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10 Questions with ... Barry Kent
July 5, 2006
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NAME:Barry KentTITLE:OMSTATIONS:WTHI-FM/WWVRMARKET:Terre Haute, InCOMPANY:Emmis CommunicationsBORN:December 22, 1951RAISED:Terre Haute, In.
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
My first job was at WWVR a small religious radio station in 1969 while a senior in High School. After that, I worked for nearly every radio station in Terre Haute; WPFR (Country), WBOW (Top 40), WBOQ (Country), WZZQ (Rock) and since January 1983 WTHI-AM/FM.
In 2000 WTHI-AM was donated to a local religious broadcaster and we bought WWVR (ironically, the first station I ever worked for) and went Classic Rock with it since Terre Haute is on the Wabash River I always dreamed of calling a station "The River" WWVR. "The River," has been 2nd to WTHI in most every Arbitron since we put it on. WTHI-FM is Country and I program it and am the Operations Manager for both WTHI-FM & WWVR.
1. What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
My first job in radio was for WWVR a religious station. My early radio influences included listening to Top 40 WBOW in Terre Haute, while growing up in the 60's. As I tuned the AM Radio dial I listened to all the Jocks at WLS, in Chicago, KXOK in St. Louis, the Grand Ole Opry on WSM-A, and Bill Mack on WBAP in Dallas. As I listened to them I knew, I could do what they did.
2. Of all the skills that you've gained as a programmer, which area are you NOT as strong as you would like to be?
Time Management. It seems I get too many irons in the fire and can't get some of them accomplished.
3. What do you think of National Contesting? Is it effective?
I don't like it. I'm not sure it's effective. I feel that listeners are not as naive' as we think they are, and they know the odds of being a winner are slim.
4. Will the advent of Satellite Radio affect our biz? Explain!
Yes I think it will, and has affected our business somewhat. I think Satellite Radio will stick around but it will never replace local radio. The localism of hometown radio is what makes it special. I think many of us have learned that over the years when corporate PD's and consultants would come in with "cookie cutter" formats and all of a sudden every station sounded the same, voice tracked, didn't make appearances etc and we got boring which is exactly what Satellite Radio is. Look at any market...the successful stations are the ones that are a part of the community they serve. We are at the parades, fairs, doing remotes, promoting local concerts etc.
5. What do you like best about your job? Least?
I have to say I love my job. After 35 + years in the business I still look forward to coming to work. I love the interaction with the listeners and the excitement of the format. What I like least is the hours. Being on the air and PD/Operations Manager can turn into some long days.
6. What can we be doing with our station's web sites to better our stations as a whole?
Emmis Interactive has really got their stuff together. We use our websites in many ways. With the proliferation of high-speed connections station websites are a great way to market the station and build a database. Remember when database marketing was something we all wanted to do but building the database was a bear. Now with the internet our database has grown by leaps and bounds. I'd say 99% of our database are station P-1's and when we keep them in the loop they react.
7. Who are your programming mentors?
Tough question. I've had the opportunity to work with so many great programmers and consultants over the years. The Late Mike Chapman, Mark Tudor, Paul Christy, and years ago a guy I learned a lot about Top 40 Radio from, Bud Connell. Many of his ideas and innovations were way ahead of their time and I still subscribe to some of his programming theories today. And I have to mention Rick Cummings former VP programming for Emmis Communications and current president of Emmis Radio division.
8. Who's your favorite air/personality not on your air staff?
Jerry House, mornings at WSIX Nashville.
9. In your opinion, what is the greatest song ever that never made it as a hit?
"Hello Darlin'" by Conway Twitty
10. Next Superstar Programmer?
My Son Brent. He's 11 now, but he constantly pushes the button on the Radio. He wants to hear what's in between the songs. I think he's destined.
Bonus Questions
1. Do you read.....everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What's your favorite reading material?
Read the local paper daily. Also love to read anything to do with American History.
2. Do you have Musical Guilty Pleasures?
Old top 40 from the 60's
3. You are on a desert island...what 5 CDs are in you portable disc player?
I won't have a CD player. I'll have a portable radio and a big antenna so I can tune in radio stations!
4. Describe your favorite meal?
Most everything Italian! Love it!
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