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10 Questions with ... Scott Gilbert
November 26, 2007
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NAME:Scott GilbertTITLE:Content ManagerSTATIONS:www.radio-mall.comMARKET:Houston, TXCOMPANY:The Radio MallBORN:October 1950 - Chicago, ILRAISED:Chicago, IL
1) Did you start your career in radio? How did you make the segue to a record label? Would you ever go back to radio?
Actually, I did it backwards. I started working for Capricorn Records and then went into radio.
2) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Probably not. It doesn't seem to be as fun now as it was years ago. And I'll bet the money is worse and the workload is heavier, too.
3) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?
Corporate entities run stations like any other type of business, concentrating on "monetization." Hence the cutbacks we've been seeing. Unfortunately, that only makes the situation worse. You may get more profit by voice tracking, using networks and getting rid of local talent, creativity and unique-ness, but you won't get a better station or more listeners. What that kind of mindset does, is to drive people away from radio and to IPods, satellite and Internet only radio stations.
4) What is the biggest change that you'd like to see happen in the business?
I'd like to see the market ownership caps rolled back to pre-Reagan days. More competition brings better product.
5) Will HD radio be a worthwhile avenue to bring more visibility to new artists?
Yes. If they don't screw it up. HD radio is the best thing to hit FM radio since FM radio.
6) How do you feel about the new royalty rate increases for Internet and radio?
Bye bye, little guys...
7) What is your favorite radio station outside of the market and why?
That would be KFOG's HD new music channel. Great music!
8) What was the first concert you ever attended?
Opening act: Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels. Headliner: Buffalo Springfield. It cost $3 at the Cheetah Discotech in Chicago, which held about 400 people.
9) Records sales are down for a seventh consecutive year. What can be done about this?
How about releasing better music?
10) What are the first and last things you do when at the office every day?
Read www.allaccess.com. Really!
Bonus Questions
1) What's been your biggest disappointment in Radio today?
The biggest disappointment in radio today is homogenization, and lowest common denominator programming.
2) What was the first song or full-length release you purchased?
Jimi Hendrix - Electric Ladyland
3) What other format would you like to program and why?
I'd give my left nut to program a Triple A station. Better music, more variety, a larger library, and a more mature attitude on the air.
4) Underwear: Boxers or Briefs?
Nope.
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