-
10 Questions with ... The Dude
March 14, 2006
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:The DudeTITLES:Music Director / Morning Show (Dawn Patrol) ProducerSTATIONS:WEBN 102.7 FMMARKET:#27COMPANY:Clear ChannelBORN:10-01-77 Cincinnati, OHRAISED:Cincinnati, OH
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
I started in 1998 as an intern with the Dawn Patrol. Growing up in Cincinnati, Eddie Fingers was always my biggest influence. I recall one of the first missions he sent me on; I was picking up cow hearts at the local wiener farm so we could do "Kickin My Heart Around" Promo for Black Crowes tickets. I had listeners kick the cow hearts for distance. Pretty funny to watch a guy in a suit on his way to work splatter blood over his leg trying nab free tickets.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
I think it was that exact moment actually.
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now, what you didn't then, would you still do it?
I guess I would have to. It's still the only thing I'm qualified for.
4) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
I would be a motorcycle mechanic in Daytona, Florida. Probably dead by now though too...
5) What makes your station or market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?
WEBN F@#KING ROCKS!!!! - But then again I am a bit biased since it is the only station I have ever worked at. What makes WEBN unique? The Hertiage, The Fireworks, The FROG, The creativity, the GREAT staff both on-air and in production, and the fact that we have remained at the Top after all these years!!!
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?
WEBN had not censored a song since The WHO, and suddenly we HAVE to. That's' not "Cool' in the eyes of the listener and "Cool" points are hard to get back.
7) How do you feel terrestrial radio competes with the satellite radio and Internet these days?
You can file that one in the "Yet To Be Known" folder. I just hope I'm on the right team...
8) How is the relationship between programmer and record label changing? For better or worse?
It's getting worse because there has been too much fear and mistrust forced into the relationships and it's not of our own fault. One day I hope we can hang just the way it was. I'm sure there are people in the paper production industry that can expense a lunch to discuss their business.
9) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?
The biggest thing that we are facing right now is the obvious battle of XM, HD, and FM, but I believe one of the biggest issues that lies under the surface is a lack of real talent.
10)What's your take on current music? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same? Elaborate.
Rock is alive and kicking in 2006! It's hard to believe that there was even a rumor that "Rock is Dead." With new records from Godsmack, Tool, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Three Days Grace, Rob Zombie, and so many more this is going to be a HUGE year for Rock. But it seems as if about 6 months ago everyone was ready to give up on the format. Shame on you.
-
-