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10 Questions with ... Bill West
November 23, 2009
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- WDWD, Dawson, GA
- WVLD, Valdosta, GA
- WOWL, Florence, AL
- WBTR, Carrollton, GA
- WFOM, Marietta, GA
- WAVW, Ft. Pierce, FL
- WCXL, Vero Beach, FL
- KLDE, Houston, TX
- WOBB, Albany, GA
- WZYP, Athens/Huntsville, AL
- KLSY, Seattle, WA
- KSFI, Salt Lake City, UT
1) What Got You Interested In Radio?
I grew up in a small town and had the opportunity to hear WLS in Chicago at night. The personalities were incredible and it was at that point that I decided that's what I wanted to do! A high school friend, Kris Van Dyke, picked up a part-time job at the local station and soon, so did I!
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
I was eight years old, and I was listening to some station coming in from the Midwest on my AM radio. I thought, "Wow, this is cool!" I told my folks the next morning that's what I was going to do when I grew up.
3) What is your favorite part of the job?
Being on the air, and helping the personalities find the right groove for their style.
4) Who were your early influences?
- John "Records is truly my middle name" Landecker
- Big Al Woolbright
- Jeff McCartney (94Q)
5) Who do you consider your radio mentor(s)?
- Bill Dunavant (WZYP/Athens/Huntsville, AL)
- Tom Love (WOBB/Albany, GA)
- Bobby Rowland (WAVW/Ft. Pierce, FL)
- Wayne DiLucente (WCXL/Vero Beach, FL)
- Col. St. James (KLDE/Houston, TX)
6) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
We have recently moved into the PPM world and to use our Arbitron rep's words, "There's normally compression in new PPM markets, but there are so many signals already in SLC, it's already compressed!"
7) How much music overlap is there in your market?
Counting us, there are three other ACs, a Hot AC, and three Top 40s. So the overlap is fairly deep here.
8) What is your longest music sweep?
Thirty minutes, and we have two music sweeps per hour
9) What will convince you to play a song that you feel isn't right for the station?
We monitor a few stations across the country and our own competition. If it's getting spinnage in our custom panels and it fits our sound, it goes in!
10) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Do great radio, be kind to the listeners, and always try to improve your abilities!
Bonus Questions
1) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
You bet! Radio is the original "Virtual Reality" where we get to paint a picture in the listeners' minds using just words and music. It's very neat!
2) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
- Acting
- Computer programming
- Engineering
3) For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see"?
- Temple Square for the history of the area
- Park City for the mountains and the greatest snow on earth!
- Any of the National Parks
4) What other market or area appeals to you?
- Atlanta - My roots are in the South
- San Francisco - Great radio! Great location!
- Seattle - One of the most amazing cities in the world (other than Salt Lake City!)
- Miami - Great vibe and great food!
5) What do you do in your spare time?
Ride my motorcycle.
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