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10 Questions with ... Ron Brooks
January 17, 2006
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NAME:Ron BrooksTITLE:Program DirectorSTATION:WNOE-FMMARKET:New Orleans, LABORN:Plattsburgh, NYRAISED:Somewhat, but I'm in radio so that's debatable.
Brief Career Synopsis:
I was a chemistry major in college in northern NY state when I stumbled into the college radio station in 1979 and got hooked. First paid radio job was at WEAV/WGFB Plattsburgh in 1980. After graduation, I moved to Denver and was on-air at KPKE. From there, moved to Central California working on-air in Modesto, Sacramento, and San Francisco. Then back across the country to South Florida for programming responsibilities. I took a detour to Madison, WI, then back to programming in South Florida. The next stop was P.D. in Greenville, SC then Columbia, SC. July of '04 I took the programming reins at WNOE/New Orleans.
1. As the PD of WNOE/NEW ORLEANS you went through something that a most of us will never (God willing) experience with Hurricane Katrina. Now that the dust has settled somewhat lets ask a few questions. First of all, you and Audrey and the puppy made it through it all and are safe and sound now right?
Yes, we were all safe and sound. And I don't wish this experience on anyone!
2. Where were you when you realized that Hurricane Katrina would be the event that it was, and when did you decide to evacuate? Where did you go?
It seemed clear to me on Saturday before the storm that this could be "the big one". By Sunday I don't think anybody had much doubt. My Market Manager, Muriel Funches, called me Sunday morning as I was driving to the station for long-form hurricane duty and told me we were pulling back to Baton Rouge immediately. At that time, weather officials were predicting a direct hit of a Category 4 or stronger. I was on-air on Clear Channel's WJBO Baton Rouge on Sunday night before the storm.
3. Are you back living in New Orleans now and is the station broadcasting from your studios in the Central Business District?
We've been back in our New Orleans facilities since 11/7. I've been back in my home full-time since then as well.
4. What kind of toll did the storm take on the offices and station, equipment and transmitters etc.?
Our main transmitter site was in Chalmette in St. Bernard Parish and it was washed out and is still out today. The studios and offices were essentially un-touched, even though we are only a few blocks from the Super Dome. Mail service is still very slow. New Orleans main sorting facility was flooded, so mail has to go thru Houston and Baton Rouge first. Cell phone service is still a little challenged, too.
5. Was the station able to stay on the air?
I believe we were knocked off sometime Monday morning (8/29) due to the flooding. A back-up transmitter was on by the 3rd week of September.
6. At what point do you start playing music again with something like this?
We resumed music programming at the end of September. By that time, the CC New Orleans staff had been on the United Radio Broadcasters project for close to a month. That was a partnership with Entercom New Orleans to combine our physical facilities and staff (based out of Clear Channel Baton Rouge) to provide a 24/7 talk/recovery lifeline airing on every stick that we had operating. We definitely got a vibe from the audience by then that they wanted some entertainment options on the radio.
7. Are parts of the city starting to come back to life? If so, what kinds of encouraging signs are you seeing?
The French Quarter was in pretty good shape. There was no flooding, but some wind and rain damage. Jefferson Parish (the west side of the metro) is bouncing back pretty quickly. The West Bank (across the river) is doing pretty well, as is the Northshore. However, huge areas of Mid-City, New Orleans East, and the 9th Ward are still struggling...power is out, buildings are boarded up (or falling down), etc. There are white FEMA trailers in lots of front yards and lots of remaining debris.
8. You moved to the Big Easy from Columbia, SC., how many times did your wife say, "that's it Ron, what the hell did we do this for and when are we getting out of here!"
We both loved New Orleans the instant we got here. We had a little over a year here to enjoy all the wonders of New Orleans before the hurricane hit.
9. Did you get a lot of support from your peers in the industry?
For weeks, cell phone and land line service was very bad, even in Baton Rouge. But, I did hear from many radio friends via email. The moral support was fantastic.
10. Who was the first Country artist to do a show in New Orleans after the storm and what artists have been really helpful.
WNOE teamed up with WYNK to do a show in Baton Rouge (originally scheduled for the weekend that Rita hit, rescheduled for 11/6). The show featured Tracy Byrd and Lonestar, and two local bands (GhostTown and Hip Boot Joe). A big Thank You to them for helping us raise over $30,000 for Red Cross relief efforts. Thanks also to Craig Morgan, Jason Aldean, Leann Rimes, Blue County, Josh Gracin and Wynonna for cutting messages of support for us.
Bonus Questions
1. What kind of costume are you wearing for Mardis Gras and will there be one?
There will be Mardi Gras, but smaller than usual! I'll wear the official costume of the Mystic Krewe of the Headphones!
2. New Orleans is one of the best food-towns in the entire world, what restaurant did you have your first real meal in after the storm.
Begues at the Royal Sonesta. BTW, it's estimated that only about 25-30 percent of New Orleans restaurants are back in operation.
3. Have you taken a vacation yet? Where would you go if you could take a fantasy trip anywhere to get away from things for a while?
I did take some vacation time over the holidays, but we stayed in New Orleans. But, I'd love to get away to Italy for a while and not see the debris that's all around.
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