-
10 Questions with ... Fife
May 31, 2016
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I worked weekends on Q106 in Lansing, MI, hosted a morning show in Holland, MI on WYVN, had a brief time in afternoons on JOE-FM in Saginaw, MI ... but left to take over mornings on what is now Rock 105 (WGFM) in Northern Michigan.
1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
A great learning experience. I was on weekend overnights in Lansing, and I LOVED it.
2) What led you to a career in radio?
Honest answer, I was obsessed with listening to Tic Tak and the Freakshow. At the time he was on nights at DRQ in Detroit. I worked a boring job in a liquor store, and his antics kept me entertained. One day, I decided that's what I wanted to do.
3) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
I'm just learning the Green Bay market, but from what I've seen so far, it's a great market. The listeners care so much about the stations and support live and local radio more than I've seen at any other market I've been in. All of the stations I have listened to and seen out and about really seem to care about their product.
4) What makes your station unique? How would you compare it to other stations you've worked at?
WIXX is a monster. I say that in a good way. You can make one tiny mention of something a few months ago, and listeners remember it. When you crack a mic on WIXX you're not background noise. The listeners hang on to every word, and are very involved with anything you do.
5) What are you doing social media-wise?
I'm always learning. Just when I think I know something in full detail, they change it. Or just when I get comfortable with one social media site, a new one launches, and in radio, you never want to be the last to the party in joining. It's a wonderful way to continue your brand, and your connection in the hours that you're not on the air. That's something very special that we have today that personalities of yesterday didn't have.
6) What's the coolest promotion you've been involved with recently?
We got to give away a boat recently, and we had a series of games for the qualifiers to play with a huge giveaway party and fun atmosphere.
7) What's the coolest promotion you've ever been involved with?
Truth be told, it was the classic Paige Nienaber promotion, "The Fugitive." We had an amazing time putting that on in Traverse City, MI. We did very fun and creative clues, and had listeners running all over town asking people if they were the "$5,000 fugitive." It was a blast.
8) Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
Tom Ryan from Oldies 104.3 in Detroit. He gave a kid interested in radio a chance to be an intern and say "cloudly" while giving the weather for the first time he was ever on air. Nothing but love for Tom for really giving me the passion and knowledge of radio that I have today.
9) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Always be on. Always. You don't get to have bad days publicly. (Not unless it's something that will connect with a listener rather than alienate them)
10) What advice would you give people new to the business?
Don't listen to people when they tell you radio is dead. Put your middle finger up and kill it on the microphone.
Bonus Questions
What ringtone do you have on your cell?
Young MC - "Bust A Move."
-
-