-
10 Questions with ... Aaron Davis
August 21, 2006
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:Aaron DavisTITLE:PD/Afternoon HostSTATIONS: WRWD Country 107.3 (Country 92.5 - WWYZ Sunday Morning)MARKET:Poughkeepsie, NY (Hartford, CT - Sunday Morning)COMPANY:Clear Channel RadioBORN:Hunstville, ALRAISED:New Market, AL
Please outline your radio career so far:
I started out working in radio at WVNN/Hunstville as a board op, moved up to on-air host at K-98 in Scottsboro, AL then moved to Poughkeepsie, NY as the promotions director for Clear Channel's cluster in 2000. In November 2004, I moved to Hartford to be the promotions director for WWYZ and in September 2005, I took over as music director of WWYZ and became the evening host. In August 2006, I moved back to Poughkeepsie to take on Program Director duties and afternoon host.
1. What was your first job in radio?
I started as a board op at WVNN in Huntsville, AL. I was criticized by our afternoon guy, Mike Church on my first day. I knew then this business was going to be tough.
Early influences? I always looked up to Bill West on WZYP before I got into the business. I had met him on a few events and he just seemed like a great guy. He also helped me get my foot in the door at WVNN. I loved listening to Ace & TJ on WZYP growing up. They always seemed to put on a show that was funny, entertaining and captivating. I must also say that Rick & Bubba were influences for me since they are good ole' boys from Alabama making it big in radio.
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?
Definitely my on-air skills need work. I am constantly trying to make myself better.
3. What do you like best about your job?
I love being able to work more closely with Nashville and the record labels. I also enjoy working with the talent to help them be better on the air and better people in general.
Least? I think add day is the worst part of my job. It is so hard to pick which song to add this week and which one to pass until next week. There are so many great artists out there that I would love to put on the air immediately and don't have the room for them. I also hate staff meetings.
4. Who's your favorite air/personality not on your air staff?
I really don't get to listen to out of market radio. Gerry House is definitely one personality I listen to while in Nashville.
5. What is your favorite radio station outside of your own market?
WSIX in Nashville is a great station, I always like to see what they are doing. I also keep an eye on WKLB in Boston to see what Mike and Ginny are doing.
6. What's your take on current music? Is it as good as say, six months ago? Better than it was? Same? Elaborate please!
Right now Country music is in a weird place, I can't figure out where we are going. I think we are getting ready to explode with the format with each CD that hits my desk being better than the last. It is a very exciting time to be in Country!
7. Favorite artist that you have met?
There are so many that are amazing. I have always loved Reba. Kenny Rogers was awesome and Dolly Parton was a dream come true. I think the coolest artists to have fun with is Jo Dee Messina, Trick Pony, Neal McCoy, Rodney Atkins and of course Danielle Peck!
8. What's the biggest record that you completely missed on?
There aren't that many that I am off on. I would have to say the one most recently that I missed the target on was Brooks & Dunn's "Believe". I knew it was going to be a Top 10, just didn't think it would go all the way to number 1.
9. Most surprising record of the past 12 months?
George Strait's "Give It Away" I can't believe this is George Strait!
10. Who are your programming mentors?
Bud Ford, Peter Theil, Bill West, Pete Salant, Justin Case, Jay Thomas, Stu Grey, Keith Kaufman and Meg Stevens. I like to get all angles in on programming and each person has a different flavor that I have taken along with me at one point or another.
Bonus Questions
1. Aaron, you just moved from Hartford where you were doing a variety of duties, APD/MD/evenings at WWYZ. How are you adapting to the new position in Poughkeepsie at WRWD and what will be your biggest challenges?
I am adapting well to being back in Poughkeepsie as I worked here for 4 years before going to Hartford. I think my biggest challenges will be keeping up with everything here as the staff isn't as large as it was in Hartford and of course being a new PD, there are always challenges as I learn and grow.
2. Has the move been a challenge, it seems like you signed off at WWYZ and were on your post at WRWD in 5 minutes? Have you found a place to live and time to drive around your new market?
HAHA, yes, it has been a challenge. With a lease in place in Hartford, and the growing area of Poughkeepsie being a shadow of NYC, it is tough to find a place to live here. I haven't found a lot of time for myself since I have gotten here, but already know the market place, so that isn't really a challenge. I have great friends here that are letting me stay with them until I find a place.
3. What do you like to do in your down time? And do you have any down time?!
I BARELY have any down time, but when I do I am finding myself reconnecting with friends that I had here before going to Hartford. I am trying to catch as many shows as I can and I am trying to relax and recover from the week on the weekends.
-
-