-
10 Questions with ... Bill West
August 8, 2006
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:Bill WestTITLE:PDSTATIONS:KSFI-FM FM 100MARKET:Salt Lake CityCOMPANY:BonnevilleBORN:Jefferson City, MORAISED:Dawson, GA
Please outline your radio career so far:
Salt Lake City, Seattle, Houston, Atlanta, Huntsville, AL, Ft. Pierce/Vero Beach
1) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
I was listening to WLS on an AM radio and heard John "Records truly is my middle name" Landecker doing his bit called "Boogie Check." I thought: "Wow, what a cool job...I bet I could do that!"
2) What makes your station or market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?
We're owned by a great company that lets us do great radio. It's a fun environment. The people at the top here want a station they can be proud of, and my team delivers that.
3) 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?
I've always maintained our business has slipped away from being conscientious broadcasters, allowing obscenities on the air. Those people that know me know I'm not a prude, but I feel there is a time and place for everything.
4) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?
I see more and more localized programming and companies utilizing the talents of their local programmers more.
5) How do you interact with your sales staff?
I feel the PD should be visible and a big cheerleader for the team. I try to cruise through the bullpen everyday and let them know I want to help them win on the streets.
6) How do you stay in touch with the latest music trends?
I log on to AllAccess every day!
7) Tell us what music we would find on your car or home CD player (or turntable) right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?
Gnarls Barkley, Jimmy Buffett, James Blunt, Rascal Flatts, Chris Rice.
8) Please describe the best or worst promotion you've ever been part of?
We did a "Stuff your Mini" contest where the object was to see how many friends a listener could stuff in a Mini Cooper automobile. The winner stuffed 22 people in and won the car.
9) What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you?
Tell the listeners you're going to do something, do it, then tell them you did it! - (Bill Dunnavant). The worst? "You'll never make it in this business, you don't have the voice." - (High School friend).
10) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Don't stop trying to be better. You are never as great as you think you are.
Bonus Questions
What do you do in your spare time?
Ride my motorcycle.
Who would be your dream guest on the show?
Howie Mandel
What "reality show" could you see yourself appearing on and why?
"The Amazing Race."
Name the artist/act (living or dead) you'd love to meet and why?
Leonardo Da Vinci...to find out if there really is a code?
-
-