10 Questions with ... David Corey

NAME:David Corey TITLE:Program Coordinator STATIONS:CHUM-FM MARKET:Toronto, ON COMPANY:CHUM LTD BORN:Louisville, KY RAISED:Pittsburgh, PA (Go Steelers!)

1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?

My first job in radio was at WXKS (KISS 108) in Boston. I started as in intern when I was 17. The PD at the time was Sunny Joe White. I learned a lot from him. He was a very unique programmer. I have to give so much credit to Dale Dorman too. Dale was the OM, and the very legendary afternoon drive jock at the time, and it was Dale who gave me my first opportunity to be on air. He had heard my air checks, and he convinced Sunny to put me on. Other early influences were Tad Bonvie, Steve Rivers and John Ivey. I feel that I was very lucky to have some of the best in the business in Boston.

2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?

When I was about 10, I started as a DJ for church and school dances. I bought some turntables and a mixer and I worked as much as possible. That turned into the desire to be a "real" DJ on the radio. I called KISS 108 out of the clear blue one day, and asked if they were looking for interns. I was hired a few days later, and I have never looked back. I will always remember the very first time I got to talk on the air. It was the greatest day of my life! It was then that I knew.

3) How does Canadian radio differ from doing radio in the U.S.?

Canadian music, and Canadian radio have been a very welcomed breath of fresh air for me. I think from being in Boston for so long, and being in the Top 40 world for so long burned me out a bit with some of the music. Here at CHUM FM, we are playing some things that I would have normally never had the chance to play. Most of it is the Canadian content that we play. The great thing is that 99% of it is really good. There are the Nelly Furtados, Nickelbacks and Avril Lavignes of the world, but there is so much more too! There is a song that is very big for us called "Hung Up" by Suzie McNeil...what a great song! But I never would have heard it in the states. So, at least for now, I am having a great time with the Canadian music. I am extremely excited to be at another powerhouse radio station like CHUM FM. I look forward to many years here, and to being a part of such a great company like CHUM Limited.

4) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?

I have great concern that radio has dropped the ball on grooming new talent. Who will replace the superstars of today tomorrow? With voice tracking and fewer jocks at each station, I am concerned that there will be less and less talent to pick from in the years to come.

5) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?

I would love to be in radio for a long time. That is a fact. I also hope to continue my song writing. That is a priority as well.

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

If you had asked me this question last year, my answer would have had to be different because the person was on my staff. Now that I am in Toronto, I can tell you...it is Matt Siegel from KISS 108 in Boston.

Matty has been doing mornings for many years, and I can honestly say he is better now than ever. I have never heard a more real, funny, genuine, and honest person. Even after all these years, there is no one who has more of a desire to win than Matty. For anyone who is trying to teach their talent what a real morning show should sound like, you should make them to listen to Matty. That is all there is to it. My runner's up would be Billy Costa (also in Boston) and Cubby in NYC.

7) What are your three favorite artists or songs of this year?

I think that "Say It Right" by Nelly Furtado could be my favorite song of the last couple years. That beat is so infectious. I also think that "What Goes Around" by Justin is such a well written, and well-produced song. I also remember the very first time I heard "Not Ready To Make Nice" by the Dixie Chicks last year, I had good bumps all over when it got to the part about "shut up and sing or your life will be over." What a line, and what a song! I am so glad that they are just now getting real airplay in the US with that song. It deserves it!

8) You just won the lotto and you have your boss on the line. What's the first thing that you would say?

That is a funny question, because during my first week here at CHUM FM, my GM Bill Bodnarchuk and I were having lunch. We decided to buy a few lottery tickets for a jackpot that was worth about $150 million. He then told me he would quit his job if we won, and I told him I wouldn't. Then he said maybe he too would continue working, but he would be fine with making less money. Of course, my response to that was, "I wouldn't!"

9) What other format would you like to program and why?

One day, I would love to program a Country station. I have a new found love for Country music, and I could see myself really enjoying that one day.

10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?

I do not have any regrets at all. I have been blessed in my career to be taught by some of the very best programmers in the world. I had a great run at KISS 108, and I look forward to what lies ahead here at CHUM FM in Toronto. I have made some life long friendships along the way, and who could ask for anything more?