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10 Questions with ... Bobby Smith
June 12, 2023
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
In early 1996, I started my radio career as an intern at WPLY (Y100) eventually moving on to my first on-air job at the former WXXM (MAX 95.7). My next adventure took me to Austin, Texas hosting afternoons on KHFI. In 2000, I began 15+ years in Orlando, Florida holding down numerous on-air and programming positions at WOCL, WOMX and the former WJHM. In 2015, I moved "back home" to the Philadelphia market and have been heavily involved in the programming operations for WBEB, WOGL and WTDY.
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
No paycheck with free concert tickets and free CDs…what a deal. I had a fantastic internship at the late great WPLY (Y100) in Philadelphia that got me hooked on the radio business.
2. What led you to a career in radio?
I think I was born with the "I have to be in radio" gene, as I cannot remember a time when I wanted to do anything else. It could be the same gene responsible for the strange "there's dead air and I can't fix it" nightmares that all on-air talent suffer from.
3. Since you've done them both – mornings or afternoons?
Afternoons…there are fewer "dead air and I can't fix it" nightmares!
4. You grew up in South Jersey listening to Philly radio – what's it like for you to be doing afternoons on the station with the highest cume in the market?
I try not to take any of it for granted and I hope it shows on (and off) air with my enthusiasm for what I get to do and the incredible staff at Audacy Philadelphia I am lucky to work with.
5. The station mascot, Buzzbee, is a familiar sight around town. What are some of the advantages of having such a high profile ambassador at station events?
When you are at an event and you have Buzzbee you are instantly fun and are interacting with everyone. We have a love affair with our sports mascots in Philly and I am so happy we have such a great one on our team too.
6. No two AC stations sound the same these days? What's it take for a current to make its way onto the mighty B?
"Play the hits" is the most simple and proven programming philosophy ever created and I believe that is what the audience expects from B101. They are coming to B101 to relax, unwind and hear their favorite (hit) songs. Currents that have proven themselves "hits" are just as important as the other well-established songs on B101.
7. What's your all-time favorite backstage memory?
In 2015, I was lucky enough to bring my 9-year-old niece to meet Taylor Swift. Some kids panic or go speechless when they meet a celebrity like Taylor, but not my niece. She walked up to her, gave her a hug, asked her a few questions and, of course, Taylor (who is so good in those situations) took the time to make her feel like she was the only person in that room. Truly, a memory I will never forget – and neither will my niece (#BestUncleEver).
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?
Since I grew up on the alt/rock music of the early 90s, I think it would be great to go back in time to the early 90s and host on KROQ in Los Angeles. Be there for the first spins of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
9. What was your favorite station(s) to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?
Tough to pick a favorite, but I do remember listening to some great radio wars as a kid: Eagle 106 vs. Q102; WMMR vs. WYSP; WDRE vs. WPLY. I was 12 years old when I discovered Howard Stern on WYSP and became an instant P1. I also remember my mom saying, "This is an interesting choice of morning radio for a 12-year-old." She never made me turn it off though!
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
So many people have, and continue to have a positive influence on my career. Three legends that our industry has lost were some of my biggest mentors. John Roberts gave me my "big break" hiring me as Music Director and afternoon drive host in Austin. Years later in Orlando I was lucky to work with Dave Robbins who taught me programming analytics and the personal value of learning how to "work to live." Finally, my dear friend Scott McKenzie who passed in 2015 taught me how to be more open, entertaining and honest as a radio host.
Bonus Questions
With the venue of your choice available and an unlimited budget, which 6 artists would you pull together for a listener concert event?
Since it is a listener concert event, I will go with six performers who put on memorable experiences that last forever. In no particular order…U2, Taylor Swift, Dave Matthews Band, P!NK, and on the side stage we'll have Elton John and Billy Joel. You know, a very small-scale show indeed.
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