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10 Questions with ... Todd Michaels
March 10, 2008
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NAME:Todd MichaelsTITLE:Morning Show Host 'The Wound-Up Wake-Up'STATIONS:Dial-Global 24/7 Bright AC (Hot AC) formatMARKET:over 50 markets, plus Armed Forces Radio worldwideCOMPANY:Dial-Global 24/7 Radio Network, Los AngelesBORN:St. Louis, MORAISED:St. Louis, MO
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
First radio gig was the late KQCA-FM "KQ-102" in Canton, MO/Quincy, IL. The station was in a modular building with the stick outside. Get this: I had to take MEEEEEEETER READINGS! Rick Dees and Casey Kasem were my heroes, and still are!
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
Every day Clear Channel fires someone I'm STILL not sure this is it! I got into radio because of my life-long love of music, including writing and recording my own tunes. I let the music career take a backseat because I was getting more and more work in radio. My ride has been great and I appreciate everyone who's given me a chance.
3) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?
Dwindling audiences=fleeting revenue=budget cuts=jobs slashed=lack of quality. In order for a station or cluster to be profitable today, a new approach must be made to potential advertisers and clients who want to see value and results. On the programming side, train talent how to be more relatable to the core listener. The station should be a P1's one-stop shop for entertainment and information. Look at the remarkable infusion of young people in this election year. They're charged, they're interested and they're involved. They, like a lot of other Americans, are hungry for change and action. Is radio adequately serving Americans who are anxious for life's answers, but also a daily escape?
4) What format does not exist that should? Would it work?
I'm really surprised the Rhythmic AC or "Movin'" format hasn't worked in most markets. The playlist is all upbeat and familiar. I wonder if the talent and the promotions haven't matched the music?
Markets that opted to "Jack" a "Movin'" and go jockless? That doesn't make sense. FUN, interesting, intelligent personalities who know the tunes and understand the life of a typical 33-year-old active female please apply!
5) How do you interact with your sales staff?
It's important that everyone works as a team. Interfacing and spending time with the sales peeps gets them more familiar with what I do, and what I want to achieve. In turn, I hear first-hand of their challenges and offer creative solutions. I also make myself available anytime to jump on the phone with a prospective client or affiliate.
6) In today's world of multi-tasking and wearing many hats, how do you find time to show prep and what sources do you use?
Honestly, I probably use the same stuff YOU the reader uses! I'm a media and news nut, so I check about ten different websites several times daily and typically have MSNBC or CNN on in the office. Be a sponge.
7) Who is the most amazing talent you've worked with?
Off-air would be the original guerilla marketer: Doug Parker, who also writes for All Access. He has created and executed some of the biggest and absolute best radio promotions. I'm honored to have worked with Doug at multiple stations.
8) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff?
Rick Dees and Whitney Allen, and I'm honored to call them each friends.
9) What is the best advice you would give to young programmers/promotion people?
Stop researching so much! If a tune feels good, try it! So many great songs go unheard because the same old tunes are run into the ground.
As for promo peeps, they need to be well-organized, creative, connected, buttoned-up and make sure street presence is catchy, attractive and pertinent to the station's P1. Work WITH the sales staff!
10) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
It's all about hard work, faith, confidence, relationships, and a little luck!
Bonus Questions
1) Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?
The format of my show is Hot AC, but I also love Country, Top 40, Rhythmic AC ("Movin'") and AC.
2) Favorite artist you have met?
Jo Dee Messina, Natasha Bedingfield, Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Celine Dion, and Clay Walker.
3) Name the artist/act (living or dead) you'd love to meet and why?
Karen Carpenter. Along with her brother, their music is timeless. My Mom got me hooked when I was little.
4) Most of us have known or even worked for a "colorful" owner/GM/air talent. Care to share a story? (The names can be changed to protect the innocent).
"Iron" Mike Ginsburg was my GM at Clear Channel in Vegas. Mike's shock of white hair, his motorcycle and good ol' boy way of doin' business made him a "cat of a different stripe"!
Legendary Bob West was my PD at KSFM/Sacramento. Bob showed me that even in the most trying times. Have fun, and BE fun! Cut off some sales guy's tie! Drink beer from a boot! Use the office intercom for more than just paging co-workers! COWBELL!!
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