10 Questions with ... Neil Wilson

NAME:Neil Wilson TITLE:APD/Afternoons STATIONS:WDVW MARKET:New Orleans, LA COMPANY:Citadel BORN:October 3rd - Davenport, Iowa! RAISED:Quad Cities IA/IL

Please outline your radio career so far:

1996-2001 - Overnights - WHTS, WLLR, KMXG/Quad Cities, IA/IL
2000-2001 - Nights/Afternoons/Graphics Coordinator - WQCY/Quincy, IL
2001-2003 - Nights - WKZN/New Orleans, LA
2003-2004 - Middays/Imaging - KBEA/Quad Cities IA/IL
2004-2006 - MD/Executive Morning Producer - WOZN/WSMW/Greensboro, NC
2006-2008 - APD/Afternoons/Day to day Motivational Speaker - WDVW/New Orleans

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

AMAZING! I got to shadow some of the talent I grew up listening to in the Quad Cities, mainly Jim O'Hara, who has an amazing grasp on radio.

2) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

WHTS (All Hit 98.9). It was sad to see that station go since it was such a part of my childhood. Hell, I listened to it when it was "Power 98.9!" There is definitely something to be said for heritage!

3) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?

Heritage! New Orleans is the biggest small city I've ever seen. The radio landscape is all the heritage stations, and the other guys. WEZB (Heritage Top 40), WWL (Heritage News Talk), Q93 (Heritage Urban), WLMG (Heritage AC), WNOE (Heritage Country)...But we've got some great start up's too in the market including, "The New Mix 92.3" that certainly make it a unique radio battlefield.

4) For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see"?

Kenner... As the ambassador for all that is good and well in the City of Kenner I would suggest a visit to see it. Not only is Kenner the home to Airport, but it's got the Planetarium, River town, The Treasure Chest Casino and My house.

Kenner is also home to fine dining such as Jumbo Buffet (with all you can eat crab legs every night), Kenner Seafood (yum...crawfish!), Fisherman's Cove (fried seafood...and crawfish!), Fat Greg's Italian Restaurant, and Copelands!

5) In recent years, many station have been flipping to "Jack," "Bob," "Max," "Fresh" or "Movin' Rhythmic Hot AC. What are your thoughts on these formats? Will they go the distance?

"Mix 92.3" actually used to be "Diva 92.3" so we're well aware of the downside to the Rhythmic AC format. We did a fantastic job branding the station. I mean, everyone knew us! But ultimately, we needed to make a move that positioned us better against the competition and was more mass appeal.

On the flip side, I helped launch 98-7 Simon in Greensboro and its doing fantastic in that market. So, I guess it goes back to the whole knowing your market thing...

6) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff?

Scott Shannon! How does he say so much, but yet say so little!

7) What was the first song or full-length release you purchased?

Boyz II Men! But my friend's mom stole the CD from me. THAT BITCH!

8) How much music do you listen to each week?

I'm always checking to see what's new out there... so I'd say at least 2-3 hours of it. I feel like such a geek when I ask my wife, neighbors or friends to listen to new music. I'll say, "This song is awesome!" And they'll just look at me like I'm an idiot?

9) How much time do you spend surfing the net?

I've got at least six windows open now! The Internet has become an essential tool in getting anything done. I spend a lot of time looking at Perez Hilton, MySpace, TMZ, artist sites, network TV sites...and of course, All Access!

10) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?

I'm a pretty straight forward, no BS, shoot from the hip guy...it's gotten me into trouble A LOT! So, I can always work on sugar coating what I say. The truth hurts... and some people just can't handle it. :)

1) What do you do in your spare time?

I actually run my own voice over/imaging company, so I spend a lot of time fine tuning my art! I've got some great stations that I'm working with already, but I'm always looking to add more. So...shameless plug, if I may...check it out at www.djneil1.com.

2) What "reality show" could you see yourself appearing on and why?

My wife and I want to go on the Amazing Race... We'd win!

3) Your radio or records dream gig?

PD of KIIS-FM in Los Angeles! Yeah, that's right John Ivey...I'm out to get your job!