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10 Questions with ... Katie Bright
August 25, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. Our show is live, local, authentic, honest, funny and relatable. I am the demographic. I'm a mom with two kids living in the suburbs, driving an SUV, balancing work and life. I use my real life and what my friends are talking about in our show content. We laugh a lot, we talk about hard stuff, we embrace Chicago and we talk about what matters to the people who live here
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Despite her radio background, Katie Bright surprised the industry this summer when she announced plans to resign her post as Dir./National Promotion at Warner Music Nashville to join Entercom Country WUSN (US99) Chicago as morning co-host. On her new show, which debuted earlier this month, she is teamed with Jason Pullman (who formerly did mornings at WUBL (94.9 The Bull)/Atlanta), Scotty Kay (former morning host at Top 40 KLIF (Hot 93.3)/Dallas), and Erin Creedon, who doubles as lead Promotions Coordinator for US99 and Rhythmic AC sister WBMX (104.3 JAMS).
Bright, a Chicago-area native, was previously on the air in mornings at Country WAXX/Eau Claire, WI, and Country WSIX/Nashville. Her background also includes a prior stint at US99, where she worked in sales. She joined Warner Music Nashville seven years ago as Northeast/Midwest regional, and was promoted to National two years later. While there, she was instrumental in nearly a dozen #1 singles for Blake Shelton, as well as the chart-topping success of Brett Eldredge and Cole Swindell, among other artists.
1. Why did you decide to make the move back to radio, and how hard was it to give up the gig at WMN that you really seemed to love and were so good at?
When I left radio, I wanted to stay tied to it in case I was ever presented with an opportunity to go back. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would be at my hometown, heritage station with my two close friends, [WUSN PD] Kenny Jay and [APD/MD/evening personality] Marci Braun. When Kenny approached me to do mornings, I was shocked. As good as life was at Warner Music Nashville, I simply couldn't pass up this opportunity.
2. What was it about the WUSN job that appealed to you and made your decision to join them (or re-join them, really) a slam-dunk?
US99 is a legendary station and Chicago's #1 Country station. This is home for me in every sense of the word.
3. Looking back on the WMN job, what are you most proud of about you time there?
My relationships. I will remember those over the 35 #1s I worked. My dear friends at Warner will be my friends for life. In radio, Michael Levine at KKGO, Meg Stevens at WUBL, Drew Bland at KKWF, Nate Deaton at KRTY, Kerry Wolfe at WMIL, Tim Richards at KMLE, Chad Rufer in Sacramento, Christi Brooks in Houston, Gregg Swedberg in Minneapolis - there are too many to mention all of them.
4. Is there anything you WON'T miss about working in the record industry? (We'll go out on a limb and guess it's the travel.)
I got to see a lot of amazing places in the U.S. that I wouldn't have normally seen. But I traveled a ton and missed a lot of my kids' bedtimes. I'm glad that's over.
5. How did you and your co-host Jason Pullman meet? Was there a chemistry test at some point? How did you hit it off, and what qualities of his appealed to you and convinced him you'd be a good team?
I had heard of Jason, but the first time we talked on the phone we talked for over two hours. I called Kenny immediately afterwards and said, "Fly him to Chicago ... tomorrow." I knew we were a match. To say we hit it off is an understatement. He has a kind heart, is a great personality and we can look at each other and laugh. It's easy.
6. How would you describe the type of morning show you're doing at US99 in terms of content and tone?
Our show is live, local, authentic, honest, funny and relatable. I am the demographic. I'm a mom with two kids living in the suburbs, driving an SUV, balancing work and life. I use my real life and what my friends are talking about in our show content. We laugh a lot, we talk about hard stuff, we embrace Chicago and we talk about what matters to the people who live here.
7. What did you learn working with Gerry House as a member of The House Foundation at WSIX? Did he ever give you any good (or funny) advice?
He told me early on to order wine at lunch. We do it together even now when we meet. In all honesty, Gerry is a brilliant unicorn. I love him dearly.
8. You've obviously done morning radio before, but what are the biggest adjustments going to be in your life now that you're returning to it from a job with a little more flexibility in hours.
The last time I did morning radio, I only had to take care of myself. Now I get up at 3 a.m., but come home to two small kids who need me. No rest for the weary.
9. Why did you make the move back to Chicago while still on the job with WMN, and were there any challenges to doing a job like that from somewhere other than Nashville?
To be frank, living in Nashville, we had no help or family and I traveled a ton. It was really hard once we had a second baby. [MCA Nashville SVP/Promotion] Katie Dean and her wife, Paige, are our best friends and helped when they could, but I felt like I was drowning. For the sake of my sanity and family happiness, I presented the idea to Warner to move back to Chicago and work remotely. Kristen Williams [SVP, Radio & Streaming, Warner Music Nashville] had my back 100%, as always, and knew I would flourish in a happier, healthier environment surrounded by family and lifelong friends who could help with the kids when I was on the road.
10. You started your career in radio at WAXX. What appealed to you about radio back then, and what appeals to you about it now?
The answer [to both questions] is the same - connecting with listeners and making a positive impact on their lives. Country radio listeners are our family and our friends.
Bonus Questions
Tell us five fun (or little known) facts about Katie Bright.
- I balance my checkbook ... to the penny. I'm obsessed with my check registry. I write down every single transaction I make.
- My favorite song is "A Change Is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke.
- I've seen the movie "Footloose" (the original ... don't get it twisted!) 156 times. My son's middle name is Kevin Bacon's character's name.
- I grew up a competitive swimmer and used to swim three times a day.
- I will chase someone down the street to tell them I like their shirt, skirt, hair, etc. I love nothing more than making other people feel special.
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