-
10 Questions with ... Patrick Scott
November 2, 2021
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Well, I never knew my career would take me to the places it has! Starting out in Promotions, learning from a great team, and now being in Lexington, Kentucky living my radio dream. I didn’t realize how much I would love being a Program Director. Radio is a lifestyle, and I make it to the office every morning doing and getting to do what I am passionate about.
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
It was AWESOME! I started out around 19 years ago at WKFS (Kiss 107.1)/Cincinnati along with, what was then, Mix 94.1, as a promotions intern. I learned about promotions from Joe Fields and Jessica Martini. While working there, I also learned how to put together great NTR events from Melissa Siders Dean and Jennifer McElroy. I was coached on sounding conversational on air from Tommy Bo Dean and Bobby D. I resonated the advice Chris Mann (Reno) would give about production and imaging a station and I also learned how to be a solid board op from James Kalos. Without those guys teaching me and being willing to make me better, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
2. What led you to a career in radio?
Well, it was simple. I needed an internship while attending Morehead State University. I looked at TV internships, but that just didn’t seem to be my style, so I applied for one at iHeart/Cincinnati (Clear Channel back then) and the rest is history.
3. You still crack the mic every afternoon. What’s it mean to you to be able to go into the studio every day and do your thing?
WOW, being able to walk into the studio and do my show live, take calls, do contesting and keep listeners up to date with what happens locally and nationally is something that still blows me away. Never did I think I would make this far in this business. I love being on the air, it is one of the things I always look forward to doing.
4. You’re on multiple stations for Cumulus. How do you keep all the balls up in the air?
Time management is key! And making sure I don’t say the wrong station, which I may have done a couple of times! I enjoy being on multiple stations in different markets. It keeps me on my toes and updated on what is going on in different parts of the country.
5. How does The Bert Show set the table for the rest of the station’s broadcast day?
The Bert Show does a great job with giving us the drama. Their energy follows through to middays with Jay Michaels and eventually to afternoons with me. They always give us material to rehash during the day.
6. “Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?
I love being out in the community, and I tell our Promotions Director all the time, send me out! At our Cumulus/Lexington cluster we do things like Hope For The Holidays, which is a charity event helping local businesses collect food and toys for the holidays. As an individual station, for Hot 102.5, we do House Of Prom, where young ladies can come get a donated prom dress for just $20 and we split that money with Dress For Success Of Lexington. We also do Student Of The Week to showcase local students, no matter what age, to show what good they are doing for their community. Also, if it is a slow time, I just hop in the station vehicle and “get lost in traffic.” I put that in quotes, because when I worked for Hubbard/Cincinnati, Patti Marshall would always tell the part timers, “grab a set of keys and get lost in traffic.”
7. What is the most challenging part of the job?
The challenges today are a lot different from even a year ago. Right this second, it is challenging to continue the upward trend for local dollars. COVID has changed the landscape for many business and radio was really effected by that. The other thing that is a challenge--how do we stand out? How does Hot 102.5 do more and how can I make sure it is better at things then the other guys? Both of those are challenges that I am always up to take on every day.
8. What advice would you give to someone trying to break into radio in our current climate?
I will give you the same advice that Tommy Bo Dean gave me 19 years ago, never say no and always be available. I still live and work by that now, that might be why I am on air on several Cumulus Media radio stations and a few formats on Westwood One.
9. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?
There were 2 stations. I still have the picture that was in the Cincinnati Enquirer of the on air jocks from Q102 (WKRQ) and the Q Morning Zoo. I was a young kid, calling the radio station to talk to Pam Rahal, my goal, before going to school in the morning. Also, the second one, B105. Duke Hamilton was the dude! When I started at Hubbard, the first thing I wanted to do is go in and shake Duke’s hand. He is a true radio legend and I had the honor to listen to him while I was a kid then stand next to him in the B studio--that was full circle for me.
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
This question asks who were my mentors…I have to answer it as, who are my mentors. Right off the top, Tommy Bo Dean. He hired me and gave me my first chance to be in radio and now he is the OM for Cumulus Media/Melbourne, FL, so to still be able to get advice from him is perfect. Also, Jay Michaels in Shreveport, LA, having him to bounce ideas off of and just say hey what do you think about this song, in my opinion is great! My Lexington Operations Manager Twitch, is a master mind of ideas and the way he leads and points me in the right direction for the stations keeps me grounded and focused. I couldn’t ask for better people to chat with about radio and they give me the feedback I need to continue to grow in the Program Director role.
Bonus Questions
If you were planning a station holiday show and had an unlimited budget, which 3-5 acts would you pull together and where would they play?
I love this bonus question! I would have the show at Rupp Arena, the heart of Central Kentucky. I would want Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, Dua Lipa, Adele and to open it all up, an up and comer Hariz.
-
-