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10 Questions with ... Dennis Davis
June 14, 2005
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NAME:Dennis DavisPOSITION:APD/MD/mornings WDAR (And, many other hats)STATION:WDAR SUNNY 105.5 and WEGX (EAGLE 92.9) (Overnights)MARKET:Florence, SCCOMPANY:Qantum Of FlorenceBORN:Elizabeth City, NCRAISED:Nags Head, NC
Please outline your radio career so far:
Mar 2005 - Present: WDAR/FLORENCE, SC (Mornings)
Oct 2003 - Mar 2005: WJMX/FLORENCE, SC (Afternoons)
Feb 2002 - Oct 2003: WDCG/RALEIGH (weekends, fill-ins)1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
I started out as an overnight/weekends board op at G105 in Raleigh, which for me was a very humbling experience. After a few months of being "DENNIS THE MUTED DJ", they let me talk on the overnights over the weekend. Eventually, I got good enough and Chris Edge allowed me to crack the mic at a daypart other than overnight weekends! Early influences are Chris Edge and Keith Scott. They coached me, airchecked me, and at times offered tech support; and for that I shall always be grateful. Other influences include Wil Nichols, TJ Lessieur, Randy 'Mudflap' Wilcox, and Julie Kertes.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
I did college radio at WKNC 88.1 in Raleigh. I had a blast doing what I did there. I still have tapes from those days. If anyone ever wants to feel better about themselves and their on-air abilities, then I can loan you one of my college tapes. I'm sure THAT would make you feel better! The GM of the college station (at the time), Arielle Menges, really helped me out. She helped me get in at G105 doing part time work. She has also been a great teacher and she taught me that radio is FUN. It was when I was "bitten by the bug;" when I learned "this is it".
3) How do you feel terrestrial radio competes with the satellite radio and Internet these days?
Similarly, compare network TV vs. cable TV. On Wednesday, May 11th, American Idol pulled in 26.6 million viewers. My point, deliver a product that the people want, and people will tune in. If your station is lifeless and generic, then be afraid. Be very afraid. However, remember this. You have a commitment to your community. Don't lose touch with your audience. Be live. Be local. Be interactive. And THAT is what shall always set terrestrial radio apart from satellite radio and Internet audio.
4) What is the biggest change that you'd like to see happen in the business?
I think research, especially OUT OF MARKET research, in recent times has been overrated. It seems fewer programmers are making fewer "gut" calls and often rely on consultants and their out-of market research dictating their playlists.
Part 1, So many programmers/manageers buy into the research without knowing "what's in the sausage." Consider where we get call-out research. You are relying on someone who took the time to talk to a telemarketer! Just remember that next time you open your chart editor.
Part 2, Unfortunately, we do not have local research, in Florence. So, they get us consultants with research from Atlanta, Chicago, or Jacksonville, or wherever they are pulling their research. At the end of the day, you still don't have research representative of your LOCAL AUDIENCE; at best you have a summarized opinion from 6 hours away. As a businessperson, I understand it; but it's just disappointing.
5) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff?
KASPER. He used to do point-to-point work as the night host on G105, during my stay there. Even to the trained ear, he sounded live and local. In a word - PHONES.
6) If you could add any one full-time position to your budget with no questions asked, what would it be?
Considering what we DO NOT have, I would add a full-time webmaster. It is THE ultimate visual representation of your product. The website not only sells what is fun about your station, but also serves as a great "out" for your jocks when they are talking about a station promotion.
7) Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?
Top 40! - without a doubt, Top 40! The Top 40 listeners always give you awesome phones. Not that I don't get good phones on AC, but I don't get quite the same phones as I did in Top 40. It was explained to me, Adult Contemporary is "vanilla ice cream" ... "vanilla ice cream with a few sprinkles"... "Not too many sprinkles"... "Just enough sprinkles".... (direct quotation from a supervisor to remain nameless)
8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
How about two areas?
1) Selector! Every day I find myself learning another shortcut I didn't know existed, or something new!
2) On-Air is another place I wish to improve. I am very critical of myself. I listen to tape and I always find something. As competitive as we are in radio, we must strive to be the best. Otherwise, how long will you last?
9) What is the best advice you would give to young programmers/promotion people?
LEARN AND KNOW the business. Understand the sales side of the coin. Understand production. Understand promotions. Understand programming. See how others do things in other markets and/or clusters. Learn all that you can. Do not run around as if you know everything. You will go farther by asking the right questions.
That... and when you are getting your first full time gig, don't let them use remotes as a negotiating tool. Never rely on remotes as income. Look at remotes as pocket money or beer money.
10) What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?
Every year Qantum of Florence does a radiothon to benefit the McLeod Children's Hospital. We raise money to fund everything from REALLY small diapers for premature babies to another incubator for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I'm proud to have been part of it for the past two years.
Bonus Questions
Please describe the worst promotion you've ever been part of?
I also voicetrack our Country station where we were giving away a Classic Jeep CJ-7. We made it sound all big and bad-ass. Then, we saw the Jeep the day before the giveaway. WOW! The thing looked like a BEFORE picture for MTV's Pimp My Ride!!! We had no idea?
What was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you at a remote?
How about the most embarrassing thing in transit for a remote? I got a speeding ticket in the station vehicle. I had a deadline for a meeting and a stack of tickets to see the circus. After getting stopped by this police officer, who took a very long time in writing a ticket, I ended up being late for the broadcast. I learned something. Regardless of all other considerations, please obey the speed limit in a station vehicle.
What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
I would probably have continued studying Electrical Engineering at NC State University. Maybe I would have worked as an electrical engineer, doing analog -digital RF circuitry. Maybe I would be making many dollars. One thing is true, though; I love what I do. Money can buy you beach houses and Land Rovers; but money can't buy you happiness. As for me, I'm quite happy with my Ramen Noodles.
Who would be your dream guest on the show?
Laugh at my choice if you want... MIC
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