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10 Questions with ... Betsy Chase
August 29, 2006
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NAME:Betsy ChaseTITLE:VP of Programming/Executive Producer/The John Tesh Radio ShowSTATIONS:Tesh MediaMARKET:Nationally SyndicatedCOMPANY:Tesh MediaBORN:Bloomfield Hills, MichiganRAISED:Pasadena, CA
Please outline your radio career so far:
Tesh Media - "The John Tesh Radio Show" (00-present)
Westwood One (96-00) Writer/Producer for "Out of Order" with Jed the Fish, and "Off the Record" w/ Joe Benson
KIIS-FM, Los Angeles - Associate Producer for "Rick Dees in the Morning" Producer The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 (92-96)1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
My first job was as in Intern at KROQ-FM Los Angeles. I was 16 and it was the coolest thing in the world. This is before they cared how old you were or if you were getting school credit. I had always wanted to work in radio. Something about it just clicked with me at a very young age. I was a KROQ listener, and still am. The experience was more fun than I ever imagined. Going to shows, flirting w/ artists like Billy Idol and Simon LeBon, and doing crazy things for the jocks just because they asked. I have really fond memories of the 2 years I interned there.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
When I was a kid, I was a radio freak. I'd listen to the radio at night as long as I could stay awake. I'd run home from church on Sundays to hear Kasey Kasem. There was never a time in my life that I wanted to do anything else than work in radio. On my 16th birthday, my friends kidnapped me at midnight and took me over to KROQ, which was a tradition in Pasadena. While they were all in the studio, I went across the hall and asked Scott Mason how I could get an internship. He gave me a form to fill out and that was it. I've worked in radio ever since.
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Yes, definitely, but I'd pay more attention to how things were being done and how things worked instead of flitting around and having fun. I had a very casual attitude about everything for many years. I didn't get serious about learning what radio was all about until I was at Westwood One.
4) 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?
I spend a couple hours every day working on show prep, and if I can toot my own horn, I'm really good at it. But I won't give up my secrets. Ross Britain has a GREAT service too.
5) Describe the relationship you have with your fellow co-workers? How do you motivate your staff to do better? How do they motivate you?
I think managing people is the hardest part of my job. I'd say I'm in a good mood 95% of the time. I find that if I'm cheerful and let stuff roll off my back, my staff does that too. I can't stand attitude and moodiness on the job. I'll call them on it. "Hey grumpy! Get over it!" My philosophy is, "We're all in this together." I don't expect anything less of my staff than I expect of myself. My staff rocks! They're funny, smart, hip (and good looking). They all bring a fresh perspective to the show. And especially the younger members in their early 20s keep the show in touch with a younger demo. And everybody's contribution matters. They all get credit for the incredible work they do. And I trust them to do their jobs. They don't need me hovering. Give people responsibility and they'll run with it.
6) How do you feel terrestrial radio competes with the satellite radio and Internet these days?
I think both satellite and Internet radio are missing what I love about radio. I love the local feel, the inside jokes... I feel part of their community. Working on a syndicated show, I try to capture that feel as best as I can. I think it's essential for grabbing a listener and making them feel like your friend. John Tesh does a good job of that, relating to the listener on their level, like a friend. He's going through the same things they are. I had XM Radio in my car for a couple years and I never listened to it. I always found that I'd rather hear a personality than hear more music. Radio isn't all about the music for me, even on a music station. It's what you deliver between the songs that separates you from everybody else. Anybody can play the new song, but once the song is over, what's going to keep them tuned in? It's what you say next. That's our hook. If people just want to hear music, they can plug their iPod into their car stereo now.
7) What do you like best about your job? Least?
I love being part of something that affects people in a positive way. I like the autonomy that John Tesh gives me. I love that he trusts me with his show and brand. I hate technical problems.
8) What's the best concert you've been to so far this year and why?
Keane! Well, the show is coming up in October - but I think it'll be the best.
9) What has been the station's biggest accomplishment?
Our show's biggest accomplishment is basically going from being something stations were afraid to add to something that automatically increases their ratings. We're a ratings juggernaut! Now PDs call Scotty Meyers and ask for the show. He doesn't have to hunt them down like he used to. People take our calls! We're 200+ stations strong! You can't argue with success!
10) What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you? The worst?
The best piece of advice came from Rick Dees. He told me to paint a mental picture for the listener. That serves me well in everything I write for the show and in the imaging we create. He also taught me how to do a great interview. The key is to listen. It's funny how little people listen to each other.
Bonus Questions
What's been your biggest disappointment in Radio today?
The homogenization.
Who would be your dream guest on the show?
Oprah.
How do you stay in tune with your audience?
I am the audience.
What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
I'm not a suck up - and that has NOT served me well. I see "yes men" go really far. But if you want an honest answer and someone to work their ass off to make your show the best it can be, come see me.
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