10 Questions with ... Michael "Fin" Walter

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

First gig was part-time overnights at WOXY (97X), Oxford, OH . Early influences were Brian Christopher (WLRS) and Ken Glidewell (97X).

2) 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.

3) 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."

4) 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.

5) What was the biggest gaffe you've made on-air? (dead air ... forget a mic was still on ... etc.)

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.

6) 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 of 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 3x the cost of producing them ... WORST-er: getting reamed by corporate as our sister station was the Bengals flagship station.

7) 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.

8) 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.

9) 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 am 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.

10) 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.

Who would be your dream guest on the show?

Elvis.

What is your favorite TV show?

Phineas and Ferb / Spongebob (tie) (Daily Show and Curb Your Enthusiasm are up there, too)

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'

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.

How much difference is there between your programming at night vs. programming in the day?

The 'day' programming tends to have a better tan.