10 Questions with ... Dave Hill

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• WRAS/Atlanta, 1992-94
• WGST/Atlanta, 1992
• WNNX (99X)/Atlanta, 1994-96
• WMRQ (Radio104)/Hartford, 96-2000
• WQBK (The Edge)/Albany, 2001-2002
• WIYY (98Rock)/Baltimore, 2002-present

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

WRAS/Atlanta Music Director -- but my first "pay" gig was a board-op for WGST/Atlanta.

2) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?

People have been prognosticating the demise of radio for 50 years. Radio's "local" brand is the future. The localized promotion, growing digital assets and cheap delivery should keep us around for many years to come. The big question: Is Radio willing to challenge itself and test its business model?

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

KILL THE RATINGS SYSTEM! We are slaves to a flawed system.

4) What is your favorite radio station outside of the market and why?

I love my friends up the street at WMMR. I respect the amount of effort they put into the product. They are will to take the chance to step out of the "safe zone," but still put together a good station. I love a station that will play to its market.

5) Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?

For the sake of protecting my Rock programmer stripes, I will pass. I will tell you I like a lot of News/Talk and NPRs and stuff. I just let AC/DC play in the background. It's a balancing act.

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

I like the turn that the alternative format is taking. For years they have been chasing down crossover rock tracks. It feels like the panel has changed direction. I am not sure if you will ever see that format explode again. The way people discover music is much different than the mid-'90s.

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

Simple video production. Video, I can get enough of it. And the same thing goes for our core!

8) What was the biggest gaffe you've made on-air?

I one time fell asleep during an overnight shift at 99X/ Atlanta. Sorry, Leslie. Dave Mathews Band at 3a? He would put me to sleep at 3 in the afternoon.

9) Please describe the best or worst promotion you've ever been part of?

In Hartford my promotions director sent the street team to a School for the Deaf.

I'm not making that up!

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

We are involved in the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge. It is a benefit for Special Olympics MD. We took it over five years ago. They were razing about $500k now they raise $3.5 million -- in a one-day event!

I will personally raise over $10K myself and jump in to the frozen bay 24 times in 24 hours.

Come down ... it's a blast!

When your competition attacks you on the air, how do you react?

Attack all you want. I have a box of résumés from your staff. You tell me who the winner is?

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

Stay in love with what you do. It's not just a job; it's your life. At least that how I feel.