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10 Questions with ... Binky
December 1, 2015
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
This September marked my eighth anniversary working for iHeartMedia. Basically, I went from intern, to part-timer, to morning show co-host. This August, I just transitioned to afternoon drive after spending five years riding shotgun on the Trevor D in the Morning Show.
1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
As crazy as it sounds, my first gig was right here in the building that I'm still working in. I interned back in 2007, and a few months later they hired me on part-time as a board operator. You know you really want to work in radio when you're willing to run women's college hockey games every weekend. I've been hanging around here ever since.
2) What led you to a career in radio?
I have always had a serious love for music, but wasn't blessed with any actual musical talent, so radio was a perfect fit. I also had a few family members who dabbled back in the day, so I was introduced to the radio world at an early age. I still have a cassette of the first spot I cut back when I was six years old.
3) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?
Working in a small market, let's just say I have a pretty extensive hat rack. Along with afternoon drive on XL93, I oversee production in our cluster, and knock out a midday shift for Y93 (KYYY) in Bismarck, ND. It's also not a surprise to hear me filling in for someone, or doing a remote for any of the five stations in the building. I still remember covering a shift and intro-ing a song by Foghat ... never thought that would happen in my radio career. But a small market means a small staff, so we make it work, and are always there to help each other out in any way that we can.
4) "Local local local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?
One of the advantages of working in a small market is all of the local love that you receive. The listeners still care and really want to see us, and we try to be at as many events as possible ... whether it's a parade, high school football game, an A-list concert, or a small-town street dance, chances are you'll find us there.
5) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
People always see me as a party girl, but deep down, I'm really just a big nerd at heart. Being a contestant on Jeopardy is at the top of my bucket list.
6) If you could add one full-time position to your budget right now, what would it be?
I would probably give up a kidney to have a full-time web/graphic design person. A station's online presence is so important today, (and me and Photoshop don't really get along), so I would love to have a pro who I could come and cry to about my web problems.
7) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
Hands down, this would be Angie Martinez at Power 105.1 in New York. She's been in the industry for so long, but still sounds so fresh. She just has a way with interviews that's really natural, and always gets her guests to spill the juice.
8) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
I was born and raised in Grand Forks, ND, so it's kind of funny, but my friends and I were always locked into XL93. They might kill me for saying it, but I actually grew up listening to a few of my co-workers.
9) What music do you listen to when you're not working?
Coming from North Dakota you might not expect it, but I am a huge Hip-Hop fan. I love old school stuff like Tupac and Lil' Kim but also new artists like Future and Dej Loaf. In a perfect world, I'd end up on more of an Urban or Rhythmic format someday (no offense, T-Swift).
10) What advice you would give people new to the business?
I'd tell anyone new to the business that you really need to be prepared to WORK. Radio is not just Ryan Seacrest-sized paychecks and free concert tickets. This is a career you get into because you truly love it, not because you plan on making millions of dollars. Yes, I have dreams of working in a major market one day, and that's why I am still dealing with -40 degree winters in North Dakota. I'm grateful to have an opportunity in the industry (no matter how small), and I'm putting in the hard work that will hopefully pay off one day. Persistence and determination is key. Radio is not a regular 9 to 5, and most likely success isn't going to be overnight. However, if you really have a passion for it, stick with it and show you'll do whatever it takes to make it.
Bonus Questions
What was your last non-industry job?
I have literally worked everywhere from Disney World to a fireworks warehouse, and even a payday loan store. My last job before doing radio full-time was painting personalized piggy banks at a mall kiosk, which really taught me what not to name my future child.
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