10 Questions with ... Nate Shelman

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Inspired in Windsor, Canada, interned then hired in Cleveland, OH, made to work in News/Talk because I can’t shut up. Cleveland (5 formats / 5 stations) -> Nashville (2 formats / 2 stations) -> Birmingham WERC -> Fill in for San Antonio, Atlanta & Tucson -> 1 year on the beach -> Boise KBOI -> Fill in for Radio America programming -> current

1. What got you started in radio in the first place? Why radio?

I toured 89X in Windsor, Ontario, Canada in 1996 and was hooked. In hindsight, I was always a radio nerd. Growing up in Cleveland, WMMS, Power 108, 92Q, 3WE, Majic 105, WQAL, and WRMR were all influential and still are. Radio has been, and I believe is still, the most intimate form of media today.

2. You recently got the PD position at KBOI, where you've been for about 10 years, and you've programmed before (in Birmingham, and as an APD in Nashville); how, if at all, has the PD job changed since your first PD job? And how would you characterize your programming philosophy -- what makes a good talk station?

I don’t know if the role has changed much but I have. I’m 10 years older, a bit more battle tested and (hopefully) less cocky. I’ve benefitted from amazing coaching over the years. I’ve been blessed by working with great talents, and have learned pros and cons from other PDs over time. Empower the proven talents, encourage the developing, challenge everything; We’re always learning, never get stuck in a niche. In working with Citadel (now Cumulus), I’ve personally witnessed a change with the corporate philosophy. Local programmers have more of a say in their air. There are actually few mandates. As for my philosophy, I’ve stolen Clay Hunnicutt’s saying: “Whoever has the most fun, wins!”

3. You do a lot with local and state issues and politics; in a time when so much news is breaking out of Washington practically around the clock, how difficult is it, if at all, to make room for local issues? What percentage of your show goes to local and state issues as opposed to talking Trump, etc.?

Not difficult at all. The lead is the lead. Sometimes the lead is Washington, DC-based, and sometimes it’s in our backyard. We have 8 hours of weekday coverage of national topics and 9 hours of local programming to either allow for input on national issues or attention to local issues. On top of that, we have a local newsroom and a great partnership with a local TV station (KBOI 2) to keep us plugged into everything local. The percentage is difficult to relay, because it depends on the particular day. Local based shows have more options than those who depend upon national feeds.

4. And while we're talking local, what would surprise outside people about Boise? What makes it an interesting place?

Pictures and coverage doesn’t do it justice. Boise is more beautiful than shown on TV. There is something for everyone here. Recreation, politics, sports, vineyards, local brews, food, and entertainment. While they can do a better job plowing the snow, the area is wonderful. I’ve told many that I can die a happy man here. Yes, our field is blue. Yes, it’s awesome. Yes, the streets are lined with potatoes. In fact, you’re handed a potato upon arrival.

5. If you hadn't gone into radio, what do you think you'd be doing now?

10 years ago, when I found myself out of radio, I realized that I can do manual labor. I just didn’t like it much. I could do PR or some type of outdoor marketing. Teaching has always interested me.

6. How do you use social media in conjunction with your show -- is it show prep, engagement with listeners, promotion, all or none of the above?

Yes, all of the above. I get more interaction with Facebook than I do with Twitter or Instagram, but they all serve as another pulse point, interactive input and promotional outreach. While we are always trying to “get our clicks,” the audience just wants the message, period. A challenge I’m noticing is that we’re entering a world that is actually trying to minimize personal interaction. Technology, while convenient for ordering coffee, pizza, e-mail, text, etc., seems to promote less and less human interaction.

7. Who have been your influences and inspirations in the business?

Some names you’ll know, some you may not: Bryan Radabaugh, Jim Meltzer, John Lanigan, Billy Bass, Scott Howitt, Chuck Matthews, Doc Thompson, Denny Sanders, Angelo Lombardi, Larry Morrow, Jeff & Flash, Brian Fowler & Joe Cronauer, Cheryl Z, Jay Hudson, Kevin Metheny, Greg Ausham, Ray Davis, Mike Trivisonno, Bruce Drennan, Rick Gilmour, Stephanie Hagele, Marty Allen, Mike Snyder, Tom Hamilton, Joe Tait, Cher Ames, Clay Hunnicutt, Tom Peace, Phil Valentine, Johnny B, Pat Smith, Paul Finebaum, Jim Faherty, Neal Vickers, Wild Bill Seckbach, Chris Amerson, Paul J Schneider, Andrew Paul, David Allen, Jon Stewart, Glenn Beck, Ben Ferguson, David G. Hall, Sandy Gamblin, Don Morin, my parents. and last but certainly not least, Michelle Heart.

8. Of what are you most proud?

I’ve been lucky or blessed. You choose. Many have given me more chances at success than I deserve. Many have taken the time to teach me. I’m proud of everyday I get to be in radio. I’m proud of every time someone tunes me in. I’m proud of every time I see someone I’ve worked with succeeding. I’m proud of every time I get to help a worthy cause.

9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _____________.

...a kiss good morning and good night (preferably from Michelle); a 30 oz. iced coffee w/vanilla is a distant second.

10. What's the most important lesson you've learned in your career?

I’M LIMITED TO ONE? YOU SUCK, PERRY! (Editor's Note: I plead no contest.) I HAVE STUFF TO DO AND NOW I’M RACKING BY SMALL BRAIN GOING THROUGH THOUSANDS OF LESSONS!

“Don’t get caught!” – Kevin Metheny

“Screw ‘em” (edited) – Greg Ausham

“Never pass up a chance to go to the bathroom.” – Doug Hamand