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10 Questions with ... Tripp
July 5, 2005
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NAME:TrippPOSITION:MD/NightsSTATION:WMBZMARKET:MemphisCOMPANY:EntercomBORN:March 22, 1977/ Charlotte ,NCRAISED:Germantown, TN
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
My first job in radio was dancing around in a big furry frog suit. You want a good diet? Try doing that in the Memphis humidity. You'll lose a lot of weight! I then went on to do overnight weekends for that Country station which years later became the Buzz.
I would have to say Rick Dees was an early influence. I actually met him at my mom's high school reunion in North Carolina. I loved how charismatic he was and the fact that he actually did radio here in Memphis. I knew one day that I would love to do what he does.
2) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
We play music, talk to people on the phone [about music] and get paid to hang out in bars. Just like any job, though, there are ups and downs, but the ups far outweigh the downs.
3) Describe your weekly music meeting ... a) what is the process when you listen to new music? b) approximately how important by percentage is gut, research, sales, video play, and chart position when determining the status of a record?
When my PD (Brad Carson) and I go in for a music meeting, we print out charts, callout and our current categories. About 75% of what we add is gut instinct. I feel if you really like a song and believe in it, then add it. Recently we added Hope Partlow just because we believed in her and her song. And so far it has been a great add. People love her here!
4) How do you feel terrestrial radio competes with the satellite radio and Internet these days?
I believe radio will be just fine. Radio has always been challenged by other medias. But it continues to grow and get better. I think listeners will always come back to the local DJ's and stations.
5) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same? Elaborate.
Good music seems to come in spurts. There is either a lot of great music, or a lot of bad music at one time. Right now I love the songs out there like Weezer, the new Rob Thomas, Hope Partlow, and Green Day has been cranking out great songs. The Buzz is bangin' out great songs, and hits like these makes it more enjoyable for the listener.
6) What is the biggest change that you'd like to see happen in the business?
Bring back a live overnight person. That's where I got my start and I think people who are trying to break in should have the same opportunity.
7) How do you position the station musically and why did you choose this direction?
Our Hot AC station is more of a Rock leaning Hot AC. We chose this direction because women in the south love to rock!
8) Describe the relationship you have with your fellow co-workers? How do you motivate your staff to do better? How do they motivate you?
Brad, Dana, Nikki, and Argo are the best people in the world to work with. It's great coming to work because it's like going over to a friend's house, you just feel comfortable here.
9) What was the biggest gaffe you've made on air? (dead air ... forget a mic was still on ... etc.)
Forgetting to put maestro in auto before you go outside sucks! (LOL) There was one time I was doing a contest and the first person correctly answered my trivia, or whatever it was, and because I like having other people get the answer wrong on air just to make it more compelling, I went on the air saying I was still looking for a winner. The next call was someone saying "I just heard you giving the prize away, why are you still looking for a winner," It seems as though I was talking to the winner over a song. Whoops! People make mistakes,,,, that's why there are bloopers :
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, Entercom has "Make a Difference Day" where our cluster helps build a house for Habitat for Humanity. I grew up volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, and it's just rewarding seeing the faces of the people you've just built a house for.
Bonus Questions
How did you get your on-air name?
I'm the 3rd, as in triple. My mom didn't care for the name Trey so she named me Tripp
Who would be your dream guest on the show?
I'm still working on Ellen Degeneres.
Have you had any mentors in radio who have helped you get where you are now?
There are a few people who have helped me along the way. Judy Shore for being the first one brave enough to put me on the air. Mark Anthony, whose music and radio acumen has helped me become more knowledgeable. And of course Kramer and Jerry Dean for giving me my first full time job! You guys rock!
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