10 Questions with ... Lance Hale

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WVJC/88-90, WRBT/89-90, WRAY/91-93, WROC/WJST/94-96, WJBX/96-02, WLRS/02-04, WRQC/04-07, WAVF/07-08, WOTT & WEFX/08-present

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

Fort Drum is really the difference maker. They're very interactive in the community -- and soldiers are out at every event. We also get to adopt a platoon every year, which is a way for us to give back a little.

2) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same?

It seems we always say our current music isn't as good as it was six months ago. But in six months we'll be talking about some of the great music we're playing now. There's so much music available at all times, that you can always find something exceptional. You just have to look for it.

3) If you could add any one full-time position to your budget with no questions asked, what would it be?

Webmaster ... the Internet is expanding exponentially every day. Websites are so underutilized -- even when giving maximum effort to make is state of the art. Having someone on staff dedicating all of their resources into making your site a desired destination is key.

4) What's the best concert you've been to so far this year and why?

Cruefest was a blast at the N.Y. State Fair. Theory of a Deadman and Drowning Pool were great. Godsmack "owned" that show! And Motley Crue nailed it, too. However, my favorite show was in a small club with the Trews. They even referred to it as "playing in their living room," Place sold out ... but everyone who got turned away was hanging outside around the side of the building catching the show through a door that opened to stage right.

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?

Right now I've been jamming on a mix of old & new. Clutch/Clutch, Radiohead/Ok Computer, Portishead/Dummy & then Alice in Chains/Black Gives Way to Blue, Them Crooked Vultures/Them Crooked Vultures, The Trews/No Time for Later. I like this stuff because it provokes the mind.

6) What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?

We did a radiothon for the Children's Miracle Network in a down economy where we were fearful of raising less than the 107k we did the previous year. The result: 133k ... the money stays local with the kids of the North Country. It's great being a part of something like that.

7) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?

As much multitasking as is required in today's workplace, you never get to spend as much time as you'd like in any one area. So the fact is, I could improve in all facets. Never want to become complacent.

8) 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?

It's tough, but you have to do it. When you program multiple stations and are picking up the duties of promotions, production and webmaster on top of doing a shift, it becomes more difficult to prep. But it has to be done if you want to remain competitive. I make sure to prep every morning -- mostly by using TCS & Blabbermouth.net.

9) What is the best advice you would give to young programmers/promotion people?

Stand your ground, but don't be an asshat about it. Radio is all about relationships. Forget "6 Degrees of Separation." In radio, I think it's 3. We're all connected. Burn one bridge and you'll make it pretty tough on yourself. Also, don't take on the attitude of entitlement. Go above and beyond. Work your ass off. Sponge as much knowledge as you can ... at all times ... from everyone around you who is willing to share, because you will never know as much as you think you know.

10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?

No regrets. Could I have done things differently? Sure. But I have no regrets. Everything I've done has led me to this point and I couldn't be happier. Although ... my wife does smack me upside the head from time to time from dismissing a phone call from Phoenix without consulting her first. I learned my lesson ... still get smacked upside the head.

How did you get your present job?

Talked to Rich Van Slyke, who was my former voice guy in SW Florida. He suggested I talk to Jacobs Media about the Buzz in Nashville. The day I called, they were making their hire. Jacobs then suggested Watertown, which they had just picked up -- and Rich Van Slyke happened to be voicing. I still theorize to this day that it was a conspiracy to get me here ... and I love a good conspiracy. This was one that actually worked in my favor.

What's the best hire you've ever made?

Had too many good hires -- and only one bad seed, really. I could tell ... but that would require revealing an intricate web of sordid illicit activities that I wasn't made aware of until after said 'bad seed' had been dismissed.

Who is your best friend in the business?

Lots of friends in the business. Plenty of good people out there. But best friend ... that would be Annrae Fitzgerald, who programs X1fmradio.com. Have known her for years and she's like a sister to me. Plus her husband was the guitarist in my band a bunch of years back ... good times.