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10 Questions with ... Mark Allen
October 11, 2005
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NAME:Mark AllenTITLE:Operations ManagerSTATIONS:WKOA/WASK AM-FMMARKETS:Lafayette, INCOMPANY:Schurz CommunicationsBORN:South Bend, INRAISED:South Bend, IN
Brief Career Synopsis:
Began as a board op at a Christian station in 1988. Worked at WRSW, WBTU, then moved on to become Afternoon Personality, Music Director and APD at WQHK in Fort Wayne in 1996. In June of 2003 I was hired as Program Director and Morning Man at WKOA in Lafayette and was promoted to Operations Manager of WKOA and WASK AM-FM in May of 2004.
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
My early influences were the airwaves in Chicago's WLS. Larry Lujack, Tommy Edwards and Fred Winston were voices that I grew up with. There is no better radio program then "Animal Stories."
2) Can you be a boss and also a friend to your employees?
Once you establish the parameters then "yes" a friendship can happen. However, as the PD I am here to get a job done and an employee must understand that. I believe everyone on my staff understands that.
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?
I would say that I am improving at this, but I am a control freak. I come in and just take charge. However, when you are programming more then one station you have to learn to delegate responsibility. This is one area where I have difficulty. If I'm not controlling the situation, then I feel that I am not doing my job.
I have an excellent Promotions Director and I think she does understand that we have a two way street, and I control two lanes and she controls one. LOL! I also have a great Music Director and I value his opinion however, music drives the ship and I still maintain control. My Program Director for WASK I think has developed a trust in me and we're getting things done. I'm a control freak, but I'm getting better.
4) If you are wearing more hats today, than say last year, what area is suffering, and what are you doing about it?
Family time. You have to be 50/50. Spending more time with my kids is vital.
5) What do you think of National Contesting? Is it effective?
No. I think it's just one big lie to the listeners and people aren't stupid. People know they don't have much of a chance to win.
6) What can we be doing with our station's web sites to better our stations as a whole?
You MUST build a database for your station. In my opinion that is the only thing about a web page that is viable. Doing local contesting and music testing using your email club is vital to having a web page. Otherwise it just clutters up your station and is a waste of broadband.
7) Who are your programming mentors?
I learned a lot from Dean McNeil at WQHK. Together we had 11 consecutive books at #1 in the market. Not many stations can show that kind of dominance. We knew what we were doing. Also I can safely say that I am heavily influenced by the style of programming of Coyote Calhoun. I've never met him but WAMZ in Louisville is a masterpiece of work.
8) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as say, six months ago? Better than it was? Same? Elaborate please!
Better then it has been in several years. We hadn't seen any artists that really touched a nerve like Garth Brooks did in the early 90's. I thought The Dixie Chicks had a chance but they screwed that up. The MusizMafia with Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson are starting to touch those nerves again. As is Keith Urban.
9) Favorite artist that you have met?
The guys from Rascal Flatts are superb. When they went on their radio tour, the first station they stopped at was WQHK. When Dean and I heard "Praying For Daylight" we gave them an immediate add. We were the first station in America to play Rascal Flatts and they have never forgotten that. They even have a personal bond with my 12-year old son that goes back to when he was 7. The last phone call he got from Jo Don Rooney was complete with Jo Don hassling him about doing his homework. These guys "get it."
10) What's the biggest record that you completely missed on?
"Baby Girl" by Sugarland. I was an idiot.
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