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10 Questions with ... Brooke Summers
August 20, 2007
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NAME:Brooke SummersTITLE:PD/MorningsSTATION:WUHUMARKET:Bowling Green, KYCOMPANY:Forever Communications Inc.BORN:Buffalo, NYRAISED:Buffalo, NY
1) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Umm...if my boss is reading this then ABSOLUTELY!!! No doubt! It's in the blood. Which doesn't mean it's a good thing. It's just something that you can't live without.
2) How do you position the station musically and why did you choose this direction?
We are smack dab in the middle of Hot AC and Top 40 (leaning more Top 40...especially at night). We found that this pleases the listeners and the advertisers. I love having listeners. That's what I'm in it for but pleased advertisers make me happy too because that means I continue to get paid.
3) How do you stay in touch with the latest music trends?
Usually I ask my daughters, who are 8 and 10. Just recently, they were singing Lil' Mama's "Lipgloss" about two weeks before I ever heard it on the radio. They keep me young (or so I like to think)
4) How have the recent FCC regulations impacted the way you program your music and the station's dialogue on the air? What are your feelings about these recent changes?
Musically we are still the same. Dialogue-wise, I always ask myself, "Would I say that in front of my kids, or would I want them to ask what I meant when I said..." You can have fun and talk about adult topics and still be kid friendly (most of the time).
5) How have music file sharing services, affected the way you program to your audience?
It makes you a little more aggressive. You don't want them to download it if they can get it from you.
6) What can we be doing with our station web sites to better our stations as a whole?
[Make them] more user friendly. If you tell me to go to a website to find something, I shouldn't have to search 10 pages before I find it.
7) Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?
Urban AC. I like the new stuff by new artists, but you can't top Anita, Luther and Old School Whitney. They appeal to the soul.
8) If you could add any one full-time position to your budget with no questions asked, what would it be?
An NTR Director
9) Please describe the best or worst promotion you've ever been part of?
(Best) - Just recently, we did a promotion for the Make A Wish Foundation. We did a local version of "Dancing With the Stars" that we called "Dancing With Bowling Green's Own." In one night we raised about $6000. Which, we were very proud of for a first time event. The venue sat close to 400 people and it was nearly sold out. And to top it off, my morning show co-host (Adam W) won.
10) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
Yes, all of them!!! I don't think you can ever know it all or know it well enough.
Bonus Questions
1) 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).
Well if it was up to my very first GM I wouldn't be in the business today. I won't name names but if you have ever seen the movie "A Christmas Story," think of the bully. Anyway, after my very first weekend shift, he called the PD and said "Get her off my damn airwaves right now!! She sucks!!!" Luckily for me, my PD saw through the nerves and stood his ground and fought for me (thanks Steve B) and here I am today.
2) What are your three favorite artists or songs of this year?
Corrine Bailey Rae, Amy Winehouse "Rehab" (the whole album is great), and Elliott Yamin "Wait for you." Running close behind is Colbie Caillat. She's pretty good.
3) What is the most popular giveaway item at your station?
Surprisingly people love our color changing cups. They are pretty cool.
4) How do you stay in tune with your audience?
Talk to them. Ask them what they want. Listeners will call you and E-mail you if they feel that they can talk to you. So let them.
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