10 Questions with ... Lance "Lancer" Hale

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started at WVJC in '88 ... Cut my teeth at WJBX in Ft. Myers in the '90s ... First programming gig was WLRS/Louisville in '02 ... and have been at WOTT/WEFX for the better part of the last four years. That is the abbreviated list.

1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?

I got started at College Rocker WVJC in '88. Early influences included Fast Eddy at 96 WSTO. But it was after moving to Florida that I really fell in love with what radio could be. Those main contributors were the Joe & Stan Show at WRXK/Ft. Myers (early '90s), as well as Lee & Bob at WJBX (later '90s).

2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?

There was no defining moment. It was more of an evolution. I loved music and wanted to be a part of it -- whether it was working music, making music or spinning music. I started off worshipping the Beatles and KISS. Did the band scene for a while, overlapping that early on with radio. When the band faded away, radio became my reality. It's been a very rewarding reality.

3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?

Impossible to answer, really. Radio has changed so much since I started. I started doing live overnights on the weekend. That led to a full-time overnight gig ... to nights, to afternoons, to programming. There aren't really the breeding grounds to accomplish this anymore. It's music/imaging or voicetracking. Radio isn't an easy break-in. But ... I love it. So I'd be dumb enough to at least try again.

4) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?

I always wanted to be Indiana Jones, so maybe archaeologist extraordinaire ... or perhaps a writer.

5) What makes your station or market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?

Fort Drum makes this market unique. Having the military is a great stabilizer for the community. It also gives us a chance to be hands-on in showing our appreciation for what they do. Also, being so close to the Canadian border plays a significant role. There is some music we play that wouldn't have gotten a shot in Ft. Myers or Louisville.

6) Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?

I love Alternative. I had a chance to program it in Louisville and to a lesser extent in Charleston. The online version we did at 96 Wave was awesome, in my opinion. Much clearer focus. There are also some of the peripheral bands at Alt that I really miss getting to play.

7) What format does not exist that should? Would it work?

My superiors would love to see a format of nothing but commercials. But I'm hoping it's not something that finds a niche.

8) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same?

This is a conversation that comes up a lot. In most instances, it seems we say the current crop of music is not particularly memorable. However, once the music has had a chance to settle in, we realize there was some pretty decent schtuff. I mean, come on. We haven't had an era that defines us like grunge or hair or nu-metal. But there is still music that rocks.

9) If you could add any one full-time position to your budget with no questions asked, what would it be?

WEB-MASTER. The Internet is infinite with what you can do to enhance your station's visibility. So much you can do. So much being under-utilized.

10) What are your three favorite artists or songs of this year?

Kopek is my favorite new artist ... BY FAR. White Collar Lies is such an amazing song. Shame it's not getting a chance in the States ... and though the CD came out last year, I also dig the Canadian supergroup, Crash Karma. Loved hearing Edwin (I Mother Earth) singing over Mike Turner (Our Lady Peace) riffs. Foo Fighters and Radiohead, though, delivered the goods. Both of their CDs ... can't get enough.

As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?

When you look back over 23 years, you can always say you had a regret or missed opportunity. Are there things I could have done differently, absolutely? And there are some job opportunities that presented themselves that could have been fun as well. But hey, everything happens for a reason. And I'm in a good place. Great station ... great staff... great listeners... great community... great ownership... great consultant. So, no. I'm good. No regrets.

Who would be your dream guest on the show?

Doing a week on-air with Dave Grohl, I think, could provide some of the most dangerous radio I've ever done.

What is your favorite TV show?

Can't get enough of The Office, South Park or The Mentalist (recent convert). And I must say ... looking forward to spending some quality time with old friends, Beavis & Butthead.

You're stuck on a deserted island and you get to pick one artist to be stuck with you. Who would it be and don't limit it to our format?

Bono of U2. He's the richest, most influential artist on the planet. The man has to have some sort of advanced GPS tracking device implanted in his DNA. There's no way anyone would let him go missing for long.

You're stuck on a deserted island and you only have five CDs with you. What are they?

Beatles/White Album ... Led Zeppelin/Presence ... Radiohead/Kid A ... Foo Fighters/In Your Honor ... hed (P.E.)/Broke.