10 Questions with ... Chris Taylor

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started as a DJ at a little AM radio, WPRW, 45 minutes west of Washington, D.C. when I was 13. Growing up in the DC area exposed me to amazing radio stations. Over the years I was on-air at then-Top 40s WBMW (B106), WRQX (Q107), and WAVA (where I was also MD) in Washington, Z104/Va. Beach, and Q94/Richmond. My programming career started at WXLK (K92)/Roanoke and took me to then-Modern AC WHPT (1025 The Point) in Tampa, Flinn Broadcasting/Memphis where I eventually crossed town to then-CBS-owned WMC (FM100). I was transferred to be the OM for KMXV (Mix 933) and KSRC (Star 102)/KC. In 2006 I returned to Memphis and Flinn Broadcasting as OM. I have worked for Dr. Flinn for 17 years total.

1) What led you to a career in radio?

I was eight years old and wandering around the county fair in the little town I grew up. I saw the local radio station broadcasting live. Back then they came out with the turntable and the 45s and did the whole show from the remote. I was mesmerized and knew that was what I wanted to do. So I went home, set up my own little radio station and ruined all of my mom's records.

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

Memphis is a great radio market and always has been. It's the city of legendary stations like WHBQ-A, WMPS-A, WDIA-A back in the day. All the big players are here: iHeart, Entercom, Cumulus and Flinn. Everyone is pretty active and we are all beating each other over the heads. Very competitive but in a friendly way. My main competitor for Hot1071 is WHRK, for Q it's Adult Top 40 WMC and we have our new Alt station that is the only new Rock station in town.

3) Like many of your peers, you're wearing more "hats" these days. How do you make sure that you're covering the multiple bases?

I get in early, stay late, and have no life! LOL! It's about staying focused. I pride myself on multi-tasking. You really have to be able to keep it organized and not let things fall through the cracks. I also have a great staff that helps me keep it in the lines. Joe Mack is my assistant for Q and i96. He also does all the imaging for both stations. D.J. Rax is PD for Hot 1071. While I'm involved in many other aspects of the company, I rely on Joe and Rax to help make sure the bases are covered.

4) What are you doing social media-wise?

We have an on-site guy who controls it. The talent is responsible for being part of the daily updates. All the stations are connected to all of the social media platforms. It has become such an important tool in relationship to the audience, whether it's Facebook live, posting about an event, or pictures with the audience. We are always looking to use it to our client's advantage as well to connect to the audience.

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

Our competitive advantage is live and local. We have done a great job of owning most of the major events in the city. We are out every day doing remotes or just on the street giving away prizes. The stations are at the Fairs, Festivals, 4th of July fireworks shows, or a 10k run, or whatever else. Almost all our talent is here in Memphis. The Q is live in mornings with Nugget and Liz, midday is Latty who grew up in Memphis, and afternoons is Joe Mack, also from Memphis.

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

Not missing something. I have three very active radio stations. It's important they stay connected and involved in the listeners' lives. Everyone works together to make sure we are on top of it. We have so much going on, we want to always deliver to the listeners and clients.

7) What artist would we be surprised to find on your personal playlist?

I have a big love for Dennis DeYoung ... but that's no surprise to anyone. Big ELO fan, too. I also love early '80s. Maybe the surprise is LL Cool J

8) If you could add one full-time position to your budget right now, what would it be?

Another Internet social media position. We are still growing in that arena

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

I was lucky to grown up in a city the size of D.C. with the caliber of talent that came through that city. I got to sit as a baby DJ and hear amazing personalities like Don Geronimo, Truckin Tom Cookin Kent (TKTKTKTKTK), Uncle Johnny, Sandy Weever, Jim Elliott, and I'm sure many more I'm missing ... and I wanted to be just like them. As far as programming, Chuck Beck was the first to take me under his wing and teach me. I also learned from great programmers like Mark St John, Alan Burns, Steve Smith and Mike Donovan.

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

Follow your passion and don't give up. When you get knocked down, get back up and do it again.

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

The Peabody Hotel.