10 Questions with ... Kwame Dankwa

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• 2006-2010, APD WKND (UAC) & WLAT/Hartford (Tropical)
• 2007-2009, Producer and Sports at WDRC-A/Hartford
• 2008-2011, Swing shift WILI/Willimantic (Top 40)
• 2010-2011, Swing at WRCH (AC) and WTIC-FM/Hartford (Hot AC)
• 2011-2012/2013-2016, PD WZRT/Rutland, VT (Top 40)
• (brief stint in Memphis)
• 2013-2016 Weekends at WODS/Boston (Top 40)
• 2016- APD Afternoons, KWPK/Seattle and National iHeart Custom Air Talent (Top 40)

1) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?

We are a smaller city between Pittsburgh, Cleveland, London ON, and Buffalo, which means our size does not put us at a disadvantage for resources, and the company, from what I have seen, has made investments to ensure we remain competitive.

2) What are your favorite show prep sources?

• Complete Sheet
• Sheet Happens
• This thing called "life."

3) Who handles your imaging, and what voices are you using?

A combination or Benztown and myself for imaging and as for the station voice, we are using Steve Stone. He sounds great on our station.

4) "Local local local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?

Having a studio in the main downtown storefront always helps, but we rely on our good relationships with our partners in the community as well as clients, and going the extra mile to show that we care. If we ignore the needs of the community that we have promised to serve, then why should people spend their drive to and from work or spend money with us?

5) What's the coolest promotion you've been involved with recently?

We are currently doing a promotion called Revenge Bod, in collaboration with a local chain of gyms, where we are going to give people the chance to get their bodies in shape to show their exes, family, and friends that they have what it takes to stay dedicated and on track to a healthier life. We have trainers, life coaches and nutritionists. We are running this like a reality show between TV and radio. In the end, it will be a rewarding experience for all parties involved and show listeners that people they know or could meet have the courage to make changes in their lives.

6) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

I released an album called "Biorhythm" in 2005 on CD and iTunes; I still get residuals from it.

7) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?

I would say Edris "EJ" Jenkins at KDMX, We are from the same region, good friends and have brainstormed a lot over the past six years.

Ebony Williams is someone I have wanted on my team for some time now. She has a strong brand and understands that a career in radio is now 360 degrees, which quite a few talents have gotten the memo on these days. She is now at KS 107.5; they are lucky to have her.

8) Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?

1. JD Houston - This man took time out of his busy career to coach me on the air and tell me all of the things he knew about the business. He is the reason why I wanted to go into molding talent because at the end of the day had someone not invested in me, I would never have received the opportunities I have been afforded over the years.
2. Shelley Wade - She not only gave me the crash course in Top 40, but she taught me how to network and build a name/ brand for myself.
3. Rich Davis - When I first arrived in Seattle in the short time I had with him before he went back to KDWB, he changed the way I looked at programming while validating a lot of similar beliefs. He never made me feel stupid or small because of where I came from. I wish I had more time to work with him.
4. Delilah Rene - She took me into her home and made me feel like family; she reminded me that radio is also a source for community involvement and goodwill. It's not always about parties' festivals celebrities but truly bringing joy to people's lives.
5. Tom Zarecki- Taught me the principles of music scheduling, there are guys on the job now in big markets who will never know or grasp what is in this guy's head.

9) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?

My love for radio is beyond playing music and talking to record reps. I remember being a 13-year-old kid who used to listen to WKSS and WQTQ in Hartford at night going through all of these different thoughts and emotions. I also remember being in the dark room at East Windsor High on September 11th, when Allan Camp and Allison Demers of WRCH broke the news that the first plane hit the World Trade Center. That was some time ago, and to a huge degree, radio has changed. Call me naive, but I still believe that radio can provide an emotional connection to people. It is just up to us to give them a reason to want to connect. That is our job ... or at least what we are supposed to be doing. I have heard from countless other colleagues in different companies that they will leave meetings or conference calls thinking "What about the listeners or does this matter to the listeners and clients?" If that is not a question that can reasonably be answered without trying to spin for the group or company you serve, we have already lost the war.

10) What advice would you give people new to the business?

Do not go and work in a market or for a company because it is perceived to be the "best." Go where you can make an impact, a decent honest living, and contribute. A lot of times what we perceive to be the best is all smoke and mirrors.

Which character on a current TV series most reflects your personality?

Sherlock from "Elementary." Unorthodox, astute, blunt and socially awkward.