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10 Questions with ... Leanne Thompson
September 1, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
WMXS-FM is my first radio gig! Eight years now and still going strong!
1) What Got You Interested In Radio?
I fell in love and my soon to be spouse (being JT) thought it would be a great idea. We are living our lives on the air, we talk about raising our kids in a blended family/step-family and our six furkids.
2) Who do you consider your radio mentors?
JT is an amazing teacher, Mike Thompson (JT's Dad and our station Imaging voice), and of course, Mike McVay. I love his coaching videos and what he does for our AC stations here at Cumulus.
3) What makes your market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?
We are in the buckle of the Bible Belt. The River Region is very slow to change, it supports family values, church and Alabama/Auburn football. It is very conservative here. While this is my first radio market I've worked in, listening to other stations out of town reminds me how conservative we are here in Montgomery.
4) What is it about your show that you feel really makes it cut through?
I think it would be the fact that we are a married couple on the air. The community loves kids and pets, and we have both! We are very approachable and highly recognized in the community. If there is an event in town, we are either doing a live remote or emceeing most of the time!
5) What is it like working with your spouse every day?
It's both challenging and fun at the same time! I think the best thing is when we do fight, we have to forgive and move on! The worst thing you can do is fight off air and fake happy on-air!
6) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?
Providing a public service and being hands-on in the community. Life is so hard for a lot of people, so we let News/Talk deal with the depressing stuff. Be the shining light in someone's day and emotionally connect with your listeners.
7) How do you stay in tune with your audience?
We follow them on Facebook, we learn through our kids in school, and we relate to what's going on in the local news media and talking about it. We like involving our listeners in the show via the phones and Facebook.
8) What type of features do you run on your show?
We have "Hollywood Hot Talk," "Women's Health Wednesday," and of course the infamous "Relationship Report Card" where JT & I give each other letter grades on how we did as spouses each week. It's always a fan favorite!
9) How do you market your radio station? How are your reaching the target demos?
We market online, on the streets, and on TV as well. We are actually very fortunate to have a relationship with the NBC affiliate here in town that allows us to promote our station on our weekly TV show and on the newscasts with public service & promotional events we're involved in. We reach our target demos by laser focusing our on-air content and promotions to relate to Women 25-54. We love Women 25-54! We also love Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram!
10) What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?
"Rewards for Reading" is a program where we go into the public schools and read to the kids. We record them doing the Pledge of Allegiance and play it back on air the next day.
We are also the local media team for Children's Hospital in Birmingham. Being able to help kids who are suffering from cancer and other conditions and bring funds and awareness to their situation is priceless!
Bonus Questions
What do you do in your spare time?
I have three teenage daughters, six fur kids, and a husband! LOL! I try to run and stay healthy. I love to read and take quick trips to the beach with our family.
Who is your best friend in the business?
My husband is my best friend. Awww... I know.
Tell us what music we would find on your phone or MP3 player right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?
Michael Buble - Jazz, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw - I'm a huge Adult Contemporary and Country fan. I also love the 50's & 60's too!
What is your favorite TV show?
"Blacklist" and "NY Med."
What is your favorite TV commercial?
Kenny Roger's "Geico" Commercial: LMBO!
What's your favorite radio commercial?
Locally it would be the Chappy's Deli! They are funny, entertaining and they tell a story. Nationally? Anything football!
What was the biggest gaffe you've made on air?
When I did my first live remote it was terrible. I was ready to quit. But I brushed myself off and moved forward. We can laugh about it now!
What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you? The worst?
I don't really have a worst. The best is from my mom "Just be yourself. Don't be a slut, but don't be a wallflower." That's how I got noticed & snagged my hubby.
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