10 Questions with ... Drew Walker

NAME:Drew Walker TITLE:On-Air / Afternoons STATIONS:WUSN-FM 99.5 "US*99.5" MARKET:Chicago, IL COMPANY:Infinity / CBS BORN:Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada RAISED:Indiana

Brief Career Synopsis:

WKRS / WXLC / WZSR / WAIT / WMYX / WUSN

1) What got you interested in radio, and what was your first job?

I remember listening to Top40 WAZY-FM 96.5 "Z-96" in Lafayette, IN, trying to one-up the DJ in my bedroom, hit the post, etc. I think I called *every* time they asked for caller #9 ... it was amazing that these voices came out of my radio. I knew I wanted to do the same.

My first job? Running the board for NASCAR, Paul Harvey, and "The Movie Show on Radio" at WKRS-AM 1220 in Waukegan, IL. Saturday afternoons. Loved every minute of it.

2) In today's homogenized world of radio, how do you "localize" and how do you get into your listeners head whether they are on the job, in the car or at home?

You localize by talking about things that are happening in their lives, their neighborhoods, their towns / villages / cities. I get into their head by making them the focus of the show (it is a one-on-one relationship). Lots of phones and interaction. It's all about the music and the listener, period.

3) What was your last non-industry job?

CPA for a large commercial real-estate investment trust. I was in charge of all accountings operations for two million-square-foot-plus office properties. Anyone want me to look at their taxes?

4) Who's your favorite air-personality not on your staff?

Without a doubt, Mat Mitchell. Currently mornings/APD at Wichita's new KZCH-FM 96.3 "Channel 9-6-3". They built the station around him. He is one of the most creative, most energetic, most talented guys I've ever had the privilege to work with and learn from.

5) Who do you consider your mentor(s)?

I've been able to sponge knowledge from a lot of good people. Jim Moran, Mike Sweeney, Gary Castaldo, Mat Mitchell, Tom Gjerdrum, Tom Rivers, Tom Lazar, and Mike Peterson to name a few. For a couple of years there, I couldn't find a mentor who WASN'T named Tom. I wonder if Mike's [WUSN PD] middle name is Tom?

6) What was the first concert you ever attended?

Are you ready for this? Henry Lee Summer opening for Richard Marx! Fast forward to 2005, and Richard has co-writing credits on Keith Urban's latest #1 hit "Better Life". They actually wrote it here in Chicago! Not bad, eh?

7) What's the best advice you ever got?

"Pleasant persistence pays off" - thanks to my bud Jeff Corder (Nights/WTMX).

8) Have you listened to Sirius or XM yet? How does it compare to what we're doing on the commercial side?

I have Sirius at home through Dish Network. My wife and I like to listen to the "BIG 80s" and "Alternative Wave" channels (80s alternative), plus a few of the rock channels, on the weekends.

As with anything, it has its pros and cons ... the music and variety are very good with minimal interruption, but sometimes the random chatter goes on and on. Additionally, compared to WUSN being live and local 24 hours a day, it seems there is little localization / live interaction with listeners.

9) What gets you upset at work and how do you channel your anger?

People that have little or no passion for their work / jobs, yet do nothing to change it.

10) How often do you air-check your own shows? Is it mandatory that you run tape everyday? Also, can you honestly critique yourself?

I run tape every day, although it's not mandatory. I like to listen at home in the evenings or the following morning. Sometimes you think your worst breaks (immediately after they've happened) are terrific, and vice versa. I try to learn something from every show.

1) What "reality show" could you see yourself appearing on and why?

The Amazing Race, LOVE that show. Actually came *this* close to applying for the current FAMILY season, but ...

2) What's your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

Time with my wife, family and friends. No question about it! Oh, and trying to be a better pool player. Rack 'em up!