10 Questions with ... Tara Madison

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Connecticut, to Pennsylvania, Florida, Indiana, Vermont, South Carolina and New Hampshire.

1). What Got You Interested In Radio?

I've always be a little strange, and not very good at math or science. It was understood at a young age that I would not be a rocket scientist, mathematician or a doctor, but an entertainer. I was the little awkard curly haired girl that could tell a compelling story - even if it wasn't true.

2) What makes the Concord market unique? How does this compare to other markets you have worked at?

It's funny, I knew, as soon as I got here ... this is family (the story of how I got here really is heart-warming. New Hampshire and I were destined to be together. It really is a beautiful blessing to work with people I connect so well with. A lot of the Binnie Media programming family is actually from Connecticut markets (some of sales too). It's like going to a family reunion and meeting your fifth-twice-removed cousins.

Being in a smaller market allows you to connect to your listeners on a more personal level. To be so local ... there is really nothing like it. You learn about that one kid, in a small town, that has the dream of being a NASCAR driver and his go-kart is stolen, you can reach out to his mom, put them on the air and the entire state steps up to offer support. When doing events for Make-a-Wish and other local chapters of National Organizations you meet these people face-to-face. It's just not the same in larger markets. My listeners are my friends, and New Hampshire is one of the very few states that harbors the most passionate and compassionate people. We go to sugar houses together, we ski together and we cruise on the lakes together.

3. What is it about the Nazzy & Tara show that you feel really makes it cut through?

The moment I met Nazzy, I knew it would be a good fit. He thought of our partnership as a tool to help HIM grow. He's a staple in the Granite State. He's a very well-known talent that has the kind of clout radio personalities had in years past.

When we got together and he realized how dynamic I am, he was not shaken at all. He was excited to be better. I have NEVER worked with anyone that was already stable in the market who would allow someone else to contribute to the show as much as I do. It was an immediate chemistry with the one understanding that we will make great radio. It's a true show. We're live. We're local. We speak about our own personal lives. We banter. We argue. We're fun, funny and relatable! We are 100% a partnership. Nazzy and I are the conversation you want to eavesdrop in on.

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

Localizing your station. I do have a lot of love for my fellow radio peeps that syndicate a show. But as a listener, we want local. We want to hear stories from the people who are our friends and neighbors. We want to feel connected to the voices we hear.

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

Facebook is always changing. The algorithms are hard to master. What we found is that posting a question about something completely relatable to our audience that will issue a response will keep us in news feeds.

This is a problem most every fan, business, Llike, Follow page experiences. It's a constant learning curve. We always post our events; when listeners can come out and see us to register to win prizes. We use Twitter, and that is a great tool to get local businesses and organizations to know we're here and we're local. We're slowly getting on Instagram. Truth be told, I do 97% of the social media for our station and it's hard to keep up throughout the day. Morning show personality = sleepy mid-afternoon.

6. What type of features do you run on your show?

We have a contest every weekday for a prize. Our contests are always fun and grow weekly, really. They are engaging and make a listener want to call and play even if they don't know what they are playing. Some stations have done it a gazillion times, and some are totally original and hilarious like, "Secret Shower Karaoke" or "What's In Tara's Purse". When I meet a listener, they ask me where my purse is because they simply can't believe the things I have in it. "Daily Download" (a name that will soon change) is presented once an hour with the hottest trending story (usually Hollywood - but not always). Also, every hour one break is designated to a local story. Something that is only relevant to our listeners in the Granite State. We're always local!

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

I try to do my hair and makeup each morning because my partner springs in-studio-guests on me all the time. But really, real life is the true winner here. I am a wife, and a mother to eight children (three are toddlers), so there is plenty of life experience. My partner is a husband and father. When we meet a listener, they don't mention me talking about the Taylor Swift trial. They mention the time my husband woke up at 3am to clear the snow off my car and shovel the driveway so that I could go to work, while wearing only boxers and boots.

8) How are you using new technologies in your personal life to listen to music, and what observations have you made about how today's listeners use technology?

I get that not everyone listens to terrestrial radio. We're at a day and age where we want OUR music with no interruptions. The number one reason someone listens to a radio station is the MUSIC. The second reason is the PERSONALITY. I listen to Journey, OneRepublic, Sade, Boston, Aaliyah, Dr. Dre, Keith Sweat, Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, Staind, Van Halen (i could go on and on) The only way I could hear the music that speaks to my soul is to create my own playlist. I know I'm not the only one. I just hope personality is enough to listen to local radio when driving to and from work, at work or making breakfast on the weekends.

9. Who is the most amazing talent you've worked with?

Please do not tell him. Don't do it! But it's Nazzy. He's legit the best I've ever worked with. He's insanely organized. Our entire show, every break, is always mapped out. We start our show knowing exactly how it's going to run. I have control of our automated system as well, on the other side of the board (thanks Binnie Eng), so I get to control a lot of the breaks and fire off my own audio clips. We watch each other for cues. He points, I point. We watch each other. We're connected. We're both interested in what the other has to say.

10) What advice would you give people new to the business?

Be YOU! There is no one like you, and you are the very difference from everything else. If you're a little strange, but funny, then there is a place for you in radio. Also, develop a hard shell. There is a lot of negativity and nasty people that will try to peel you apart. Don't let it happen. Be strong. Be YOU!

What do you do in your spare time?

I love to cook and create fun things in the kitchen. I'm Italian though, so I find it hard to follow directions. Baking isn't necessarily for someone like me. I'd like to make snickerdoodles though. For real. If I really tried, I'd own those and have the most amazing bomb snickerdoodles ever. Also, I'm an avid skier and I like wine.

What is the most rewarding promotion you've ever been a part of?

Generally, all of the promotions I've been a part of are for tickets to concerts or meet and greets. I have, many times, spearheaded my own fundraisers. Those aren't generally backed by my stations. I color outside the lines to help people.

Who do you consider your radio mentors?

Samantha Stevens. We started at KC101 together in the early 90s. I dipped out to have a kid or three and she stayed in the business. When I came back, and there was automation (sans carts and reel-to-reel), she really helped me. She got me my first for real full-time gig at WEZN/Bridgeport, CT. Then there was Kelly Nash. He taught me how to clean cart machines with large cotton swabs. But seriously, it was the people at KC101 in the early 90's that taught me we're weird and we can have fun. I have to give love to my SCSU friends too like Bill Weaver, Ivan, Dave Guernsey, Eric Siegel, Matt the K., Sam (Nicole) and Eric have passed, sadly but I'll forever remember the friendship. BUT, it was Charley Connolly that gave me my first full-time gig. He's the one that fueled the fire.

Please tell us what radio talent really inspires you?

Broadway Bill. He has so much stamina and energy, still hits the post while firing off sound effects. Iconic! Amazing! It's like old school Z100 Morning Zoo with Scott Shannon still living on. Yes, Scott still lives on, too.

How do you stay in tune with your audience?

I am my demo, so it's easy for me to connect. But today, radio goes beyond the microphone. Social media is a huge key in connecting to your listeners. If they send me friend requests on Facebook, I accept. If they invite me to their social gathering, I quietly make an appearance. I live my life like most of my listeners, so it's rather easy.

Who is your best friend in the business?

She's not currently in radio, but Leeza Gordon. We did radio together in Gainesville. At the time, we were one of only four all-female morning shows in the nation. We were matched perfectly by BJ Briton Jon (again, R.I.P.). It was love at first sight. We're still very close and anytime we talk on the phone, we're in tears laughing hysterically.