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10 Questions with ... 'Captain' Chris Didier
October 7, 2019
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started my radio career in the basement of our home at the age of 13 on my brother's pirate radio station. While in high school, I got my first part-time job at a real radio station. I've worked at WQHK (The Hawk), WMEE (1979-1980), WGL (my first full-time job, 1980-'81), WHUZ, WLYV, back to WGL (1981-early '83), WFWQ, which switched to WAJI upon the arrival of Lee Tobin (1983-1986). Then back to WMEE full-time doing middays, eventually APD, then PD for 3+ years. (1986-2000). Then back to Sarkes Tarzian as APD for WLDE in 2000, then PD in 2008. I became OM in September 2015 and continue to hold that position for the Fort Wayne cluster of four stations, while programming the day to day operations of WLDE, WAJI & The Twenty FM.
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
Well, my first radio gig was probably different than most, it was doing pirate radio with my siblings. It eventually led to connections with their friends who had real jobs in Fort Wayne radio while I was in high school, that got my foot in the door. I started out working the weekend overnight shift on a Country station called The Hawk.
2. What led you to a career in radio?
As mentioned, I started by doing pirate radio, My two older brothers, Jack and Tony, along with some of their friends built a pirate station in the basement of our house. They were in high school or close to it, while I was a bit younger. They were always going out in the car driving around listening or spreading the word about their station, but they needed someone on the air spinning records and jocking. That's where I come into the picture. I just wanted to hang with the big guys, so they taught me how to cue up records, talk over intros, you name it. I already loved listening to Top 40 radio in the market, and now getting a chance to be on the radio as jock was in unbelievable!
3. You're currently, the Operations Manager for all three Sarkes Tarzian/ Fort Wayne stations. What are some time management pit falls to avoid?
Don't try and be a jack of all trades and do everything yourself. As a PD or OM you may sometimes feel that if you're not doing it, the job won't get done correctly. Delegate and rely on the people around you to get things done utilizing their talents. Yes, they going to screw up. But, as a manager, we're here to educate as well as to delegate. When they make a mistake, point it out, but show them how and why they should do it a certain way. It makes your job easier, builds their confidence, and hopefully earns a little respect along the way.
4. Plus you pull an air shift on Classic Hits 101.7. What do you still love about being on the air?
As a kid, it started with just the excitement of hearing my voice come out of a radio and listening to my favorite songs. I remember thinking, "this is the cooling thing" how can it get any better? Then I got my first job and I was paid to do the same thing. Paid to listen to music all day long. This is the greatest job on the planet and it never gets old, even now! Stressful at times, but never old.
5. Social Media really changed the playing field. What are some of the things that you encourage the staff to do to keep the brands more forefront?
I try to give them freedom, but some guidelines. Treat the station pages with the passion that you treat your own pages or even more so. Let the audience know where you'll be, what you're doing and why they should be there. But, most importantly how do your posts impact them as your listener? Don't just post something because you think it's time to post something or you think it's cool. Put yourself in your follower's shoes and think about the end result. Does it past the "Who Cares test?"
6. "Local local local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?
It's nothing new to radio, grassroots marketing, especially when you have little to no budget. Build relationships with the city, including the parks, Visitors Bureau, Riverfront, whatever. They put together some of the biggest events throughout the year and you can match up those events that fit your stations. It's great exposure for you, whether it's Friday Night Concerts, Festivals, Christmas Tree Lighting, you name it. Get your stations involved for the exposure. They'll market your station as a sponsor. You promote the events, offer up your jocks as emcees, anything you can think of to be involved. It's great exposure, brand awareness in the community and the listeners will remember you as the local stations. After a few years, the community will associate your stations with those annual events before they even happen.
7. What is the most challenging part of the job?
I hate to say it, but probably Father Time. I just don't have the physical capability to work 12-hour days every day anymore or remember things as good as I used to. My phone and calendars are my memory banks now and I've become so dependent on them to get things done. I wish I could still retain it all.
8. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid? Favorite jock?
WBFR (B108) in its heyday in the mid-'70's that was my brother's station in our basement. It played what I loved on Top 40. The Eagles, ELO, Rod Stewart when they were currents, not Classic Hits! I'm lucky enough to have lived it, not learn about it. It was the best programmed station in town and it was just a bunch of high school kids.
I never really had one favorite jock, but I remember some that I loved to listen to. Jack Martin on WMEE, Phil Gardner on WLYV, Rick Dees and just any Top 40 jock having fun on the air.
9. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
My older brothers Jack Didier and Tony Richards (Didier), of Kensington Digital Media, Lee Tobin, my current GM. I've worked with Lee twice and he's amazing. Other's that have left a great impression on me include Mike McVay, Gary Berkowitz, Jeff Davis, and Dave Popovich. All have incredible radio minds and have given me great guidance and leadership throughout my life. I don't know that I could name any one person. But, if I did it would be my brother Tony. He reminds me so much of our dad who owned a chain of meat stores with his brothers. Tony is the one who gave me my first shot in radio at age 13. He taught me so much about the business and life, encouraging me and even giving me a kick in the ass when I needed it. I wouldn't have been given a shot if it weren't for him.
10. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Just trying to treat others the way you want to be treated. Do it by always giving them your best and they'll give you their best. It's not brain surgery. You work hard for them and they'll work hard for you.
Bonus Questions
Other than the actual Fort, what would you make sure that first time visitors to the city saw?
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception church. Fort Wayne is known as the city of churches, and though I'm not a member at that specific church, it's one of the most beautiful churches you'll ever see, built in the year 1860. My great, great, grandparents were married there.
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