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10 Questions with ... Chili Walker
October 31, 2006
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NAME:Chili WalkerTITLES:PD/MDSTATION:WOTTMARKET:Watertown, NYCOMPANY:Community BroadcastersBORN:1970RAISED:On a farm in upstate New York
Please outline your radio career so far:
WDWN/Auburn, NY; WPCX/Auburn, NY; WMBO/Auburn, NY; WCVF/Fredonia, NY; WDOE/Dunkirk, NY; WHEN/Syracuse, NY; WKDY/Rome, NY; WKXP/Bloomsburg, PA; WKRL/Syracuse, NY; WXXK/Claremont, NH; WCIZ/Watertown, NY; WWBN/Flint, MI; WKRK/Detroit; WWDX/Lansing, MI; WQBK/Albany, NY; WAVH/Mobile; WGLF/Tallahassee; WOTT/Watertown, NY.
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
First gig was in college at WDWN on the campus of Cayuga Community College. First paying gig was just down the road at a Oldies/Country combo WMBO/WPCX, where I did a little of everything, from front desk to morning show fill in to catching mice.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
Went to college for TV production and someone asked me if I want to be on the air. That was it, I fell in love the first time and never looked back!
3) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
I was gonna be the left-fielder for the Boston Red Sox had it not been for radio!
4) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff?
The Hideout with El Jefe and JDubs on WTKS/Orlando.
5) What is your favorite radio station outside of the market, and why?
Got to be the Banana! WWBN in Flint, MI -- I would put this station up against any major-market station any day. Great music mix, amazing sound to the promotions, good solid staff.... Brian Beddow and Tony Labrie do a great job with that station.
6) What was the biggest gaffe you've made on air?
Dropped the F-bomb live from our New Year's Eve broadcast one year -- and lucky for me, the guy running the board got it all on tape. (Thanks, Eric.) Oh well, we've had some good laughs over it now.
7) What format does not exist that should? Would it work?
Alternative. Check this out, a cutting-edge music station that takes chances, plays music, supports artist, and builds relationships not only with listeners but with artists as well. Add on a full staff of talent also willing to do whatever it takes, throw in some promotional support, maybe a few bumper stickers & t-shirts.... Wow!
No, it wouldn't work -- seems that no one knows how to sell to anyone under 35 anymore!
8) 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?
Right now, Bad Religion & Dropkick Murphys are the bands of choice. Just love the sound and energy!
9) Please describe the best or worst promotion you've ever been part of?
The one that surprised me the most was "Own Saratoga For A Day." We gave away a whole VIP pack -- seats, lunch, limo -- and you got a race named after you, plus you got to present the trophy to the jockey in the winner's circle! It was amazing -- people went nuts for it! (Great promotion, Glen!)
10) What are your three favorite artists or songs of this year?
So far, Stone Sour's "Through Glass," Deaf Pedestrians' "We The Sheeple," and Black Label Society's "Concrete Jungle."
Bonus Questions
1) What is your favorite TV show?
"Biker Build Off" (Discovery Channel).
2) What do you do in your spare time?
It's all about the Red Sox, Hooters and my motorcycle ('03 Victory Vegas). And you can sub "strippers" for "Hooters" on any given day.
3) What's the best liner you've ever heard?
John Boyle at KZOZ has one that cracks me up every time I think about it. It goes like this: "Come to the dark side ... We've got cookies!" It just cracks me up!
4) Who is the most amazing talent you've worked with?
WWDX in Lansing. The whole staff was amazing! I was so honored to be a part of that station with those people. I still keep in touch with many of them!
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