10 Questions with ... Terry Foxx

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Brand Manager/Program Director, WZGC-FM SportsRadio 929 The Game/Atlanta GA
Program Director, KDKA-FM SportsRadio 93- The Fan/Pittsburgh PA
Program Director, Nights and Weekends, ESPN Radio/Bristol CT
Operations Director, ABC Radio Networks, Dallas TX
Late-Night host WPLJ, New York NY
Afternoon Drive host B96, Chicago IL
Midday Host, KKDA K104 Dallas TX
Program Director, WQQK-FM 92Q Nashville TN

1. How would you describe your first radio gig?

Wow, great question. I was 17 and a senior in high school. True story, I attended a live broadcast from a club when the drinking age was 21 and a local radio station KZFM/Z95 which is still there, and I ended up having a beer with the Program Director. We became friends, and he handed me his card and said if you’re interested in radio to give me a call. I certainly didn’t know what to think, but come that Monday, I called, and three days later, I was a full-time overnight on-air host, 12mid-6am—ironically, the morning guy at the station was Glen Beck.

2. What led you to a career in radio?

It wasn’t planned that way. I was going to go to college for psychology and had not even thought about radio broadcasting. But all those years in grade school being the loud kid in class paid off in the end.

3. Earlier this year the station transitioned from The Link to Mix and made a big change in the mornings. How has all of that played out?

It was a very strategic decision working with the President of Radio One, Alfred Liggins, CEO David Kantor, our SVP/Research Amy Volks, and my consultant Steve Davis. We put together significant research and re-branded the station from the LINK to Mix 1079. Bob and Sheri had been with the station for well over 20 years, and they have moved on to continue their successful careers. We then decided to move Matt Harris and Ramona Hollaway, who had been highly successful in the afternoon drive to mornings. They have such great chemistry and a powerful local connection to our Charlotte listeners.

4. You’ve had programming successes in multiple formats. What’s your take on the state of Hot AC in 2021?

If I can be honest, I hear a lot of chatter, good and bad, about how Top 40 has infiltrated Hot AC. If you look at the charts, it can be justified. My philosophy is entirely different—I don’t worry about those things. I program my station to play the hits. It’s that simple. Hot AC is somewhat of a lifestyle that, to me, can’t be just defined by the music. Radio One has given me strategic research to identify and execute our market position here in Charlotte. Lastly, for me, if you know who your target audience is, you go for it. You stay in that lane.

5. What’s the most challenging part of the job these days?

I feel that because of changing landscape with the industry and downsizing, we’ve lost a lot of great people. Whether it be in promotions, marketing, on-air, the days of recruitment, and developing the next level of on-air hosts, it’s a real question mark for me. I’d genuinely like to see more diversity in all areas, especially in senior-level positions. In my opinion, part of my job is to identify people who exhibit great ideas and have a compelling contrast of views. I believe you should hire people with varied opinions and ideas. That’s what makes the industry great.

6. “Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra. How does the station stay visible and involved in the community?

That will always be my mantra, and we enforce that every day with all our talent. We are actually in the community of Charlotte through promotions and on-air awareness that range from the social issues in the market to our strategic campaigns designed to over-communicate and engage with our audience. One would say we use our music to communicate with our listeners, but COVID has allowed us to dig deeper into real-life situations that everyone is facing. We’ve targeted our community with awareness in the neighborhoods that don’t have internet or the resources to get COVID testing. During the pandemic, local has a true meaning beyond what radio has experienced in recent years.

7. Your resume includes a stint as the Urban/R&B Editor here at All Access. What are some of your best memories from that part of your career?

Actually, I was Joel Denver’s first Urban/R&B Editor, and it was great working with the staff. The interactions with programmers all across the country helped me build strong relationships in the industry. I will always be grateful for Joel giving me that opportunity.

8. What advice would you give to new people just beginning their radio careers?

That question used to be easier to answer ten years ago. The industry has changed, but if you truly have the passion and the drive to be in this industry, go for it. I still feel the same way I did as that 17-year-old high school student. I love radio. I love the vibe. I love the people and love the music. It’s that simple.

9. What were your favorite stations growing up as a kid? Jock(s)?

Rick Dees, KIIS-FM/Los Angeles
Big Ron O’Brien, KIIS-FM/Los Angeles
Rick Chase, KMEL/San Francisco

10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?

I have had a variety of influences that have guided my career. The people who have shaped my career are as diverse as the experiences I’ve had. They are still part of my continued growth in this industry today

Mike McVay
Chris Oliverio
Dan Mason
Bruce Gilbert
Steve Davis
Scott Masteller
Walt “Baby” Love

With the Spectrum Center at your disposal and an unlimited budget, which 3-5 acts would you pull together for a station show?

Wow, unlimited budget. Adele…The Weeknd…Ed Sheeran…Drake