10 Questions with ... Wendy Campbell

1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?

My first job was at KMGN/Flagstaff doing the overnight shift. They moved me to middays six months later. I did a small tour around the stations there ... took a break to have a couple kids ... then landed back home in Colorado. KILO brought me in for weekend work in '99, then I bounced around at KCCY, did a little sales, came back to KILO for middays/promotions ... got a real job for a year, went broke and Hawk brought me back to KILO as APD/afternoon drive. About a year ago, I was handed the website and the social media.

I grew up on KILO while living in Southern Colorado, then had a heavy dose of Dave Pratt and KUPD as a teenager in Phoenix ... it breeds a certain personality.

2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?

I went to broadcasting school so I could get a job while I figured out what to do for real. I got hired before I graduated and every time I've left, they've brought me back. I still believe I'll get a real job someday, but I do love the rush of radio.

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

KILO is KILO. There's nothing like it out there. We're still live 24/7 ... and hard. We answer our phones and talk to the KILO nation constantly to see what they're into. We do everything in-house, from our music to our web to our talent. Our staff has been together and consistent in the dayparts for the last five years, but we've all been in the building longer. We're a family and the listeners know it ... and are a part of it. KILO isn't like any of the other stations I've been at, and I couldn't even comprehend how to do McRadio. These guys are the funniest, most talented individuals in the country. Truth be told, this applies to any KILO graduate as well.

4) How do you feel terrestrial radio competes with the satellite radio and Internet these days? Is this even a relevant question anymore?

Terrestrial radio is on the Internet, is on the smartphone apps, is on the air. I think it was a concern five to10 years ago, but we're still strong and free. Satellite isn't a concern. The economy has made certain that music subscriptions are a luxury most Americans can't afford. As long as programmers are aware of how they can integrate into the new mediums, we'll stay as relevant as we've ever been.

5) What can we be doing with our station websites to better our stations as a whole?

Social media is extremely important. I'd like to develop our website to be more socially interactive. If I could find a way to send our remote schedule to our Pure Rock Panel smartphone calendars with reminders and GPS locations, I would do it! We're still tweaking our site -- and convincing everyone about the social importance is difficult, but this is definitely an essential part of what we do.

6) What is the biggest change that you'd like to see happen in the business?

I'd like to see an end to regional formatting and voicetracking as a practice across the nation. Regional premium choice music isn't good for the listeners or the bands. Businessmen don't have the soul for programming. Each station is different as each market is different. I guarantee what works for us probably won't work in a different market ... but finding out what will is easy -- if you have live jocks talking to the listeners.

7) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

Answer the phone and don't be an ass. There's no excuse. Talk to your listeners, engage their opinion. Not only will they appreciate it, but they'll remember it when they're filling out the diary.

8) What was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you at a remote?

I had a latex T-shirt painted on while I was on the air, then wore it out to a remote after. I don't know how embarrassed I was, but the guys in the station were pretty red.

9) 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).

Ummm, If I say Rich Hawk, do I need to tell a story, or can we just leave it at that?

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

Learn everything you can from anyone who will teach you. Don't get an ego; everyone has something to teach you. Learn the web, learn the music, know the players. Alternately, KILO is like fight club. What happens in fight club stays in fight club. Tell me what ever you want about what's going on around town ... but our business stays in the building.

Favorite artist you have met?

I can't actually pick one; they've all been characters. I will say that as tough as their reputations are, most rock artists are genuinely nice. I had Lisa Lampanelli (comic) on the air once, that's the only time I actually believed we'd take things too far....

How often do you aircheck your own shows? Is it mandatory that you run tape everyday? Also, can you honestly critique yourself?

We record everything all the time. We haven't actually "run tape" in about six or so years. I have an annual aircheck, but we discuss the show often off the record. I can critique myself, and I'm much harder on myself than any PD has ever been.

What other stations and markets do you like to keep track of?

I watch the stations that aren't big box-owned.

What do you like best about working in this format?

We are a crazy misfit sort, from the jocks to the artists to the listeners. Everyone's an individual.

Who is the most amazing talent you've worked with?

Rich Hawk taught me more than anyone else in the industry, but Ross Ford is an amazing morning show talent. He's wildly funny ... and sometimes, just so very wrong. Jack Mehoff is wicked talented as both a personality and a programmer. I've just been really fortunate to work with great talent.