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10 Questions with ... Nate Reed
March 12, 2018
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- 1996-2000 Flint, MI: Intern, APD/MD, Mid-Days at Top 40 WWCK and Mid-Days at Co-owned WRSR (Soft AC) and Nostalgia WOAP 1080am
- 2000-2002 Mediabase
- 2001-2008 Flint, MI: PD and various day-parts at Rhythmic CHR WRCL Club 93-7
- 2008-2016 Toledo, OH: SVP Programming at iHeartMedia (Various PD roles)
- 2016-Now Tulsa, OK: Cox Media Group Operations Manager & Dir Branding & Programming
1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
Life changing. I grew up listening to CK105.5 and begged for an internship while still in high school. I learned as much as possible as quickly as possible from programming strategy, promotions/marketing, throwing concert parties and entertaining/informative on-air presentations. The whole experience brought me out of my shell.
2) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
Tulsa has more diversity in ownership versus two companies owning everything in many markets. Mostly locally programmed competitors mean more unique brands. Tulsa also has four full-signal country stations! (Shout out to CMG PD Matt Bradley and his team for dominating with K95.5!)
3) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?
About the same, however, CMG gives you real resources. Add those tools to a great team and it makes a world of difference in what you're able to accomplish, not only with content, but community presence and outreach.
4) What are you doing social media-wise?
Monitoring algorithm changes, hourly.
5) "Local local local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?
Giving back is what CMG is all about! Each brand and talent actively seeks events and opportunities for involvement (large or small).
6) What is your favorite part of the job?
Learning, Leading, Coaching and Strategy development. Partnering with people and brands to unlock their potential is incredibly rewarding.
7) What artist would we be surprised to find on your personal playlist?
Frank Sinatra to Kendrick Lamar and everything (except show tunes) in between.
8) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
Road-trips. There's nothing better than great company mixed with good music, great podcasts, table topics, sight-seeing and great "locale" food.
9) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
Every single day is a new creative opportunity or challenge. Sometimes that's creating a once-in-a-lifetime contest or seizing a pop culture moment for entertainment purposes... other days that means your team is keeping listeners safe during tornado warnings.
10) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Evolve or get left behind.
Bonus Questions
For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see"?
See a show at the legendary Cain's Ballroom or The Brady Theater... Tulsa's music scene is strong, no matter the venue.
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