10 Questions with ... Michelle Lewis

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• WMC (FM FM100)/Memphis, TN (Entercom Communications - HOT AC), - MD/Morning Show Personality/MD (2012 To Present)
• WRMF (97.9-FM)/Palm Beach, FL (West Palm Beach Broadcasting, LLC - HOT AC) - APD/MD Morning Show Producer/On-Air Personality/Social Media Strategist (2010 To 2012)
• WWHT (HOT 107.9-FM) Syracuse, NY (Clear Channel Communications - Top 40) - On-Air Personality/Promotions Assistant (2009 To 2010)
• WHTZ (100.3-FM)/Manhattan, NY (Clear Channel Communications - Top 40) - Intern - "Elvis Duran And The Morning Show" (Summer 2009)
• WJPZ (89.1-FM)/Syracuse, NY (Rhythmic Top 40) - On-Air Personality/Promotions Director (2008 To 2010)

1) What Got You Interested In Radio?

I wasn't normal growing up. While all my friends dreamed about being Britney Spears, I wanted to be Elvis Duran and Dick Clark. There was something that always fascinated me about the people speaking through the speakers of my car when my parents drove me to school.

I would watch Dick Clark summarize the entire year every New Year's Eve. I would record fake radio shows on cassettes and give my listeners (my 5 year old sister) prizes like a FREE SONG! I always wanted to be that outlet people could come and speak to. The fact that Elvis Duran always managed to make me want to stay in my car and listen instead of going to school always intrigued me.

So yes, I was an odd child. And ok, there was a brief moment in time when I did want to be Britney Spears.

2) Who do you consider your radio mentors?

Elvis Duran, David Brody, JJ Kincaid, TJ Taromina, Jon Jag Gray, Joe Rosati, JD Redman, Ralphie Aversa, Chris Michaels and Tracy St George.

3) If you could have a sit down with any artist, who would you interview?

You're going to ask a radio AND music geek to pick JUST ONE? Then I would have to go with Justin Timberlake... not just because I've loved him ever since I can remember and I respect his work as an artist, but also because I did an entire "HELP ME MEET JT" campaign here in Memphis that got a lot of attention since this is his hometown.

I would love to see the final payoff since he didn't respond, even if it ends up being years down the road! Wouldn't it make for great questions? (By the way, I already have some prepared! Ha! Ha!)

4) What makes your station or market unique? How does Memphis compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?

What makes the Memphis market so unique is that the way of living is so different here. This is my first time living and working in the South, and that is the number one thing that I noticed immediately. It's a big small city. Everyone knows everyone, everyone looks out for each other, and people go above and beyond to help you!

Southern hospitality is real! That makes the LOCAL factor in radio so important here too. That's what I love about FM100. We are live and local! I'm 100 percent immersed in the city!

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

I would say that the most important issue facing radio today is the ability to keep people listening. There's so much technology out there along with so many platforms to choose from. People have a million options when it comes to entertainment. That's why content is KING!

6) How are you using social media to market your radio station?

How am I NOT? Today you have to use every platform available to you. I try to be as active as possible on Twitter, Facebook (both the station's page and my public personality page), Instagram and Foursquare. We even have a PInterest account for the station. Follow me on Twitter, @Michelle_Radio! (SHAMELESS PLUG!)

7) In your opinion, what is that special magic that makes a hit record "a hit?"

It's simply a feeling you get... I can't explain it? Some records just have that "it" factor and you know it the second you hear it.

8) How do you prep yourself for your radio shift?

Everyone jokes that I'm a big geek and an organized planner, but it's actually true. The night before, I always make an outline of the big things that I see are trending and I write out some bullet points on how I want to talk about it. I'll also look on gossip, entertainment and news sites and read several articles to see what could potentially make great topics to talk about on the show. The preparing truly never ends. The radio "shift" is 24/7, even when I'm off the air.

9) How do you stay in tune with your audience?

It all goes back to three things: Sharing my personal stories so listeners can establish a real connection with me, being able to relate to my audience, and being LOCAL.

10) What is the one truth that has held constant in your career?

Hard work pays off! Do your best and give 110% each and every day!

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

At first I wanted to be a Veterinarian, but after learning that I was a needle-phobic, that didn't really work out.

What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?

We just did something that I consider to be not only phenomenal but the most rewarding promotion and experience I've had to date! This was an event that benefited the community AND a charity at the same time.

The promotion was called "Cards For Kids." We collected Valentine's Day Cards from the community to deliver to the children at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to make their day. All the listener had to do was either drop the cards off at the radio station or at any Ashley Furniture Store near them. In the end, we delivered over 10,000 cards to St. Jude and I personally got to drop them off!

Tell us what music we would find on your MP3 player right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?

Beyonce' on repeat. "Drunk In Love" anyone? She is phenomenal and screams independent woman in EVERY WAY! She's just BAD.... In a good way!

What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you? The worst?

The best advice that anyone has ever given me has been the following:

1. Never talk bad/poorly about ANYONE.
2. NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK
3. Never get comfortable, the second you do, you aren't working as hard as you should be. PUSH YOURSELF TO BE BETTER AND EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS
4. NEVER forget about the people that help you along the way.

You all know who you are and thank you!

No negative advice given here, truthfully!

What advice would you give people new to the business?

Think big, work hard, constantly network and never stop pushing yourself to go outside of your comfort zone. That's when the best ideas get executed. Also, DREAM BIG. Nothing is impossible!