10 Questions with ... Brad Wells

NAME:Brad Wells POSITION:Program Director STATION:WDZQ-FM - 95Q MARKET:Decatur, IL COMPANY:NextMedia BORN:Omaha RAISED:St. Louis

Brief Career Synopsis:

Starting learning from the greats in St. Louis, then pit stops in Gillette, WY; Winchester, VA; St. Louis, Decatur, IL, Tupelo, MS (Where I learned A LOT), Corpus Christi, TX and now back in Decatur, IL

1. What was your first job in radio? Early influences?

My first job was interning for the SMASH show in St. Louis while going to school. SMASH is my hero. I learned a lot of great things from him and from all the folks at the old KSD-FM

2. Can you be a boss and also a friend to your employees?

I think you can have a great working relationship, but I think it can create awkward situations if you are BEST friends or boinking an employee. There has to be boundaries between boss and staff

3. Of all the skills that you've gained as a programmer, which area are you NOT as strong as you would like to be?

Sometimes it's hard to "share" the vision. You have all the ideas in your head, the way it's suppose to be - And then it's a challenge to put it into words so others can figure out what the heck you are thinking.

4. What do you think of National Contesting? Is it effective?

We don't do national contesting, but if done well it can be effective. I know if I offered my listeners a chance to will a million dollars - They don't care if the money comes from our local bank, or corporate radio bank. However, without regular local contesting and content plus local visibility, all the money in the world of national contesting won't be effective

5. Will the advent of Satellite Radio affect our biz? Explain?

I'd like to think we won't end up like 8 tracks - I think it's better to be in small market radio that a larger market for this satellite battle. Here in Central Illinois things like ag reports, severe weather updates and high school sports scores are a big deal. XM and those guys won't offer that. Hey we play entertaining music too, but we are also the guys you see at every community event, raising money for the community and so on. If you aircheck your station, and you can't identify what market the station is in, then you may have a problem.

6. What do you like best about your job? Least?

I love the ability to problem solve, to make decisions that I think are best for the station and the listeners. While I haven't had to do it yet, I can already say firing someone is the least favorite reality of my job. Who really wants to do that to someone?

7. What can we be doing with our station's web sites to better our stations as a whole?

INFORMATION - Make your local news, community events calendars, weather and other information available 24/7. Also, it's easier to tease something, and send them to the website for more information. That's much better than a 3:30 break explaining contest details and rules on the air.

8. What do you plan to differently in the next year regarding work and family?

I've been working hard at balancing both - There has to be a balance between the two. You have to have days where the radio is off and clear your mind.

9. Who's your favorite air/personality not on your air staff?

Kevin Russell on KZ105 in Tupelo, MS - His got HEART and skills and is always looking to learn and improve himself.

10. Next Superstar Programmer?

Duh, Me!

Do you read.....everything?

Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing?

What's your favorite reading material?

Right now I'm reading one of Dean Koontz's latest novels in addition to my monthly Playboy!

Describe your favorite meal?

Anything Italian, oh and food too.