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10 Questions with ... Michael "Fin" Walter
October 27, 2009
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1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
First job was PT/overnights at WOXY/Oxford, OH -- Yes *BANG* The Future of Rock n Roll! Early influences were Brian Christoper (from his days at WLRS/Louisville; I wonder what ever happened to him?) and Mr. K (Ken Glidewell from 97X) ... oh, and Charles Nelson Reilly as HooDoo in Lidsville.
2) How is the relationship between programmer and record label changing? For better or worse?
Mine's been great. We "get" each other and can BOTH appreciate the challenges faced by the other, which makes it easier to find common ground.
3) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same?
Better. More textural variety and more depth per album seem to be the rule of the day.
4) What's the best concert you've been to so far this year and why?
In spite of the fact that it sounds like an answer from 2001, I'd have to say it's a four-way tie (Metallica, STP, Offspring and AC/DC) from a "show" standpoint. Also on the list, from a "really delivered" standpoint: Cavo/Rev Theory/Coheed & Cambria/Manchester Orchestra.
5) 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?
Songs that are currently capable of making my car windows go down on their own: Puddle of Mudd's "Spaceship" is as infectious a tune as you're going to find. Sick Puppies' "You're Goin' Down" still sounds as fresh as it did on day 1.
6) What was the biggest gaffe you've made on-air?
I was attempting to give out the request line and gave out my Social Security number as the first five numbers were the same ... and because I'm an idiot.
7) Please describe the best or worst promotion you've ever been part of?
Best: Watching everyone behind the desk on ESPN don their "Mike Brown bags" prior to a Bengals game (including Boomer Esiason) ... Big station logo dead center on these large, brown paper bags with graphics on each eye that said "Cut out only if you can bear to watch" .... WORST: Getting the bill for rush shipping of Mike Brown bags that was three times the cost of producing them ... WORST-er: Getting reamed by corporate as our sister station was the Bengals flagship station.
8) What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?
Years ago, at my previous station, we hosted a series of annual two-day fundraisers for the local Autism society where listeners "paid to play" songs -- and thereby dictating our entire playlist for two days -- and bid on autographed band/sports memorabilia. It worked really well for a number of years and nearly put my entire staff in early graves. Worth all the effort
9) How do you interact with your sales staff?
I have an elaborate array of hand signals and the occasional promotions meeting. In all honesty, it's a day-to-day ever-changing relationship. We continue to grow the station's potential and connect with our advertisers. As we create more and more success stories, it becomes easier for ALL to see the vision and contribute toward its execution.
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 was fortunate that my parents had the foresight to provide me with eyes and ears, which I use on a daily basis to pay attention to what's going on around me. You may think I'm kidding, but I'm astounded each and every day at the number of those who are content to exist in their "cocoon of cluelessness;" never looking beyond their tiny frames of reference at bigger-picture issues. I read a LOT. I scan legit and otherwise sources for stories, but mostly I pay attention to the world around me. And my dog tells me what to say.
Bonus Questions
Favorite artist you have met?
Jesse James Dupree / Johnny Lydon / Lemmy (because all three were exactly who I hoped they would be)
In your opinion, what is the greatest song ever that never made it as a hit?
Cannibal Corpse's version of 'Christmas Shoes'
You're stuck on a deserted island and you only have 5 CDs with you. What are they?
"Get the Knack." "Back in Black." The Kinks "One for the Road." "Metallica." Whatever Shakira wants. (I'd use them all to fashion a large mirror that collects and reflects the sun to draw attention to passing planes and ships at sea, as there was no mention of an actual CD player or electricity with which to play them). If Shakira appears to be enjoying our exile together, I'd throw all five into the surf.
What do you do with a song you don't like?
Leave it out in the kitchen to see how long it takes to disappear, thanks to the "will take anything for free" elves.
What's the best liner you've ever heard?
Recently we ran a streaming promo that I wrote that said: "Wherever you go, there we are ... you know, kinda like an elevator fart?" (It's not necessarily my favorite for content, but for the fact that it came back to us as a piece of original work and it had been reproduced WORD FOR WORD with the same inflections from a 'creative' imaging service) ... lassic.
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