10 Questions with ... Bill Black

NAME:Bill Black TITLE:PD STATION:WKSJ MARKET:Mobile, AL COMPANY:Clear Channel BORN:August 1956 RAISED:Tuscaloosa, AL

Please outline your radio career so far:

I've spent more than thirty years in radio, mostly in the country format. I am now PD of Clear Channel's WKSJ in Mobile, AL. Since KSJ buys my groceries, anything before 1992 does not matter.

1) Have you always wanted to be in radio? What/who influenced you to get into this business?

I was in college when some friends started working at a local station. They thought I'd enjoy it, and I did. I went from a major in Journalism to Broadcasting. I could have won the Pulitzer Prize by now!

2) What is the Country music scene like on the Gulf Coast? Do you find that your audience is more unique then other parts of the country and does your playlist reflect that in any way?

No doubt every market has its own unique qualities. Country music rules the South and Mobile is no exception. There are some songs that translate better in our part of the country. I make a point to think in terms of how 'my' listeners will react to a particular song. What's good for Dallas may not work here. And vice-versa. This community is very laid back. As I tell everyone, this isn't Alabama, it's the Gulf Coast, and there is a BIG difference. Remember, this is Jimmy Buffet's hometown, and we are all pulled by the gravitational forces of the Gulf of Mexico. Hey, that could be a Buffet song!

3) What are some of the newer artists/music that you are excited about this year?

I am very excited about James Otto. I've heard his new CD, and it's loaded with hits.

4) What are your personal and professional mottos?

For myself, be responsible. Do what they pay you to do. And if you can have a bit of fun while executing your duties, then it will be better for all concerned.

5) Tell us about some of your on-air stars at WKSJ. Do you have any other favorite personalities that are not on your station?

There are plenty of great announcers around the country. My morning hosts Dan Brennan and Shelby Mitchell are stars in our market. They relate so well to our listeners, and our listeners respond. Whether they are interviewing a Nashville artist or a St. Jude patient, they make a connection between that person and our listeners. At this point I should list 7 to 10 great Clear Channel employed announcers, but I don't get out much. Sorry.

6) Describe a day in the life of Bill Black - what is your typical daily schedule like, and do you ever find it difficult to balance work and family?

This will be boring, just ask my wife. I'm usually in the office around 7:30a, clearing email and responding to some for about an hour. Then it's a combination of meetings, from Dept. Head functions, promotional meetings, web stuff or air check sessions. Afternoons are spent listening to new music, working music logs, checking the Clear Channel stock price for the day and crying.

7) You live on the beach- do you actually have time to ever go to the beach?

This is so sad. I went to the beach maybe five times last year. Of course I had a really bad cold in the summer (some will get that). I truly live 45 minutes from some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I plan to visit more often this year. So far, I haven't made it to the beach, but I was close one day!

8) The XM-Sirius merger was recently approved by the DOJ, and Clear Channel is now up for sale. What is your take on the state of the industry right now?

I feel very positive about our industry. We must constantly improve and grow in an ever-changing environment. If you dislike change, don't get into radio. But we have and are developing more tools to grow our business everyday. I think the bigger issue is how the record industry is going to reclaim lost sales. The music is better than ever, but sales don't reflect that fact. Part is due to the fear in our economy at present, but I believe the manner in which the industry delivers music to the public must change.

9) And with that in mind, how do you think the music fits in with all of this consolidation? Playlists are most definitely shorter already and the chart is super slow- how does a new artist cut through, and is radio still the vehicle for that?

I can only speak for my company, but we are not offering a cookie cutter playlist. There is no Country Clear Channel guru telling us what to play. Each market operates on its own when it comes to adding songs. So in our case, consolidation has not affected who/what we play. Plus, I have seen some playlists expanding in the last month or so. New music is getting more exposure at many stations around the country. I truly believe radio is still a great way to present a new artist, and trust me - we all want to play hit songs! I also believe the smart companies and artists are taking advantage of the internet for building a fan base and introducing themselves and their music to an unknowing public.

10) What was the first concert you ever attended, and what are some of your favorite shows of all-time in any format?

In 1973 I saw Elton John in all his glitz, high heels and giant glasses in Tuscaloosa. What a show. Over two hours of Elton, Bernie Taupin, and some really interesting smelling smoke in the venue. Some of my all time favorites: Charlie Daniels Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd; the Brad Paisley tour last year, and I just saw Keith Urban about a month ago. Keith was the best ever! Ever!

1) If you could trade places with someone a day (industry or non-industry), who would it be and why?

I would say Jay Barker, but I'm an Auburn man! I'll just stick with me. I can't handle any more drama in my life.

2) What are you jamming to on your CD player or iPod right now?

The latest from Gary Allan, James Otto and Charlie Robison's "Live at Green Hall."

3) You are on the coast, so you must love seafood - what restaurant in that area has the best, and what is your favorite meal?

The Original Oyster House on Mobile Bay. OMG! You gotta try the Mahi on de Bayou!

4) Favorite TV shows?

I'm really missing "24" this year. I hope Jack is OK. I worry because I care.