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10 Questions with ... Terri McCormick
May 18, 2009
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NAME:Terri McCormickTITLE:MD/Midday PersonalitySTATIONS:KKMJ FM/Majic 95.5MARKET:Austin, TXCOMPANY:EntercomBORN:Jacksonville, FLRAISED:Dearborn, MI
Please outline your radio career so far:
WSJM/WIRX/St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, MI - (Top 40) - MD - 1977-1979
WLBS/Detroit, MI - Night-time (Disco and More!) - "Disco DJ" 1979-1982
WTWR/Toledo, OH - (Top 40) - PD/MD/Middays - 1986-2002
WDRQ/Detroit, MI - (Top 40) - Weekends-Swing - 2002-2006
KKMJ/Austin, TX - Majic 95.5 - (AC) - (MD/Middays) 2006 - Present1) What Got You Interested In Radio?
I was a journalism major in college and they offered a radio class taught by a very handsome TV weather guy from WNDU in South Bend, IN, so my girlfriends and I signed up for the class. Little did I know I would develop a passion for it. After that, it was goodbye New York Times, and hello WKRP!!
2) How did you get your present job?
I have been in Michigan radio my entire life. My daughter finally was off to college, and only one thing came to mind...warmer climate!! I really needed a change of scenery, so I applied to to every warm weather city where there was an opening just before Christmas in 2005. Then KKMJ PD Alex O'Neal called, and the rest is history!
3) How would you describe the music and imaging on your station?
We are very fresh for an AC station. My PD Cat Thomas is the creative force behind it all and it works well for us! We try and do music tests as often as we can.
4) Is Arbitron's Personal People Meter (PPM) currently available in your market, or in a neighboring market? What are your thoughts on this new ratings technology?
We get PPM in 2010. We are very excited about it!
5) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
This is a very eclectic radio market. This town is growing so fast! You've got listeners that have been here their entire lives, and those who are relocating from somewhere. I will say this though...there is a radio station for everyone in Austin!
6) What is your favorite radio station outside of the market and why?
I have always loved B96 in Chicago. That is a well programmed station that fits the city and its vibe perfectly!
7) What's been the biggest difference from being a jock to being a PD?
You need to grow a very thick skin, and fast! Your friendships will change overnight!
8) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?
We need to keep up with everything, and I do believe radio finally gets this! From daily Podcasts to web based marketing we need to keep right on evolving with our listeners! Local radio is like comfort food for the ears!
9) In today's world of multi-tasking and wearing many hats, what sources do you use to save you time with show prep?
I love Twitter!! Everyone should be using this for show prep! You get what is going on the instant it happens and it is already edited down to 140 characters. Amazing!
10) What is the biggest change that you'd like to see happen in the business?
We need to make this business fun again. We all seem so frightened and worried now, but that is the state of the world, not just in our business. We need to lighten up a bit. It's all a state of mind!
Bonus Questions
1) For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see"?
The Bat Bridge on South Congress, a meal at Shady Grove and a show at Stubb's or Antone's!
2) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
WKNR (Keener 13) in Detroit, with "Rockin' Robin Seymour." Back then the Doors were Top 40
3) Name the artist/act (living or dead) you'd love to meet and why?
Without question Sir Paul McCartney, but Bono is a close second!
4) Please describe the best promotion you've ever been part of?
Our annual "Majic of Christmas" Toy Drive, is so rewarding. I go through several boxes of Kleenex each holiday season. Our listeners In Austin are so generous and giving!
5) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Dependability plus hard work equal's long term success. Emphasis on "long term".
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