10 Questions with ... Bailey On The Beat

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I began my career in radio 13 years ago at KCLQ in Lebanon, MO, when I was still in high school. When I moved to Springfield for college at MSU, I became a part-time Promotions Assistant at Mid-West Family Broadcasting. From promotions for all of our stations (KQRA, KOSP, KOMG, and KKLH), to overnights on-air with KQRA, to APD/MD and now IPD at KOSP ... I guess I could put it like this: "Started from the bottom, now we're here." I also started remote voicetracking for our La Crosse, WI market (Z93 - WIZM) last year and I'm having so much fun with it!

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

I recently named my first-chair morning show host, Chris Chamberlain, Imaging Director. He handles almost all of the workload, but I still like to make my contributions. I really love working on imaging so I couldn't give it up entirely. We use the two greatest voices in the business: Rachel McGrath and Brian Lee.

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

Programming and sales have formed, and continue to form, some really great relationships with some really great charities and organizations around The Ozarks. We do on-air or on location partnerships at least once a month with various organizations. Community involvement and relationship building is a big deal to this company and it's definitely something I hold high on my list of goals. We have multiple platforms at our fingertips and there's no better way to connect with our listeners and community than to direct our focus to everything local.

3) What is the most challenging part of the job?

Turning off "work-mode" once I leave the building at the end of the day. Radio is 24/7 so it's hard not to think about it 24/7. I'm almost always thinking "what's next?"

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

When Rob Sparks (now at Channel 957 in Grand Rapids) was PD, he had a genius promotion called "Polish Your Rear." I don't want to give all the secrets away, but we'd write "I love 92.9 The Beat" on the back of listeners' car windows. This was their way to enter to win some really cool prizes. Months after the promotion was over we'd still see cars driving around town with our writing on the back. We do Polish Your Rear at least once a year now. #guerrillamarketing

5) Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?

Chelsea Handler, hands down. I'd love to turn her Netflix series into a radio series.

6) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

Y107 (KTXY - Columbia/Jefferson City, MO). They played all my favorite (Top 40) songs and had really great energy.

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

Kristen Bergman (previous PD of KQRA and KOSP), Shadow Williams (current PD of KQRA) and Rob Sparks (previous PD of KOSP). They've all influenced the way I do radio in many different and important ways, but Rob really helped bring my personality out on the air. He was always so much fun to be around too, so I kind of just absorbed his great energy.

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

My fiance and I bought a house that was built in 1897 so we really enjoy doing home projects. And I love making music when I can with my band Paper Anchors.

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

Radio is always changing. Always.

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

Be hungry and stay hungry. Experience as much as you can and say yes to as many opportunities as you can. Don't be afraid to ask questions. You grow and get better every day when you stay focused and show interest in learning. Be humble and don't forget that your number-one priority is your listener.

For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see?"

It isn't exactly one thing, but eat at as many local restaurants as you can. Anyone who ever comes here comments on the massive amount of places to choose from. I can't even explain to you how many incredible eateries SpringMO has!