10 Questions with ... Steve Davis

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• 2010 - Present: VP/Programming - Entercom Washington, DC and PD of 94-7 Fresh FM (Hot AC) and WPGC (Rhythmic/Urban)
• 2007 - 2010: SVP of Zapoleon Media Strategies
• 2007-2008: Partner and Focus Group Moderator - Mercury Research
• 2005 - 2007: VP/Programming for NextMedia Group
• 1996 - 2005: Zapoleon Media Strategies consultant

* Programming stations in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Tampa, Norfolk, Richmond and Birmingham.

• On-air in Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Tampa, Norfolk, Richmond and Birmingham.

1. You're in an ultra-competitive top 10 market with a direct format competitor. Every day must be a battle. How does that make you a better programmer and team leader?

Great competition only makes us better. If we do not "raise the bar" in our efforts each day, we will be left behind. I am fortunate to have an entire staff of smart, talented people who come to me every day with ideas and ways to make us better and help the station grow.

2. We (rightly) emphasize "local," "local," "local." Washington, D.C. is not your typical local market. How do you make sure that you're hitting your target audience where you need to?

I am a believer that you can still make an impact by being out and meeting your listeners. Once again, I am lucky to have a staff who strongly believes in being part of the community, and we really do "live where our listeners live." In addition, same as most stations, we pay attention to Hot Zips and try to super-serve in the areas that will have a ratings impact.

3. You've got The Tommy Show in the morning. How do they set the table for how the rest of Fresh's listening day unfolds?

The two hardest working morning shows I have had the honor of working with are Ross Brittain back when I was programming in Philly, and The Tommy Show here at Fresh in DC. Tommy, Kelly and Jen understand the importance of the overall success of the station and how that success benefits the morning show. This translates to their belief in the importance of promoting the rest of the day. By establishing that relationship with listeners in the morning, we're able to maintain the connection as the day unfolds.

4. You've been in the market for close to eight years now, coming in from working with one of our business' great minds, Guy Zapoleon. Was it hard to jump back into day-to-day programming from the consulting chair?

In some regards, yes. The years spent with Guy were like going back to school to get your PhD in programming. As a consultant, you sometimes forget about the intricacies of day-to-day programming that are necessary to take a good station and make it great. The big ideas, structure, etc. were easy but it took a few minutes to get back into the swing of sales and promotion meetings, etc.

5. You're running two stations (like almost everyone else); how do you prioritize where your attention needs to be?

I can't stress enough how very fortunate I am to have great support staffs on both Fresh and WPGC. I could not get it all done without WPGC APD Angelique Alston and MD DJ Flexx. Fresh APD/MD Dana McKay keeps me on track with Fresh. Both air staffs make sure I am on top of what is going on locally in case I missed something. I love that neither staff is shy about voicing opinions and ideas!

6. One of the cool things that you do is the weekly "Fresh Discoveries" new music programming on Sundays. Is there a song or two that you've featured on the show that really ended up getting your attention and made it onto the station?

There are many! Three that immediately generated a response from play on Fresh Discoveries are Sia's "Cheap Thrills," Twenty One Pilots "Heathens" and Portugal.The Man "Feel It Still," which later became fan-favorite hits.

7. How big a role does social media play in the way that the station's talent spends her/his work day?

Social media plays a tremendous part in communicating with our listeners, as it allows us to continue the two-way conversations between them and our hosts after the show is over. If I am filling a position for an air talent, their social media skills are as important as their ability to entertain on and off air.

8. It's baseball season and with the Nationals expected to do well again this year; how is Fresh able to partner up on some demo-friendly promotion opportunities?

We have a great relationship with the Nationals. Our sister station, 106.7 The Fan is the flagship for the Nats which initially opened a few doors. We are involved with the annual Ladies Night promotion, broadcasting from Nats Park on Opening Day, (WOW, IT WAS COLD!), and numerous other events throughout the season.

9. What are your thoughts about the current 'State Of The Union' re: the music at the format?

Regarding WPGC, things are incredible! When I examine research and the local active metrics each week, it is as if the hottest songs in DC are all on the WPGC playlist. Regarding Fresh, I believe things are beginning to turn for Hot AC and am enthusiastic for what I feel is coming this summer.

10. If you could pick one song that defines Fresh right now, which one would it be?

How about two songs? Zedd with Maren Morris and Grey, "The Middle" and Imagine Dragons "Whatever It Takes."

Not all that long ago, you folks moved from the 'burbs to the heart of our nation's capital. What's it like to have a front-row seat for history?

It's awesome to feel the energy of this city. No matter which side of the political aisle you fall on, you have to appreciate being in the nation's capital and all that brings to your everyday life here. We are 10 blocks from the Capitol and two blocks from Nats Park. There is always something happening.

You've programmed some great stations in some great cities, but it always comes down to this: Where is the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia?

LOL! Most people will say Pat's or Geno's, but I love Jim's on South Street.