10 Questions with ... Brian Soscia

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Brian Soscia began his radio career with the Clear Channel-owned Sunny 104.5 (WSNI) as producer for Jennifer Ryan. From there he went to work as weekend/fill-in talent for the now-defunct 107.5 FRANK-FM (WFKB) out of Reading, PA using the name, "Rob" Soscia. At that time, he also started producing 'Wake Up with Whoopi' while holding down the night shift at Philly's 106.1, which would then become My 106.1 (WISX) at iHeartMedia in Philadelphia. Soscia survived yet another programming switch and was then named the night personality on MIX 106.1 in Philadelphia. After a 12-year run with iHeartMedia, Soscia would take his 'Soscia Network' to the Delmarva Broadcasting Company's 93.7 WSTW to continue developing the show. Today, a little over a year into his tenure, his predication of WSTW standing for "We'll Shake The World" (as reported by All Access) seems to be becoming true.

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

We're in a very interesting market. Our signal hits pretty much all of Delaware. However, it also clearly reaches in and around Philadelphia, New Jersey and Maryland. Our listeners love the station for many reasons. One of those reasons is the air talent who came before me. They built a strong foundation serving our listeners for over 35 years. You rarely see or feel that in the radio industry. The listeners are top-notch. WSTW is a familiar part of their lives and I don't take that lightly.

2) What makes your station unique? How would you compare it to other stations you've worked at?

WSTW employs a live, full-time air staff. You don't see that like you used to. That is something that shouldn't be unique, but unfortunately it becomes more unique every day in today's industry. I also like that Delmarva Broadcasting Co. listens from the top down, and puts a lot of trust in what the talent has to say. I've worked at a few other places, but it's hard to compare, because every company does radio differently. Comparisons can tend to muddy things up. It's all about adapting to your current station, while not losing who you are. Once you do that, you just have to connect and entertain the listener.

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

WSTW and the 'Soscia Network' do a ton of things! Everything from remote broadcasts and appearances to things like charity and local PSAs, I feel more connected than ever to our listeners. I always have people checking in on the phones/texting and of course on social media. I love being "their guy" and helping the community that I live in. I'm in-tune with what's happening locally so I can chat about it with an outlook that the listeners relate to. It's harder to have that connection when you are being voicetracked from another market. I'd say that the same goes for all of the syndicated shows hosted by "celebrities." They obviously live a much different life than us.

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

Special Olympics of Delaware recently dangled me off of a 17-story building as I was broadcasting live, scared out of my mind and dressed as Spider Man! At first, I didn't want to do it, but I knew it was for Special Olympics AND that it would make great radio for my listeners. So, I did it ... nervous the whole time! Not only did it make great radio, but we also drew attention of one of my favorite causes.

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

Some people who are professional wrestling fans know me for my many interviews with the WWE superstars. However, many non-fans may not know that I was a former professional wrestler, even appearing on WWE Raw and Smackdown.

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

I learned so much on and off the air from an amazing talent out of Philadelphia named Mark Razz. I can never thank him enough for laying a great foundation for me as I interned at WMMR. He continues to be a mentor to this day. I was also able to pick up knowledge from Frank Lario during my early years as well. As my career progressed I was able to get a female perspective from Jenn Ryan. I was in my early 20s when I met her, but she made me wise beyond my years. Plus, Jenn helped me get my first on-air job. That's about as influential as you can get! I also had the pleasure of working with and learning from Brian Check for over 10 years. He was the first person to give me a shot on-air in Philadelphia. He helped me to understand not only the business side of radio but the programming side as well. Aside from that, I also learned so much from the 'imaging' genius Joe Iyoob out of Philly as well. I'm very fortunate to have learned radio from some great talents!

7) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?

Loving my wife, pro wrestling and bring a good person. Also, working to make The 'Soscia Network' one of the most powerful and fun brands in entertainment as we bring people up when they feel down!

8) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

If you put yourself around good people, stay true to your vision and are willing to work hard, anything is possible. Just be patient and keep learning as you position yourself to succeed.

9) What is the current state of the radio "talent pool?"

Scary, because not many companies have a "farm system" anymore. Overnight shifts are all but gone, too. However, I believe that we are all responsible for helping the kids coming up behind us and helping the people who came up before us in some cases, too. We can all learn from each other. In the shrinking fraternity that is the radio "talent pool," we need to look out for each other.

10) What would you like to do to save radio from its "dying-industry" image?

The only way that I can answer this is by saying that I will continue to do great radio and entertain people. I just want to be at my best every day for the listeners. I'm confident by doing that consistently the 'dying industry' image won't even enter their minds while listening to the 'Soscia Network.'

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

Jack from 'This is Us.' I've had more than one listener make that comment to me. I'm a big fan of the show and LOVE the character Jack. He has all the positives of a great family man and just an upstanding guy. If everyone was a little more like Jack, we'd all be better off.

What's the biggest gaffe you've made on-air?

Just one? WOW! Tune in daily to hear'em all ... That's what a makes my show!