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10 Questions with ... Austin Moylan
May 15, 2023
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I got my foot in the door in promotions setting up remotes for Q1075 WHBQ in my hometown of Memphis. From there, I got my first on-air gig in 2009 at WKBQ 93.5 just north of Memphis in a small town called Covington, TN. I did middays for about 2 years there and then in 2010, I had the opportunity to return to WHBQ and work weekends and nights on-air. For the past eight years, I've been in Jackson, TN doing middays on Star 107.7 (WHHM) and afternoons on WYN 106.9 (WWYN). I also serve as the Operations Manager and PD for a 5-station cluster.
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
A great learning experience, I learned a lot at that little 6,000 watt Country station (WKBQ) just north of Memphis. I did middays for a couple of years and then got a shot to crack the mic back home in Memphis at WHBQ Q1075.
2. What led you to a career in radio?
I was always interested in how radio worked and the fact that you could talk into a microphone and be heard from miles away. I built a little part-15 radio station in my bedroom when I was maybe 12 or 13. Music is a big part of my life and I can't hold a note, so radio works for me.
3. What's your take on the format these days, and the available current music for you to make magic happen?
WHHM is our Mainstream AC. You know, AC is all about familiarity and the amount of currents in our playlist is very limited. Only the best make the cut.
4. You're still on the air every day covering middays. What is that part of your day like for you?
Middays on WHHM are all about more music while you work. I provide local weather updates each hour along with the latest celebrity gossip. Hanging out in the studio is always nice, you're less likely to get bothered.
5. Who would be a dream guest to have come to the studio and plug in across from you?
That's a tough one. Maybe Justin Timberlake. Kicking it on air with another fellow Memphian who happens to be a celeb would be pretty cool.
6. You're currently wearing a lot of hats for Thomas Media? How do you keep all the plates in the air?
Planning, hard work, and dedication. I think key factors like that help tremendously, but the true love of radio is key. If you enjoy what you do and work doesn't feel like work, you can accomplish anything.
7. What's your all-time favorite backstage memory?
It's a funny one, not many concerts come through Jackson, TN, but Jake Owen did once and performed in front of a crowd of about 6,000. I was the emcee that night and represented our country station (WWYN). I was backstage with my wife waiting for Jake to take the stage and there was a guy sitting in a chair getting his hair styled. My wife said 'Is that Jake Owen?' so what did we do? We pulled out our phones and googled 'pictures of Jake Owen.'
8. If you could take a spin in the custom All Access Back To The Future Delorean, which legendary station from the past would you like to work at for a week?
WMC-FM FM100. To be on the air on a 300,000 watt blow-torch in my hometown would be hard to pass up. I'm sure you can pick it up on a tooth filling.
9. What was your favorite station(s) to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?
That's easy. I gotta bring up FM100 again. I can still hear the jingle now… "Today's best mix... FM100!"
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
Ron Olson and Chris Taylor. Chris helped me get my foot in the door.
Bonus Questions
With the venue of your choice available and an unlimited budget, which 6 artists would you pull together for a Star concert event?
Matchbox Twenty, Goo Goo Dolls, John Mayer, P!nk, The Weeknd, Ed Sheeran.
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