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10 Questions with ... Mike Biddle
November 6, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Like most in our business, I started in the promotions department. My first gig was in my hometown of Richmond, VA at WRVQ. From there I made my way out west to KWIN/KWNN in Stockton, CA. I was hired to do nights but quickly transitioned into mornings and then into afternoons. In 2002 I made the move back east when my former PD and mentor, Lisa McKay, hired me to do nights at WQDR (Country) here in Raleigh. Not long after I moved to middays and became her APD/MD. I left in 2007 when I was given the opportunity to sign on a new country station in the New Bern/Greenville, NC market. In 2010, I returned to Raleigh and not long after we launched WPLW, The New Pulse 102.
1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
The best! Luckily I got into radio before automation completely took over. I learned to run a board with CDs and carts and even edited a few phone calls on reel-to-reel. Our station had a huge street presence and no matter what time of day or night there was somebody in a studio.
2) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
It's pretty interesting right now with there being three Top 40 stations (us included). With PPM, we all seem to have found a place in the market and a way to co-exist ... for now :).
3) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?
I've always been somebody that could wear many "hats" and have always welcomed the challenge. When I first got into radio I found every opportunity to get involved. With the way our business is changing, these days it's become less of a volunteer scenario and more of a necessity. With Pulse, I handle Selector and record calls, imaging, social media, I help with promotions and I manage to fit in a four-hour air shift M-F.
4) What are you doing social media-wise?
Learning! I haven't seen an official rule book yet and I don't think we'll see one anytime soon. Everybody uses social media differently, so the challenge is finding the right balance of content that will enable us to make the best connection with our listeners when they are away from the radio.
5) What is your favorite part of the job?
Good question! We just hosted an event at a local middle school with Cody Simpson. The school that collected the most "Candy 4 Cody" for Operation North State won a free Cody Simpson show. Before he performed we set up meet n' greet with some students and their reaction and enthusiasm put a big ol' smile on my face. Being able to help create a "moment" in a person's life that they will never forget is something that I never get tired of.
6) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?
Ha ha ... iPod? I'm listening to the RADIO! Favorite songs on Pulse right now are probably a toss up between Ke$ha "Die Young" and The Wanted "I Found You," but it's Top 40 so I'll have new favorite songs next week.
7) If you could add one full-time position to your budget right now, what would it be?
I would love to have a full-time social media person. I really feel like that is a role that will continue to grow in the coming years ... oh, and they would also pull an air shift and some production ... gotta wear more than 1 hat :).
8) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
I grew up in Richmond, VA listening to WRVQ (Q-94) and to eventually work there was FREAKIN' AWESOME! Nothing like doing radio in your hometown and working with some of the best people.
9) Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?
Love this question. When I hear certain songs it always takes me back to very specific events and times of my life. My favorite era is probably the mid to late-'90s as I was going from high school to college. I was listening to a variety of stuff: Hootie, Nirvana, 3rd Bass, Wu-Tang Clan, Matchbox 20, Smashing Pumpkins ... can you tell I work in Top 40?
10) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
I like to play golf and over the last year have started doing some basic furniture builds and restoration. Joe Rainey yells at me when I post my home projects on Facebook ... apparently his wife would like him to do something with all his free time.
Bonus Questions
What was your last non-industry job?
Wow...that was a long time ago! Think it was working in the Parts Department of my dad's car dealership. I spent a lot of time in the warehouse smoking cigarettes and taking naps ... until dad found out, DOH!
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