10 Questions with ... Chip Chapman

NAME:Chip Chapman TITLES:Mornings 5a-10a on WSKZ (KZ-106)/Chattanooga, TN STATION:WSKZ (KZ-106), WGOW-A/F & WOGT. Also, fill-in weather anchoring for WTVC Newschannel 9, Chattanooga's ABC affiliate MARKET:Chattanooga, TN (market #106) COMPANY:Citadel Broadcasting BORN:Kinston, NC RAISED:Eastern North Carolina & Southeast Tennessee

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

KZ-106 In Chattanooga. Also, WUSY (US-101) in Chattanooga and several other stations and formats. I also did a 15-year stint at WDEF-TV, Chattanooga's CBS affiliate, hosting the morning show and noon newscast.

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

My first radio job was here at KZ-106. After working at a few other stations and the 15 years in television, I'm happy to return to KZ-106. It's sort of like coming full-circle. A long, roundabout full circle, but a full circle nonetheless.

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

I started as a way to meet people and play music for a few extra bucks, to work my way through college, then I was gonna grow up and get a "real" job. That was 26 years ago -- and the "real job" hasn't happened yet!

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

Absolutely, positively yes. However, I would have embraced computer technology much earlier. Much, much earlier.

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

A career in education, preferably in special ed. Come to think of it, there are a lot of similarities between the two!

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

KZ-106 has a much more family-oriented interaction between management and employees. Sure, there are policies and procedures to follow, but everyone here has their eye on the ball and is working toward the same goals.

6) How have the recent FCC regulations impacted the way you program your music and the station's dialogue on the air? What are your feelings about these recent changes?

My feeling is there are ways to creatively express your feelings about subjects through other avenues than using excess profanities and gutter humor. Anyone can drop the F-bomb, but with concentration and creativity you can get the point across and push the envelope without the envelope falling off the table.

7) How do you feel terrestrial radio competes with the satellite radio and Internet these days?

Much of the same music and many of the same elements, but satellite radio can offer a different presentation mode than terrestrial radio. I think smart programmers can utilize the best of both worlds to create a unique sound appealing to their specific audience.

8) Tell us what music we would find on your car or home CD player (or turntable) right now and what it is you enjoy about that particular selection.

The Beatles are a constant favorite. And having seen the new show "Love" out in Las Vegas, that soundtrack is now playing. And "Love," without doubt, is the best live show I've ever seen -- and I've seen a bunch!

9) What was the biggest gaffe you've made on air? (Dead air, forgot a mic was still on, etc.)

After only a few weeks on the air, I was doing the Sunday-morning God-Squad show. I flubbed a break, slammed the headphones down and let loose with several four-letter words.

I then looked up and realized the mic was still on.

The phones started lighting up like a Christmas tree. I haven't made that mistake since -- and that was 26 years ago!

10) In today's world of multi-tasking and wearing many hats, how do you find time to show prep and what sources do you use?

I have a garbage-can mind. Everything I see, hear, or read goes into the memory bank for future use, and I make tons of notes on everything from bar napkins to scratch pads to the laptop.

1) What is your favorite TV show?

New: "Boston Legal." Old: "WKRP In Cincinnati."

2) Favorite artist you have met?

Too many to mention a favorite, although Waylon Jennings comes to mind. He and I have a history, and I cried like a baby when he died.

3) Name the artist/act (living or dead) you'd love to meet and why?

Living: Paul McCartney. Dead: Harry Chapin. Chapin and I also have a history, but that's a different story!

4) How often do you air-check your own shows? Is it mandatory that you run tape every day? Also, can you honestly critique yourself?

I aircheck several times weekly, and I'm my own worst critic. Also, my wife will sometimes listen to a bit, then look at me and go "What the hell was that?"

5) You just won the lotto and you have your boss on the line. What's the first thing that you would say?

"Yes, I'm coming in to work tomorrow, but my S.T.F. factor has drastically decreased! (If you'd like to know what the S.T.F. factor is, email me.)