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10 Questions with ... Dave Bradley
May 6, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- Smoky Hill Broadcasting
- Tomlinson-Leis Communications
- Clear Channel Communications
- Vox Radio Group
- Ad Astra Broadcasting
- American Media Investments
1) What Got You Interested In Radio?
I began in radio somewhat young at KINA/KQNS in Salina, KS. I began looking for a part-time job in high school after my father passed away. That part-time job turned into a full-time career!
2) Who do you consider your radio mentors?
My radio mentors would include Lyman James, Jack Oliver, Tom Travis, Bill Reed, and Lee Parkinson. There are so many great people in radio to thank that it is hard to just name just a few. I can honestly say that I feel I have learned from the best in the business! I try to pass that knowledge to others.
3) What makes your station or market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?
The Joplin market is amazing. Being owned and operated by a local company really gives you the opportunity to fit your format to the audience. Most stations these days are pre-programmed from the corporate side. I find that more times than not, listeners have to settle for what they get. That to me is not good radio. I like being able to customize our formats for the four-state areas. Also, being with a local company gives the opportunity to really be one-on-one with not only our listeners, but our client base. It is our personal attention to detail.
4) How are you using social media to market your radio station?
We are using Facebook and Twitter along with other social media to enhance the listener experience. From contests, to community events, even severe weather coverage... It all goes back to interaction. The more your listeners can interact, the more involved they become with you. That is never a bad thing.
5) Why would someone listen to your station instead of listening to music on their iPod?
On Star 104.3, I am very happy to say that the playlist is pretty impressive. Listeners don't have to be forced to hear the same songs over and over again. And we give the listener the "WOW" songs that make them stay! Then on the weekends, it's the "Retro Hits Weekend" which is pretty amazing. It is filled with every genre of music from the 80's and 90's, Pop, New-Wave, Hip Hop, Adult Contemporary, if it was on the radio, we play it!!
With that being said, our playlist is also filled with songs you can't even find copies of anymore, but were amazing songs when they came out. We also run Rick Dees and Casey Kasem's original broadcasts from those decades. We love our Gen X listeners, it has really caused a buzz in the four states and that makes me very proud.
6) How do you stay in tune with your audience?
I make sure to give our audience every opportunity to be involved with what we do. From community events, to comments and suggestions, I really listen to them and make sure that I am open to new ideas. If the listeners are engaged and know that the station that they listen to cares about what they do in their lives, it really makes a difference.
7) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I am a leap year baby. That's right! I'm a 1972 Baby! Though I have now spent over 25 years in Broadcasting. I am only 10 years old! I would probably explain my morning show LOL!
8) Who is the most amazing talent you've worked with?
Tom Travis at KTST/Oklahoma City. Tom has the most amazing ability to see his audience and connect with them. The years that I spent working with him, I learned so much about making connections with the people around you, and the audience on the air. He also taught me what it meant to be patient and that things don't always happen the way you want. But instead of dwelling in the past, or becoming upset about things you cannot change. Stay positive and keep doing what you do best. Things will always work out.
9) Who is your best friend in the business?
My best friend in the radio business would have to be Austin Henry of Wichita's Clear Channel Radio. Over the years, we have not only worked together, but we have stayed very close friends. He is an amazing, bright individual with ideas, and a very positive attitude! He has always been there for support, and any crazy ideas I may come up with.
10) What do you do in your spare time?
Can you explain to me what that is? I am unfamiliar with the term "Spare Time." LOL!
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