10 Questions with ... Dave Anthony

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• Program Director of Froggy Pittsburgh since April 2007.
• 1998 to 2007 Director of FM Programming for WSOX/WARM in York/Lancaster/Harrisburg PA for Susquehanna/Cumulus. Named one of America's Top Program Director in Radio Ink for Small market in 1998. Oversaw the launch of WSOX as an oldies station in 1998.
• Program Director Froggy Baltimore from 1996 to 1998. Launched as a country station.
• Program Director for KIX 96.1 in Raleigh, North Carolina from 1994 to 1996. Launched as a country station.
• Program Director for Oldies Kool 107 Ann Arbor, Michigan 1993 to 1994. Another successful launch situation.
• Program Director of WCXI, Detroit 1988 to 1993.
• Program Director of KILT, Houston 1987 to 1988.
• Program Director of WEEP, Pittsburgh 1984 to 1987.

1) What/who influenced you to get into radio? Did you always know this was something you wanted to do for a career?

Growing up in Pittsburgh air talents like Jack Bogut, O'Brian and Gary, the guys on the Q format and Jimmy Roach all made me want to be on the radio. My guidance counselor in high school worked hard to change my mind, since as he said "only a few people ever make it doing that." I was one of the lucky ones.

2) Does being a local Pittsburgh native give you an advantage in programming the station?

It helps me to understand the market better, although I've been able to figure it out in other places. I'm familiar with the roads, landmarks, traditions and culture here. Country and the appeal have changed since I lived here full time. Knowing the history of the format in this market is helpful. And I can most times understand what is being communicated to me in "Pittsburghese." Check out www.pittsburghese.com if you'd like to find out more. I've got a shirt with all the Pittsburgh phrases.

3) How crazy was the city when the G-20 Summit was happening, and how did the station capitalize on it?

Actually, the downtown area was pretty quiet; most businesses and offices closed since bus routes and parking garages were not accessible. Other than the folks rioting, or jumping off the West End Bridge with the big banner at lunchtime on Thursday, downtown was pretty quiet. I don't think that the guests really saw much of the people that work downtown or even live here. Danger, our afternoon guy, had the idea of a G-20 party, which we did at a local club. Of course Froggy provided beer and drinks from all over the world. Of course all the foreign dignitaries were welcome. While they were solving the world's problems, we were partying.

4) There's a lot of great music out there right now. What are some of the artists/songs you are really high on right now?

I like the new acts like Love and Theft and Lady Antebellum. Taylor Swift was just here and it's easy to see why she's been nominated for the CMA Entertainer of the Year. Toby Keith continues to be a rockin' act for Pittsburgh. The Chris Young song did well for us.

5) Seeing as your city is the home of the 6-time Super Bowl champs, the Pittsburgh Steelers, you guys must have done some great promotions surrounding football season. Tell us about some memorable ones.

We're "Six-burg" looking to get seven. We did broadcasts during the playoffs from Bettis's on the North Side by Heinz Field, which we're doing again this year. We capitalized on Dusty Drake's song with the Steeler theme called "The 12th Man Song." Over that playoff run, Froggy played the song a lot and even made it part of the Pep Rally before the Steelers headed off to theSuperbowl to defeat Arizona. One other thing, our night guy wrote a parody based on Zac Brown's "Chicken Fried" changing it to "Cardinal's Fried." That was a good one. Of course we were all over the pep rallies with a Kurt Warner piñata for folks to take a whack at. And we were at the Superbowl Victory parade. That was good practice for the Pittsburgh Penguins' run toward the Stanley Cup. Two giant parades in one year. No wonder we're the number one sports city. Ribbit.

6) Speaking of sports, we hear you are an avid runner. How are those endorphins working for ya? What was your favorite race and why?

I've run all of the Citiparks races, which Froggy was involved with all spring and summer. I'd run them, then help to hand out the awards. This year a couple of times I was able to give myself a metal in my age bracket. My son Brian has been my inspiration to run, since now he's so good. My last 5k was by far my best a few weeks ago. I ran the Pittsburgh Great Race 5k in 22:14, which I believe was my best time for any race. So as I've gotten older, I've gotten faster.

7) Who are your mentors, inspirations, and heroes in the business?

I've got so many, but probably the WEEP guys have a strong place in my heart. They were all so smart, and passionate about radio. Bill White of WBT in Charlotte, Joel Raab, Barry Mardit, Alan Furst and Jeff Gilbert of WWJ radio influenced my thinking. And of course the legendary Ed Salamon was someone I admired for his innovations. Outside of that group Ed Shane, Tim Moore, Rick McDonald and Frank Bell, our Keymarket VP of Programming all have inspired me. I've been fortunate to have this kind of talent to help me be better at what I do.

8) If you hadn't gone into radio, what would be your fantasy job?

I can't imagine doing anything else, but I do enjoy music. I probably would've wound up playing drums in a band. I've hauled those things all over the country. My wife tells me that I need to get rid of those drums, but I tell her that if this radio thing doesn't work out I might be able to play in a band again.

9) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?

There are so many. The dynamics are different for every radio company. I would say keeping content local. Radio still needs to live where the audience lives. Along with that is creating new value for listeners and advertisers. We reach a lot of people with our signals. You reach people that are captive listeners. Let's continue to find ways to serve this unique opportunity.

10) You have had an almost 30-year radio career, with stops in Houston, Detroit, Raleigh, Baltimore and here in Pittsburgh. What has been your biggest accomplishment throughout your career so far?

I'm very proud and grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of some great turnarounds and successful launches. The ratings improvements and the feeling of being a winner is a great high. I attribute this to some good planning, but mostly great, creative, hard working people. Probably the thing I'm most proud of beyond improving ratings and market position is the effect that turning it around has on people. There is a phrase on one of my plaques that my Raleigh staff gave me, which says "in recognition for his leadership and invaluable contributions in making KIX 96.1 a winner." That represents the ultimate respect from the people you work along side by side as you put on your headsets and do battle. When you win, you want to do it again and again and again.

1) What was the first concert you attended? First record you ever bought?

My first concert was about 1975 when I went to the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh to see Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow and Jethro Tull. First album in first grade was "HELP" from the Beatles. Yes, my second album was "The Monkees" and "More of the Monkees." I still have the albums. When I was programming WSOX in York, PA Davey Jones came to the station sort of unannounced and brought us all kinds of stuff. I was thinking, "how cool is this."

2) Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without .

talking to my wife

3) Pittsburgh is a well-known food town. Where would you take me to eat if I was in town - and what is up with putting potatoes in a sandwich anyway?

For pizza, go to Ambridge Police Station Pizza. It's the only place that I know of when you walk in and the person behind the counter says "how many." It's Sicilian style squares but nowhere have I ever had anything like this stuff. For sandwiches I would take you to the place that puts the French fries on the steak sandwich, Primanti's. There is one close to Froggy.