10 Questions with ... Brian Free

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

This August 17th, 2010 I have been in radio for 3 decades. Way too long :)

1). What Got You Interested In Radio?

My sophomore social studies Teacher Mr. Nelson said I had a gift of Gab. The rest is history.

2). Who do you consider your radio mentors?

Gregg Cassidy in St. Louis was one of my favorite bosses who really took the time to teach me the important things about radio. There are still a few really good people in my career that I can always go to for advice.

3). What is the biggest challenge you face in your current position?

These stations are turn-arounds and my work is really cut out for me. That is the main factor as to why I chose to work here. The Challenge is bringing these stations back to their 2004 glory days. All our stations are 50,000 watt bangers and we cover over a 1/2 million folks, so the challenge is there.

4). How does your market compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?

I needed a smaller market. The death of my son Brandon really changed me as a man and made me look at my career differently. I took my time and found a solid fit for what I needed right now in my life.

5). Your thoughts on Syndication and Voice-Tracking?

Sure it saves money, but it will also put a smaller operation out of business. I believe locality and personality are key. So far that seems to be working very well. Since 9-11, people want a friend to turn to, not someone five states away who talks about subjects that have nothing to do with listeners in the local area.

6). 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?

I think that Arbitron's diaries are a crock. Their surveys are not as accurate as they want us to believe. It all depends on who they send a small amount of books to...a small group of books does not accurately indicate a mass population.

7). How is the relationship between programmer and record label changing? For better or worse?

Worse. The record companies have become too elite for us radio folk now. They need us, but they fail to service us (and I mean ALL stations, major and small). Some have just lost touch with what is happening to radio and they need to get back in the game with radio.

8). What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?

Streaming rights and fees. It is so out of hand that it's sad. People in the business are asking for so much they are killing the same business they are in.

9). What is the process when you listen to new music? Approximately how important by percentage is gut, research, sales, video play, and chart position when determining the status of a record?

I use my gut, I listen to my talent who do the shows, and I listen to everyone I meet who has an opinion. I am a true believer in the old school thinking of face-to-face, the trades, and the people.

10). What other stations and markets do you like to monitor?

Dallas is right down the road, so I watch them closely.

1). What do you do in your spare time?

The XBOX is a great stress reliever!

2). Do you read.....everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What's your favorite reading material?

All Access of course.

3). Why would someone listen to your station instead of listening to music on their iPod?

It's locality and personality that create excitement. An iPod only plays music. Radio stimulates the mind and plays music too!