KY, WWQM/Madison, WI, WHIT/Madison, WI and WAKX/Duluth, MN. I've held APD, Promotions Director, and on-air positions with several other stations - too many to list here.
1) How and why did you get into radio?
I originally got into radio because I wanted to be a big time sportscaster. I went to college, found myself working at the college radio station, worked my way up to Station Manager and found that I really liked managing and working with people.
2) You haven't always been a fan of Country music. What made you come to our side of things, and what are some of your favorite artists?
I wouldn't say I wasn't a fan of Country music; it's just that my first choice early was rock. I got into Country strictly for the job. I moved to work with a couple of managers who I thought were brilliant and that I could learn from. My first Country Program Director told me when I started that I would love the format within six months. He was wrong - it only took me a couple of weeks to first hear "The Dance" by Garth Brooks, and I was hooked. I can't even begin to answer the question about favorite artists. There are just too many extremely talented artists that I admire very much.
3) How long have you been in Kentucky, and what was the adjustment like coming from cheese country- Wisconsin?
I moved to Kentucky in June '07. There are a lot of similarities between Lexington and Madison. Both are big college towns, about the same size, and the people are incredibly friendly in both cities. Obviously the weather is different, and I had to trade in my Badger red for Kentucky blue. The biggest difference is that the life-group for country is so much larger in Lexington. Country is very much the mass appeal format and that can't be said for most markets in the north.
4) iPods, cell-phones, iPhones, Blackberrys, video games, movies and on and on. How does your station cut through the noise?
Tommy Kramer is one of my all time favorite talent coaches and a brilliant man. He once told me, "Play songs that she wants to hear and talk about things that interest her in a concise way." That's about as simple as you can put it. Be local. Talk about things that are compelling. Play hit songs.
5) Do you have any goals that you have set for yourself for 2008?
I've posted this phrase in my stations in the past: "Better Everyday." Just try and do one thing better today than yesterday. In the end you'll be a better person, a better personality, a better manager, a better dad, etc.
6) If you weren't in radio, what would be your dream job?
I used to say backup quarterback for the Packers. Carry a clipboard and get a great view of Brett Favre. Now that Brett's retired, maybe cabana boy for Julianne Hough??
7) Wearing as many hats as you do, how do you balance work and family?
It's always difficult. I'm a big believer that you have to try and prioritize. Work hard but take time for the important family things. A happy person in their personal life is a better and more productive employee.
8) What kind of music are you listening to right now in your iPod or player?
I'm listening to a lot of new music trying to get a feel for who we're going to wrap our arms around. On long car drives I tend to listen to music that I grew up with. I went to college in the '80s so I have a lot of those compilation CD's.
9) Who are some of your mentors both in radio and out?
I've been fortunate to work with some brilliant people in my career, and I've also tried to learn from associates. In no particular order: Keith Kaufman, Tom Oakes, Tommy Kramer, Kerry Wolfe, Tim Moore, John Sandvig, Kipper McGee, Coyote Calhoun, Clay Hunnicutt, Tac Hammer. There are a whole lot more.
10) What artists/music are you high on right now, and who do you think will have a successful year?
I think there are some artists that are primed to jump to the next level: Rodney Atkins, Montgomery Gentry, Dierks Bentley, Trace Adkins and Josh Turner come to mind. Some newer artists that I think have a real opportunity in the next year to go to another level: Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, Sarah Johns, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan and Halfway To Hazard. Oh, I just met Adam Gregory, and he is the real deal.
Bonus Questions
1) Favorite junk foods?
Mr. Goodbars and Freezie Pops are my weakness.
2) Cats or dogs?
We have a dog that we rescued from the Humane Society.
3) What is your all-time favorite movie?
I've got too many to mention just one. I tend to gravitate towards comedies that don't necessarily have a real message but make me laugh - Animal House, Stripes, Strange Brew, etc.
4) Fantasy artist interview?
I wish I could go back in time and interview Georges Seurat and ask him if Stephen Sondheim accurately captured his life in "Sunday In The Park With George." I also would like to ask him if he was honored that they featured his painting in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and in an episode of "Family Guy." Oh, you mean Country music artist? I've never interviewed Dolly. That would be an honor.
-
-