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10 Questions with ... Lisa Thomas
October 13, 2008
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NAME:Lisa ThomasTITLE:APD/MD/Midday PersonalityMARKET:Dallas, TXCOMPANY:Clear ChannelBORN:Denton, Texas - February 5, 1968RAISED:Arlington, Texas Go Colts!
Please outline your radio career so far:
I pretty much fell into this career. I was a Music Major at Texas Tech University and I had a professor asking for volunteers for the local classical music station. I needed extra credit so I signed up immediately! I then thought that I was ready for something a little hipper so I signed up to be a DJ for the Texas Tech station.
I was not chosen. Ha Ha! How funny is that? They took everyone! I used to send them a yearly Christmas card from whatever station I was currently working for, but eventually I let it go.
Here is an outline:
KOOL/Lubbock, TX - 1990-1996 - (Weekend Swing and Morning News!! I was hideous. Thank you Bryan Roberts for hiring me).
KAMC/Lubbock, TX - 1990 - Weekend Reporter (Again, I was hideous and sporting big hair and Laura Ashley dresses. Yikes!)
KAJA (KJ 97)San Antonio, TX - 1992 - Weekend Swing. (Bad! But getting slightly better).
KISS (99-5 KISS FM San Antonio, TX - Overnights (A diamond in the rough. Thank you Virgil Thompson!)
KDHT (Hot 93)/Austin, TX - Hot 93 Morning Drive (Loved me some Austin!)
KDMX (Mix 102.9)/Dallas, TX - 1994-Present - (I started out doing a Love Song Show at night and have been the MD/APD and midday personality since '96. I'm still learning! I'm a work in progress).1) What Got You Interested In Radio?
I toured KEGL/Dallas back in the 70's with my Girl Scout troop. The overnight guy had a seizure while we were there. I was hooked. Excitement! (Plus, I got a 45 to keep!!)
2) How would you describe your first radio gig?
Painful! I learned how to say "pianist," and not "penis-t."
3) What is your favorite part of the job?
I honestly love artist interviews. I have learned from the best, and I think I have a unique style that puts them at ease.
I've had Sarah McLachlan talking about breast feeding and Don Henley talking about Saturday mornings with Sponge Bob and the kids. I don't think they see me coming! I did an interview recently with Eric Hutchinson wearing a piece of black olive on my front teeth...just to see if he would call me on it!
4) How did you get your present job?
I always thought of Dallas as "the big time". On a dare, I sent in a tape to Mix in Dallas and got a call two days later. I almost fell on the floor. I remember sitting in my car listening to the part-time guy do Saturday morning overnights and thinking... "He is so good!" I could just drive away and head back to Austin and no one would care. I'm WAY out of my league. I laugh about that to this day.
5) Describe a typical day in your position?
I am trying to squeeze it all in one day, but I'm not doing it. I've learned to prioritize. I don't have a set day down to do the music...but when I do focus on it...it come first.
I'm pretty religious about keeping Thursdays my music days and sitting down to listen to new music. Show prep is 24-7. I'm always a sponge that way. I devour band websites. My reps know that about me. I totally DIG band message boards. You can find some gems!
6) How much music overlap is there in your market?
We totally play the sharing game with Kiss, and even KDGE to some extent. We vibe on it well though. We all work together. I'll pick Billy The Kidd's brain when I need to. He knows that!
7) How do you position the station musically and why did you choose this direction?
We're your straight ahead Adult Pop station. Familiar. Our listeners know what to expect from Mix. We super serve them.
8) What other stations and markets do you like to monitor?
I always look at what Mary Ellen is playing in Chicago. Thanks ME!
9) How is the relationship between programmer and record label changing? For better or worse?
You hear people say that there may not be a need for local Record Reps down the road. I disagree. The bottom line is that the Promoters are for tickets and promotional ops. Record Reps are for access to the artist and music. It's that simple.
10) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
We're in a fight for that fickle female! Who isn't these days?
Bonus Questions
1) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
I would be a drama teacher, or a music teacher!
2) Who were your early influences?
Race Taylor, Kim Ashley, Jimmy Steal, Anna De Haro!
3) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
KEGL, Jimmy Steal!! I still remember the dedication you made on my behalf for the love of my 17 year old life! Angst! I have the tape somewhere.
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