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10 Questions with ... Ally Reid
November 13, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- Fly 92/Albany - (1998-2004). Started as an intern, then part-time, then middays.
- 93-3FLZ/Tampa-(2004-2007) Music Director/middays
- Stepped away from radio to work in television in 2007, but still worked part-time at a few stations: 99.5 The River/Albany, 102.3 Kiss FM/Albany, Hot 99.5/DC (2007-2010)
- 104.9 The Cat/Albany - PD/afternoons (2010-2012)
- Fly 92.3/Albany- PD/middays (2012-now)
1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
Sheer terror. I was a board op for Yankees games. I was so afraid I was going to screw something up ... I was in a constant state of panic the first month praying that nothing would go wrong.
2) What led you to a career in radio?
Annoying phone calls. I was a senior in high school and I knew I wanted to work in radio, but had no idea how to get started. I heard the night jock on Fly 92, Brian Cody, talking about his intern, and thought "I could do that!" I called him over and over until he finally hired me as an intern. I was very quiet throughout the internship and when it ended Brian was convinced that I had zero interest in continuing on in radio. Now I'm his boss.
3) "Local local local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?
We have a great marketing and promotions team that ensures we'll be exactly where we need to be. We're lucky enough to have an outstanding street team that gives the extra effort to not just be at events, but to leave a great impression. It's also helpful that pretty much everyone on our on air team are Capital Region natives. Years of good relationships in the community are vital.
4) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?
My iPod is so random, I just hit shuffle a few times ... Miles Davis, P!nk, Cat Power, Mickey Avalon, Philip Glass, Katy Perry, Timbaland.
5) Could you give us a little insight into your on-air staff?
We have an incredibly talented team at Fly 92.3. The Fly Morning Rush with Brian Cody and Chrissy Cavotta just entered its seventh year. They have such a powerful connection with our listeners and they bring a high level of passion on and off the air. Marissa is APD/MD and afternoons. She has an outstanding ear musically and has such imaginative ideas, and she's a social media pro, too. Bill is our night host. He actually won a contest for the position last year and for someone who's relatively new to the industry he sounds incredible. We have tons of great talent on our weekend staff too.
6) If you could add one full-time position to your budget right now, what would it be?
Imaging Director. Imaging is such a critical part of a station, it's an art form and in our format it's important to be as topical as possible while reinforcing the brand. I'm so happy we're able to work with Steve Dubbz at DNYL Productions for imaging, but if there was a way to get a full-time Imaging Director in house, that would be amazing.
7) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
Kane. I've always been a huge fan. He's an outstanding personality. To hear him is one thing, to see him in the studio, in his element, was insane. Nobody worked those three shortcuts better at FLZ!
8) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
I have a sparkle obsession. I will bling out ANYTHING. Bags, microphones, I've even blinged out my headphones. Sparkles make everything better.
9) What advice you would give people new to the business?
Learn everything you can, ask lots of questions, be a sponge ... and if you're on air don't call it a shift ... it's a show.
10) What is the current state of the radio "talent pool?"
While it may not be as deep as it was 10 years ago, talent is out there, you just have to be prepared to look. No one strolls out of a broadcasting school and into your studio. Look at local bloggers, look to people who may not have the experience right this second, but have passion. Talent exists. You just need to be willing to work closely to develop them.
Bonus Questions
What was your last non-industry job?
I was a Creative Services Writer and Producer for a few television stations. Give me Final Cut and an hour and I can make your station's next TV commercial.
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