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10 Questions with ... Katie Green
May 30, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- WCOA/Pensacola, FL (News-talk), WJLQ (AC) - On-Air (2005-2007)
- WMGV/New Bern, NC (AC) On-Air (2007-2009)
- Production Director , On-Air WRHT (Country), WRHD (Hot AC) Greenville, NC (2009-2011)
- WSTO (Top 40) WLFW (Country), WABX (Classic Rock) On Air WFLW, WABX Evansville, IN - Promotions Director - (2011-2012)
- WMC-FM/Memphis (Hot AC), WLFP (Country) (2012 to Present) Production Director/On-Air
- WRJY Brunswick, GA - Afternoon Drive and Weekends (2015 to Present)
1) What Got You Interested In Radio?
I always loved music and wanted to be consumed by it. As a kid, I was a dancer in tap and ballet, so I was exposed to music at a very young age.
I had a big CD player in my room with the double tape deck locked and loaded to record songs I loved to hear. If I missed it then I would listen for hours until it was played again. I would record mock news reports with weather and traffic.
I wanted to reach out to people and be a part of something entertaining and bigger than myself. Naturally growing up listening to radio in Tampa and being a huge concert attendee, radio seemed like the perfect fit for my huge personality.
2) Who do you consider to be your radio mentors?
I've received different pieces of the radio puzzle from many people I've encountered, so much info in the brain like a sponge. I am always learning and I bet I will learn even more down the road.
3) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?
The misconception that radio is dying is an issue I hear frequently. That couldn't be further from the truth. If anything radio is much stronger and it's easier to engage with listeners with all the tools we have now like texting, E-mail, social media etc. It gives us so many diverse ways to reach out and also keeps listeners engaged and listening.
4) What are some of the other stations that you think have really great imaging?
WABX Classic Rock and WSFL Classic Rock are killer. WXNR and WAAF have always been one of my favorites. WFLZ, I grew up listening to that station. Now that I do imaging, I have much more respect and admiration for the craft and process.
5) How does being in Memphis compare to other markets you have worked in?
Memphis is awesome sauce! The atmosphere, the scene, the food (I love food) and people make this city so special. I have had so many opportunities come up doing radio and voice for TV in the market.
I have also voiced commercials outside of the market (even in Canada). That also led to doing afternoon drive on 104.1 (The Wave) in Brunswick, GA. I have met some diverse and brilliant radio people since being here and the knowledge is overwhelming sometimes, but in a good way.
6) What was the biggest gaffe you've made on air?
My first live shift overnight was done in Auxiliary. I forgot to switch to "Program" so each break was never heard.
Voice-tracking and forgetting to put the mic in Auxiliary is the worst feeling. It's even worse when your PD comes down stairs from his office, into the studio and switches it for you because he can hear you on-air and you have no idea. I wanted to crawl under the console and cry while eating chocolate and drinking wine. LOL!
I also called my morning co-host a dumbass once, it just slipped ... but in my defense it was accurate at the specific time :)
7) What is the one truth that has held constant in your career?
Radio is a small world of people. Learn everything you can, make friends and work together.
BE YOURSELF! If you want something go for it and go big! And most importantly, don't rely so much on computers. Those CD's, carts and reels can come in handy!
8) Where do you see the industry and yourself in the future?
I want to still be creative and producing killer commercials and audio for airplay and talking to people on the air! I would also like to get into imagining more for different markets and be a part of a morning show. The industry is always evolving, but the main constant will be people delivering amazing content and more to talk about.
9) What's the best part of doing production?
The creativity that is involved is intoxicating. You start with virtually nothing and you mold it and build it into sound that is enticing, entertaining and excellent! You want to create something that will speak to someone, not just any rip and read. That is what I strive to do daily.
10) What is the best part about working in radio in general?
I still get excited when I crack the mic and when I hear myself in a commercial or on the air. That is the best feeling because that is what you have been working toward, to be your best! I still turn up the radio when I hear myself and go "Holy crap! I am on the radio!"
Bonus Questions
What did you want to do when you were a kid?
I was into Weather so I wanted to be a Meteorologist or Tornado Chaser.
Who are some of your favorite radio voices?
- Big Rig at WXTB/Tampa
- Brian Fink at WFLZ/Tampa
- Bob The Blade Robinson
- Jennifer Jordan
- Mistress Carrie at WAAF/Boston
- Mason Dixon
- Willie B
- My own!
Tell us what music we would find on your playlist right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?
Dave Matthews Band - I have traveled the USA to see them in concert and I have all of their albums. It is the best sound I have ever heard and it's even better LIVE!
2Cellos, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, David Guetta, Thomas Newman, Hans Zimmer, Better than Ezra, Max Richter, Eli Young Band, Flogging Molly, Fort Minor, No Wyld.
Seriously I can listen to anything!
Besides your own, what format would you like to work in and why?
I have always wanted to work in Rock. I listened to oldies as a kid and in high school and college you could always find me at rock show. That genre of music has always spoken to me. I never liked country, but once I started working in country I fell in love with the format. Funny how that happens?
Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?
Oldies, classic rock, rock and dance.
What do you consider the key to your success?
My personality! Seriously, if I was not the person I am then I would not be where I am in my career. I never gave up nor got down on myself because I was passed over for a gig. Get up and keep going.
What advice would you give people new to the business?
You definitely have to pay your dues and work hard. If you possess the passion and drive to be awesome and take direction well you will go far. Confidence is key, leave the ego at the door.
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