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10 Questions with ... Willie B
January 31, 2006
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NAME:Willie BTITLE:Program Director, Morning Show HostSTATIONS:KBPICOMPANY:Clear ChannelMARKET:Denver, COBORN:hatchedRAISED:erected
RADIO CAREER OUTLINE:
I started radio in 1986 in Wincheste,r KY at a place called 100 fm, which is now Double- Q. Then to Charlotte at Kiss 102, then 95 Double-Q which is now The End, then Power Pig in Tampa.Then in 92 I came to KAZY here in Denver which became KBPI shortly after. The end.
1) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
Started in radio early on because this chick Lora McNabb wouldn't give me the time of day first two years of high school. Soon as I was dropping verbs on the air she was star struck. The next 6-7 years of high school was gravy. She was enough to make anybody say "this is it."
2) What format does not exist that should? Would it work?
A Hybrid format of metal and rap...seriously it would work I do a program on Sunday night called Fusion and it crushes…
3) Tell us what music we would find on your car or home CD player (or turntable) right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?
Young Jeezy- Let's Get It, Thug Motivation 101, Mudvayne- Lost and Found, Ministry-Psalm 69
4) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Hot chicks can get anything, anytime, anywhere … and easily!!!! Sucks, bro!
5) Most of us have known or even worked for a "colorful" owner/GM/air talent. Care to share a story? (The names can be changed to protect the innocent).
Unless you're gonna set me up with a six figure salary, there's not a chance in hell I'm answering this question. NO WAY.
6) What's the closest you ever came to getting arrested for an on-air stunt? Or did you actually get arrested?
Closest? I've been arrested three times because of radio. Just ask Rover about that beat down I served him (hehehe). And then there was that stupid chicken thing. And Mudfest. As a matter of fact, we have a promotion coming up in April that is sure to get me arrested again, but man will it be fun.
7) How do you stay in touch with the latest music trends?
Just listen … so many programmers are too busy sucking down wine and cheese, looking at the latest stock report and being bottom line bitches they forget about the station and what makes it great. Lifestyle-oriented content, great music, and finding promotions that cause listeners to be passionate about your station. It's not rocket science.
8) How do you interact with your sales staff?
Well, dating them has always worked, but nowdays in the pc world of radio we all meet in a conference room and stare at each other for an hour. I think sometimes we talk, but mostly we just stare.
9) As an air-talent how has industry consolidation helped or hurt you? What effect has industry consolidation had on the way you program your station?
Please, it's killed most everything great about radio. Most markets have stations that are so cookie cutter, pc, afraid of their own shadow, piped in BS they have no personality, no image of anything they supposedly stand for and are so far from the lifestyle of their listeners they should be unplugged and boxed up until somebody with a brain can start them up again.
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
I passed up a threesome with this stripper named Tiffany and her girlfriend. IDIOT. Talk about regrets, you gotta be kidding me.
Bonus Questions
How often do you air-check your own shows? Is it mandatory that you run tape everyday? Also, can you honestly critique yourself?
I actually do this about every 2-3 weeks and yeah I suck, but I have a lot of fun man. Damn do I have some fun.
You're stuck on a deserted island and you only have 5 CDs with you. What are they?
Doesn't matter, wouldn't have anything to play them in. Duh!
What do you do in your spare time?
Snowboard, race motorcross, drag race, lift weights, and convince groupies I'm a good lay.
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