-
10 Questions with ... Lisa Parker
January 24, 2006
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:Lisa ParkerTITLE:MD/MiddaysSTATION:WBQBMARKET:Fredericksburg, VACOMPANY:Mid Atlantic NetworksBORN:Ft. Knox, KY...in an era with cool musicRAISED:New Jersey (Exit 7 rocks!) and Boston
Please outline your radio career so far: (station/date, station/date, etc.)
Traffic reporter on WBZ/Boston, overnights, weekends and any shift they'd give me on WSSH and WOAZ/Boston. Mornings on WRVE/Albany, NY, and WMXV/Atlanta. I am currently doing middays in lovely Fredericksburg, Virginia.
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
I was a traffic reporter for WBZ in Boston, 9p-5a with the legendary Norm Nathan...(loved him!!) I also love Jordan Rich of WSSH and WBZ in Boston, and Mark Parenteau from WBCN in Boston.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
I didn't get any of the jobs I interviewed for with my college degree, so took a voiceover class. After the 2nd class, my teacher offered me $300 to read a :60 commercial...sign me up!!!
3) What makes your station or market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?
WBQB has 24/7 365 live jocks!!!! We're family friendly, but not boring. Our listeners have the 2nd longest commute in the US, so we have to stay fresh musically and personality wise to keep them.
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?
They haven't affected my show or station, but I believe the FCC needs to loosen up, and butt out. Radio still has a tuner button if you don't like what's on, right??
5) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?
I'm gonna be a STAR baby, and still a nice genuine person, just with a fatter bank account.
6) What led to your station's recent ratings increase?
Selector tweaking, more separation between currents, music testing, fun promotions and...uh, ME!
7) In today's world of multi-tasking and wearing many hats, how do you find time to show prep and what sources do you use?
Life is show prep. I love to read, so I never count that as work. I do keep a pen and paper and a tape recorder in the car so I can remember weird stuff I overhear in the grocery store, funny TV commercials, stuff I drive by, or good bits on another station that can be stolen...(er...I mean "reworked.") I try to avoid prep services everyone uses, except for great audio drops.
8) Who is the most amazing talent you've worked with?
Lorna Ozmon...a Chicago based consultant.
9) What gets you upset at work and how do you channel your anger?
Mediocrity, and stupid callers. To decompress, I yell in the studio, busy the phones, and play my favorite tune in cue turned up to 11, and dance like an idiot!
10) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Sometimes dickheads DO get ahead in this business...but that doesn't mean you should turn into one!
Bonus Questions
What singer/performer/artist really inspires you and why?
I'm pretty sure Big Head Todd knows the inner workings of my brain.
Underwear: Boxers or Briefs?
Thong. Hello!! It's 2006?? There are plenty of women in this business now!!
Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Watching the live web-cam of the newborn panda cub at the National Zoo up the road in DC. (FYI...AnimalPlanet.com)
What is your favorite radio station outside of the market and why?
I'll always love WBCN in Boston...great music, fun jocks, and the best sweeper of all time, "For a transcript of this program, please feel free to write everything down."
-
-