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10 Questions with ... Chili Walker
May 31, 2022
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. Rock as a format is strong. At WKLC, we seek out more bands like The Black Moods, Dirty Honey and those that are more straight ahead. Where many stations can embrace the Heavy or Alternative side, we tend to stay away from that style. But that’s the beauty, every station doesn’t have to sound the same. We play what the core of our audience prefers.
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1) What led you to a career in radio?
I was at the local community college (Cayuga Comm. College) went there for TV, thought I wanted to do the stuff like camera man or switcher, someone asked me if I wanted to be on the College radio station, I love music, so I thought why not. That very first shift, I knew I found my calling. That was over 30 years ago!!
2) What was your first job in radio and early influences?
I started at a little AM/FM combo WMBO, WPCX in Auburn, NY. Did a little of everything, from fill-in to babysitting the interstate trucker network on the overnight. Learned a lot form Jim “Catman” Prell, Uncle Rickey, Mike Dwello, and Mike Walsh….this crew showed me how insane this biz really is and I liked it!!!
3) This is your second stint programming WKLC (Rock 105) in Charleston, WV. Can you give us some history of when you first started at Rock 105 and how long you were there before heading to WYBB/Charleston, SC?
I started at WKLC in 2012, put in 7 years in West Virginia, working with Bill Jacobs of Jacobs Media, we developed a plan and a sound we wanted…and let me tell you…it worked! We took a station that was strong with men (but lacking with women) and turned it into a powerhouse! WKLC became one of the top two performing stations in the market – dominating with all Men, and consistently top two with Persons 25-54. Topped it off with being named The West Virginia Broadcasters Legendary Station of the Year in the Spring of 2019! I am still damn proud to be a part of this legendary station!!!
4) How long were you at WYBB what brought you back to programming WKLC?
LM Communications owns both stations, and I was given the opportunity to move south (to the other Charleston) and take over WYBB. So I jumped at the chance! I was in South Carolina for just over a year. As Covid hit and changed the world, it made me take a good hard look at a lot of things, work and life related. Since I stilled owned a home in WV, the discussion was had about me returning to WKLC in WV and it just made sense. So, I packed up and moved back…. however, with the world of voice tracking, I’m still doing Afternoons on WYBB (and helping out Bryan Schock were ever I can).
5) You have the dual role as PD and afternoon host. How do you balance your time so both roles are effective?
Actually, it’s more than that, I’m Operations Manager for the cluster (4 stations) plus I program both WKLC & WMXE, I am currently doing both Mid-days and Afternoons on WKLC, and Track Afternoons for WYBB. So, like everyone else in the industry, I’ve got a lot on my plate. I try my best to balance things out. I have my routine, and try to give the proper attention to everything (try is the key word).
6) Let’s talk about the music on Rock 105. How would you describe the mix between current and library Rock?
We are more mainstream, leaning Classic. Our Library drives the bus. With over 40 year heritage, we have a strong core that we need to serve, so we sprinkle the new stuff that fits our sound in there.
7) What’s your take on current Active Rock music and the Rock format overall?
Rock as a format is strong. At WKLC, we seek out more bands like The Black Moods, Dirty Honey and those that are more straight ahead. Where many stations can embrace the Heavy or Alternative side, we tend to stay away from that style. But that’s the beauty, every station doesn’t have to sound the same. We play what the core of our audience prefers.
8) Who are your three favorite artists or songs so far this year and why?
Anyone that knows me, knows of my love of The Pretty Reckless, The Black Moods and Dirty Honey have both impressed me this year too and am looking for more from them!
9) I know you are a big fan of Dorothy as a person and artist. What makes her music so special to you?
She is incredible! I remember the first time I saw her, opening for Lita Ford and Halestorm, and she blew me away! Her voice is so powerful! I get Goosebumps every time I see her live! Plus, it doesn’t hurt that she is gorgeous and sweet as can be too!! I’m loving the new single and album! If you haven’t had the opportunity to see her live yet, make sure to get out and see her, you will become a fan too!
10) Finally, I know were born and raised in Upstate NY, and are a diehard Boston Red Sox/New England Patriots fan. But I want to talk about another one of your passions. Cigars. What got you hooked on smoking cigars, and can you give us some of your favorite go-to smokes?
I had my first cigar when my friends where getting into cigarettes. But it wasn’t until I was at the Conclave talking with other radio pro’s that I was introduced to real, quality cigars…. since then, it’s about trying different types and finding your favorites. Currently, I would say the Perdomo line is my favorite. Also, Southern Draw and Karen Berger are go to sticks. But as you know, so many brands out there, I continue to try new ones all the time!
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