10 Questions with ... Steve Dent

What led you to a career in radio?

I think it was my stint as a roller rink DJ in the late 90’s! Seriously though, I’ve always had a passion for music. Like so many others in this business, I spent my teenage years building my music collection, listening to music in my room while studying the liner notes. I knew I wanted to do something in the music industry but I wasn’t sure what. My mom was the one who actually mentioned broadcasting school to me and we went to take a tour. Not to sound cliché, but the rest is history. I fell in love with the radio and through hard work, great mentors, and some luck, it’s all worked out!

Can you give us a brief history of your radio career up to now including stations and positions?

So here I am, working at this place called Cappel’s in Cincinnati while attending broadcasting school. In walks this guy wearing a WEBN staff jacket, spelled “staph” of course. I immediately ask him who he is. His name was Rob Calvert, aka “Spamboy”. The was the producer for the legendary WEBN Dawn Patrol morning show. I asked him if they needed an intern. He said that they did hire interns from time to time and he left me his business card. I called and left messages on his answering machine a few times a week asking for an internship. I think I annoyed him enough that he finally brought me in for an interview. I got the gig and spent most of my internship, copying over music files in the event that Y2K would strike. Following my internship, I got my first REAL radio job at WXEG in Dayton, Ohio. I was hired as the weekend overnight air talent and building watchman. Three months later, I became the full time overnight building watchman and moved over to WTUE on air. Eventually, I wanted to work some day light hours and I started to focus on Promotions. I started as a Promotions Assistant for WTUE and WXEG and soon became the Promotions Director for WXEG. In 2005, I took a job with WEBN and WOFX in Cincinnati working as a Promotions Assistant and Promotions Coordinator respectively. In 2007, I returned to WXEG in Dayton as morning show co-host and producer. This is where I started to pivot my focus from radio promotions to programing. Within a year, I was named Assistant Program Director, Music Director, and moved to Afternoon Drive. In 2011, I was named Program Director for WXEG. In 2016, I added PD stripes for WTUE. It was very rewarding to have come full circle with those stations. I started as a part time weekend overnight building watchman and now I was steering those ships. In 2020, I joined Cumulus Media as AM Drive talent on WNDX in Indianapolis. In 2021, I was named Program Director for WOFX in Cincinnati and in 2022 added WTFK. I am very proud to be leading the rock brands in my hometown! This is a great company and outstanding team here in Cincinnati. I have felt at home from the moment I walked through the doors!

Before we talk about adding your new PD stripes on Active Rock sister station WFTK, how long have you been at WOFX and what makes this station so unique?

Funny enough, I worked for WOFX in 2005 and 2006 as a Promotions Coordinator. Again, I am very thankful to be able to return and lead the team in Cincinnati. I was hired as PD of WOFX in September of 2021. This is a special station, from the Bob & Tom Show to local legends Laura Steele and Jay Gilbert. Our listeners are passionate, loyal, and dedicated to our brand and we want to be the same for them.

A BIG congrats on your adding PD duties for WFTK. How are things going for you and the station in this new role?

Thank you! I’ve only been in this role for a week now so I’m just starting to dig in. I have great respect and love for this station. I’ve been a fan of WFTK since it signed on. I’ve known most of the staff for years and I’m excited to finally get to work with them daily. We’re going to have fun and do some great local rock radio!

Overseeing the programming of both WFTK and WOFX must keep you very busy. Who is helping with programming and music on both stations?

Like I said, we have a great team in place on both stations. I certainly could not do this without them. One of the things I love about working at Cumulus Cincinnati is that we have a team atmosphere. From Programing to Sales to Promotions to Engineering, we all support each other.

You are also still doing afternoons on WFTK. How is that going?

It’s going great! Every afternoon I get a break from my programing duties to really connect with our listeners. I’m excited to get more involved in our local communities, get to know and work with our advertising partners, and get out with the station to meet our listeners!

Let’s talk about mornings on WOFX with The Bob & Tom Show. How long have they been in mornings on 92.5 The Fox and how are they doing in the market?

The Bob & Tom show has been on WOFX since the 90’s. I remember listening in high school! To have that kind of longevity, success, and familiarity in the market is rare. So, the show is a big win for us! We are bringing them in for Opening Day on Tuesday, April 12th. It’s a great opportunity for our listeners to come see the show happen live from the Hard Rock Café in Downtown Cincinnati!

Bridget & Nick/”First Thing In The Morning” do mornings on WFTK. Tell us about that morning show and how are they doing in the market?

I love that Bridget and Nick are both local talents. They know Cincinnati and they know our audience. They are involved in the community and are also at the rock shows hanging with listeners. They deliver compelling content each morning, hitting on all the big topics of the day both local and national while also giving our listeners plenty of music to start their day. They do a great job of inviting our listeners to join the conversation, be a part of the show, and feel like family.

Now let’s talk about the music on WFTK and WOFX. How are the stations separated musically to coexist in the market?

Simply put, if you want to rock in Cincinnati, we’ve got you covered!

Finally, how does it feel to be rocking these two Cincinnati Rock brands in your hometown?

Honestly, this is a dream come true for me. I am thankful to continue my 22-year career in rock radio in my hometown!